An Evangelical Reading of Theologia Crucis in the Indian Context

Amidst the global resurgence of the theologia crucis—theology of the cross—both in academic circles and in the world of pastoral/practical ministry, this book explores the subject from the Indian context, particularly from an evangelical perspective. By repositioning evangelical to mean “gospel affirming,” the author argues that theologia crucis refers to the Christ-event as a whole and not just the event of the cross. Such a reading opens the space for creative, constructive, and promising prospects of addressing the evangelical concerns of authority, identity, activity, and self-criticality. After outlining the development of Christian Staurology in the Indian context, the author discusses three trajectories of theologia crucis. Following this, he traces the contours of an evangelical reading of theologia crucis, demonstrating how it disrupts normative interpretations of the cross by envisioning a reconciliative God and cross, leading to the articulation of humanitas crucis—the humanity of the cross. By way of implications for public engagement, the author discusses how evangelical theologia crucis helps in envisioning ideas like reconciliative justice, reconciliative political will, reconciliative solidarity, and reconciliative community, especially in relation to the politically violent context in India.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Chapter 1 Evangelical Disruption and Gospel Affirmation Chapter 2 Outlines of Indian Staurology from a Historical-Theological Perspective Chapter 3 Hermeneutical Trajectories of Theologia Crucis in the Indian Context Chapter 4 An Evangelical Hermeneutic of Theologica Crucis Chapter 5 Evangelical Theologia Crucis and Public Engagement Conclusion Bibliography

About the Author :
Amritraj Joshua Paul is associate professor of theology at South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies (SAIACS).

Review :
Exploring the theology of the cross as a way of life from an Indian perspective begins with particular struggles and insights. From there, the author takes us to the broader theological implications—the development of “reconciliative solidarity” being one—and aptly demonstrates the relevance of his reflections to Christianity as a whole. The term “theology of the cross” (theologia crucis) carries with it a great deal of negative baggage. Some people associate it with a glorification of suffering, while for others it conjures up images of heavy-handed evangelical proselytizing. In this superb new book, Amritraj Joshua Paul cuts through these misunderstandings to uncover the real theologia crucis: the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified and risen, breathing new life and possibility into a world marked by death. Paul's reimagining of reconciliation in an Indian context will speak to readers across a wide range of churches and theological opinions. I recommend it highly.