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The Cruciform Pulpit - Preaching Toward a Robust Theology of the Cross The Cruciform Pulpit - Preaching Toward a Robust Theology of the Cross by John Randolph Lucas II Date: ___4/15/2020___ Approved: _________________________ Dr. Susan Eastman, 1st Reader _________________________ Dr. Curtis Freeman, 2nd Reader __________________________ Bishop William Willimon, D.Min. Director Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Ministry in the Divinity School of Duke University 2020 Abstract The Cruciform Pulpit - Preaching Toward a Robust Theology of the Cross by John Randolph Lucas II Date: _____________________4/15/2020 Approved: ___________________________ Dr. Susan Eastman, 1st Reader ___________________________ Dr. Curtis Freeman, 2nd Reader ___________________________ Bishop William Willimon, D.Min. Director An abstract of a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Ministry in the Divinity School of Duke University 2020 Copyright by John Randolph Lucas II 2020 Abstract This thesis project focuses on preaching a robust theology of the cross. This work was born out of a desire to envision and enable preaching shaped by a theology of the cross that acknowledges historic theologies of the atonement, while also being informed by contemporary voices that have served to broaden the church’s understanding of God’s saving act through the cross of Jesus Christ. A robust theology of the cross seeks to identify those aspects of atonement theologies that have been co-opted by oppressive power structures, recognizing the deeply problematic ways that theologies of the cross have supported the oppression of the weakest and most vulnerable among us. This project seeks to bring voices into the conversation that have often been marginalized in hopes of a more inclusive and faithful theology of the cross. The methodology for this thesis reflects research through the exploration of a variety of available literary resources, engaging theologians representative of differing historic and contemporary views on the cross. In addition to surveying traditional atonement theories that have been fundamental to the church’s understanding historically, the contributions of black, liberation and feminist theologians have been engaged to develop a deeper understanding and more robust theology of the cross. After engaging with a variety of theologians in search of a more comprehensive theology of the cross, this thesis explores the implications of a robust cruciform theology for contemporary preaching. In the final chapter I offer some examples of my own pulpit ministry that have been informed by this project. iv Through engaging traditional and contemporary theologians, I have come to appreciate more fully the overlapping of theological motifs and images of the cross that are provided through the biblical narratives. This work has left me with a clear understanding that to claim one particular atonement theory to the exclusion of all others hampers any hope of developing a rich and robust theology of the cross. The theological perspectives encountered in this work have had an impact on my life and ministry. The Christus Victor views of Gustaf Aulen have greatly expanded my understanding of Christ’s conquering work over against the principalities and powers, while the work of Charles Campbell has greatly impacted my understanding of preaching’s role in leading congregations toward a posture of resistance against the powers. Black, liberation and feminist theologians have offered valuable critiques of traditional atonement theories, theories that have often been mishandled by the powerful, becoming tools of oppression against the weak and vulnerable. I believe my use of theological language is more faithful and sensitive thanks to their witness. I’ve come to a deeper appreciation of the role solidarity plays in a faithful Christian witness. This work has revealed to me more fully that cross-bearing discipleship requires standing in solidarity with those who suffer unjustly, while joining in the struggle against all forms of injustice. I realize now that to stand in solidarity with the One whose death on the cross is the supreme act of solidarity with human suffering is to stand in solidarity with those who suffer, especially the weakest and most vulnerable. v I now see more clearly that the cross provides a way of seeing. To see my neighbors through the lens of the cross is to see their suffering, to see the results of injustice and to see my own complicity with systemic and institutional barriers to life- giving wholeness and freedom for all people. This project was born out of a desire to engage in a pulpit ministry that enables and empowers a cruciform congregational character. Through this thesis project, I have come to believe more strongly than ever