LUTHER'S THEOLOGY of the CROSS

An Informative Course

on the Development of Luther's Theology in the Heidelberg Disputation

June 15-19, 2009 - Laramie, WY

Brochure | Poster

While the posting of Luther's 95 Theses is usually cited as the beginning of the Reformation, it was really Luther's monumental Heidelberg Disputation of 1518 that sketched out the contours of his Theology of the Cross. With a sharp distinction between Law and Gospel, this theology defines the shape and texture of how God deals with us in the walk of Faith in the Church and World.

Taking advantage once again of the tremendous hospitality of St. Andrews in Laramie, WY, this course is designed for the thinking Christian who is looking for clarity and greater understanding on how God reveals Himself and deals with sinners. If you are looking for real answers on these issues and for great discussions with like-minded Lutheran Christians, this is a course you simply cannot pass up! Join us!

The course is taught by a seasoned, respected teacher in the church, the Director of the Concordia Institute for Christian Studies: Rev., Dr. Steven A. Hein.

Topics to be covered at this seminar:

The Development of the Theology of the Cross

  • The Medieval model of Salvation

  • Luther's Monastic Struggles with Sin

  • A Theology of the Cross and Theologies of Glory Compared and Contrasted


The Paradox of God's Self-Revelation

  • The Hidden and Revealed God

  • The Two-Faced God

  • Suffering, Masks, and Opposites as the Stuff of God's Self-Revelation

The Gospel and the God Who Creates What is Pleasing to Him

  • The Gospel as the Righteousness of Christ

  • The Obedience of Faith

  • The Cross as Dying and Rising with Christ

The Law of Life: God's Revelation of Death

  • The Nature of the Path of Righteousness

  • The Damnable Character of all Trusted Works

  • How the Law Reveals the Death of Sin

  • The Bondage, not Obliteration of the Will

Cross-Shaped Faith and Life in Christ

  • Tentatio and Normative Christian Life

  • The Delicate Balance of Law and Gospel

  • Distinctions between a Theology of the Cross and
    Theologies of Glory Examined

As you can see, this is no survey course but rather will delve deep into topics of great relevance to you and I. As enjoyable as the days studies in this topic are however, we'll have even more "after hours". In the past we've taken time out to have a BBQ at Vedauwoo, gotten up early with Brian to go take pictures up in the Snowy Range (like above), oh and we can't forget the Steak & Movie Night at the Old Corral!. It truly is a wonderful week of fellowship and fun when we get together in Laramie.

I would be remis if I didn't mention the absolutely killer worship service every morning. Pastor Marcus Zill leads us in Matins and Dr Steven Hoffman raises our spirits with superlative organ play. Together it sets us off on the right foot to delve deeply into the discussion of the day and is an integral part of the week of education, enrichment, and enjoyment.

So sign up now and get your readings out of the way early. The syllabus and required readings are sent out upon registration... did we mention there is an early bird discount (until March 31st)? We guarantee great discussions with Lutherans from across the country (just ask anyone who's been to one of our courses before) and a whole lot of fun. We have traditionally stayed out in Centennial WY (about 30 minutes to the west at the foot of the Snowy Mountains) at the Old Corral a great old west hotel. We only have room for 40 participants at this class which is sure to fill up fast so sign up now! Being a college town, Laramie does have a decent number of hotels with a couple of new ones built in the last year, though in past years rooms have been difficult to come by.

Hope to see you there!