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ajmaese's review against another edition
5.0
Some dry and undeveloped spots here and there, but where Moltmann shines it is *blinding*.
If you want the chocolate cake, read chapters 1 through 3 and 6. Especially 6.
If you want your greens, read 4 and 5. (Note, it took me over a year to finish the book because of these two chapters, which says nothing about the chapters or their content, but my interests and reading habits. So if you're like me...)
Meat and potatoes, 7 and 8.
If you want the chocolate cake, read chapters 1 through 3 and 6. Especially 6.
If you want your greens, read 4 and 5. (Note, it took me over a year to finish the book because of these two chapters, which says nothing about the chapters or their content, but my interests and reading habits. So if you're like me...)
Meat and potatoes, 7 and 8.
the_weirdling's review against another edition
5.0
Without a doubt one of the single most important works in theology of the 20th Century. It is indispensable for anyone who claims they are well read on the subject. It is part of the sea change in the discipline of theology which occurred in the last century, where Christian thinking began to shift from "the problem of the non-believer" to "the problem of the non-human". Moltmann, utilizing both his theological perspective focused on the eschaton and a re-approrpiation of the intricacies of the Trinity, beautifully elucidates the place of Jesus Christ and His crucifixion in relation to human suffering and people who are dehumanized by their environment, the systems they inhabit, and the politics of their nation. He then explores many of the political ramifications entailed. This is the kind of book which changes the reader.
davehershey's review against another edition
5.0
Amazing, simply amazing. This may go down as one of my all-time favorite books. I highly recommend this for pastors, teachers and anyone interested in theology. Moltmann demonstrates the absolute centrality of the cross of Christ and its meaning for Christian faith. Importantly, he does this with a robust doctrine of the Trinity; on the cross the Son experienced Fatherlessness (in the cry "my God, why have you forsaken me") and the Father experienced Sonlessness. Yet through this break in the relational God, humanity is now welcomed in. And it changes everything. Overall, a dense and difficult, but great and rewarding read.
david_rhee's review against another edition
5.0
I didn't intentionally time my reading of Moltmann's The Crucified God with the weeks approaching Resurrection Sunday, but I couldn't be more glad that I did. This work is equal parts a celebration of remembrance as much as it is an eye-opening breakthrough full of new ways to interpret the Passion and Resurrection. I feel that I shouldn't spoil anything nor that I can even do it justice with words of my own, so I will leave the reader to enjoy the tour to its fullest measure...because much of its appeal is in how it unfolds.
What this book is not is a theological work which remains safely encased in its world of special terms and concepts. Just as Moltmann's student Miroslav Volf called for "theological ideas with legs," The Crucified God seeks to end on a high note by discussing the potential but realistic applications of the "theologia crucis" to present day and future situations. Moltmann also provides much needed contextual analysis which richly supplements what a layman can gather from the Bible. For example, the sections on the ancient Greek conception of the God-being and the Roman emperor cult are helpful earlier in the book.
His essay on Freudian criticism of religion near the end turned out to be my personal favorite. Moltmann stays true to his object to apply "positive criticism." He doesn't fall into an outright attack on Freud as so many writers have found it so easy to do.
Overall, this is an awesome book. It takes a lot of exertion, but I don't hesitate to say I enjoyed all of it. Great balance of historical criticism, philosophical background, scriptural breakdown, and an impactful prospective light at the end which lacks the feel of a "story-book" utopia...and this leaves its rightful claim to a future reality intact.
What this book is not is a theological work which remains safely encased in its world of special terms and concepts. Just as Moltmann's student Miroslav Volf called for "theological ideas with legs," The Crucified God seeks to end on a high note by discussing the potential but realistic applications of the "theologia crucis" to present day and future situations. Moltmann also provides much needed contextual analysis which richly supplements what a layman can gather from the Bible. For example, the sections on the ancient Greek conception of the God-being and the Roman emperor cult are helpful earlier in the book.
His essay on Freudian criticism of religion near the end turned out to be my personal favorite. Moltmann stays true to his object to apply "positive criticism." He doesn't fall into an outright attack on Freud as so many writers have found it so easy to do.
Overall, this is an awesome book. It takes a lot of exertion, but I don't hesitate to say I enjoyed all of it. Great balance of historical criticism, philosophical background, scriptural breakdown, and an impactful prospective light at the end which lacks the feel of a "story-book" utopia...and this leaves its rightful claim to a future reality intact.
avrilhj's review against another edition
5.0
This book is one of the reasons I'm still a Christian. At a time when I was heading towards protest atheism, refusing to believe in a god in the face of the world's suffering, Moltmann gave me a theodicy I could accept. A wonderful book!
missy_littell's review against another edition
3.0
Phew, his ideas are hard to follow. Or maybe it's the translation from German? Either way, great ideas, though read."
fdes_817's review against another edition
5.0
This book has considerably altered the way I think of theology. There are a thousand thoughts running through my head (though at times I'm not sure I understood everything he was saying). I don't want to get sidetracked with all the positives and negatives of the book, but would like to focus on the crucial element of it all: within Christianity, God allows humanity to nail him to a cross. The implications of this statement are numerous and varied. Moltmann does an excellent job in exploring many of these implications.
naum's review against another edition
5.0
I don't know if it's because some of the writers cited and expounded upon by Moltmann (particularly fellow Germans) I am unfamiliar with or it is due to translation issues or just the dense theological constructs, but a good bit of Moltmann's writing goes over my head. But plentiful are passages (and entire chapters) where I am gripped with goosebumps over the profound Christological implications and inferences that illuminate so brightly. Just like *Theology of Hope*, I so wish to reread but also eager to go on and read *The Trinity and the Kingdom* next.
missy_littell's review against another edition
3.0
Phew, his ideas are hard to follow. Or maybe it's the translation from German? Either way, great ideas, though read."
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