that faithful cross-shaped preaching is essential to casting a vision that supports a way of seeing and knowing that can open the hearts and minds of thoughtful Christian disciples, stirring imaginations to consider what it means to take up one’s cross and follow Jesus. vi Dedication I dedicate this work to my wife Kathy. Her initial support was essential in my decision to pursue this Doctor of Ministry Degree. I am also very grateful for her encouragement and patience while I’ve engaged in the work necessary to complete this thesis project. Her unwavering support throughout this lengthy process has been vital and deeply appreciated. Most of all, I’m thankful for the gift of her beauty, grace and love that continues to inspire, bless and make me want to be a better person. vii Table of Contents Abstract…………………………………………………………………………………………..iv Chapter 1 Naming the Problem…………………………………………………………….....1 1.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………........1 1.2 Barriers to Preaching the Cross…………………………………………………..3 1.3 Cruciform Proclamation and Life………………………………………………...13 1.3.1 Solidarity with Human Suffering……………………………………...14 1.3.2 A Way of Seeing…………………………………………………….....20 1.4 Reclaiming the Folly of the Cross…………………………………………….…24 Chapter 2 Engaging Theological Views of the Cross……………………………………...27 2.1 Overview of Atonement Theologies……………………………………………..27 2.2 Gustaf Aulen (Christus Victor)…………………………………………………...32 . 2.3 Fleming Rutlege………………………………………………………………..….39 2.4 Alexandra R. Brown…………………………………………………………….…53 2.5 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………....60 Chapter 3 Expanding the Conversation…………………………………………………..…62 3.1 Black Theology…………………………………………………………………....62 3.2 Liberation Theology…………………………………………………………….…74 3.3 Feminist Theology…………………………………………………………………83 Chapter 4 Implications for Preaching……………………………………………………......95 4.1 Peter Storey………………………………………………………………………..97 4.2 Charles Campbell………………………………………………………………..101 4.3 Walter Brueggeman……………………………………………………………..105 viii Chapter 5 Implications for My Own Preaching (Three Sermons)…………………..…..108 5.1 “The Cradle and the Cross”…………………………………………………….109 5.2 “The Other Christmas Story”…………………………………………………...114 5.3 “Foolishness Revisited”…………………………………………………………119 5.4 “Searching for a Word From the Lord”, A Poem.…………………………….129 Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………..131 Biography……………………………………………………………………………..………135 ix “The Cruciform Pulpit - Preaching Toward a Robust Theology of the Cross” Chapter One - Naming the Problem “How can the pastor help to create a cruciform congregation?” I typed these words while sitting in my DMin Leadership and New Testament Class on January 3rd of 2018. And with that, the seeds of this thesis project were planted. It is a question I find I am still asking, and attempting, to answer. The question was, and is, born out of my own desire to preach a faithful theology of the cross, and my own suspicion that a more intentional effort is required of me, and others like me, to engage in true cruciform proclamation. I - Introduction Let me begin by attempting a working definition of the word “cruciform,” as it relates to preaching and congregational life. Inherent in this term for me is a manner of preaching and living that is informed and shaped by a rich and robust theology of the cross, a theology that goes beyond the basic evangelical understanding that “Jesus died for my sins,” calling for a thoughtful engagement with the implications of cross- bearing in our day-to-day living. My interest here is a practice of proclamation that is consistent with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and that embodies the good news of God’s redemptive work through the cross of Christ. I’m seeking a depth of preaching that enables a way of seeing one’s neighbor through the lens of the cross, a manner of seeing that convicts and condemns old prejudices and reveals complicity with injustice. Cruciform preaching, in my mind, partners with God’s liberating work 1 through the cross, opening hearts and minds to the present and coming kingdom of God and calling forth the community to join in the ongoing liberative work of the cross by standing in solidarity with the One who entered into solidarity with human suffering in order to bring it to an end. Standing in solidarity with the Christ of the cross is to stand in solidarity with those who suffer, especially those who suffer due to injustice and oppression, specifically the weakest and most vulnerable of the world. I seek a manner of preaching that enables the faith community to see the world through God’s ongoing redemptive work on the cross, opening hearts and minds to the movement of the Holy Spirit, calling forth the church to embody God’s continual work of reconciling
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