The spirituality of the cross : the way of the First Evangelicals

I'm spirit was released, the religious landscape of Christianity has changed greatly. A challenge for today (for both Christians and non\-Christians alike) is to cultivate a meaningful life in a seemingly meaningless world. Our natural religious impulse is to earn salvation based on what we do and what we deserve according to our own moral compasses we create. Lutheran Christianity is different. The theology of the cross can provide understanding that relates to the world we live in today. Presenting a true understanding of justification by faith, the means of grace, vocation, theology of the cross, the two kingdoms, worship, and the church, The Spirituality of the Cross is an excellent explanation of Lutheran spirituality. This third edition is updated to reflect our current times and features a brand new chapter addressing Christology and how Lutherans highlight the cross during their study of the Divine Being Spirituality: the lived, vital, personal dimension of Christianity. Christianity has its spirituality—not the cloudy mysticism that is usually associated with that word, but rather mysteries grounded in the Incarnation of God, His death on a bloody piece of wood, His physical resurrection, bread, wine, water, and our own ordinary callings of everyday life. That spirituality can still be found in the Lutheran tradition. Veith explores the topic of spirituality by presenting a true understanding of justification by faith, the means of grace, the two kingdoms, worship, and the church. This revised edition contains expanded material on vocation and the theology of the cross. Gene Edward Veith is currently a professor of literature, a college administrator, and a writer. He has written over a dozen books on Christianity, culture, and the arts. He has a PhD in English Literature. He and his wife have three children and currently live near Washington DC. "The Spirituality of the Cross presents adults with a true understanding of Christianity-one that is grounded in Christ's death and resurrection. The author presents a true understanding of justification by faith, the Means of Grace, the two kingdoms, worship, and the Church. This third edition will be updated throughout to include modern examples, and new material will discuss such issues as secularism; the use of the term spirituality; the materiality of creation, incarnation, and the Sacraments; an expanded discussion of vocation; New Age references; and popular errors (e.g., prosperity Gospel)"-- Provided by publisher Preface INTRODUCTION: The First Evangelicals 1 JUSTIFICATION: The Dynamics of Sin and Grace 2 THE MEANS OF GRACE: The Presence of God 3 THE THEOLOGY OF, THE CROSS: The Hiddenness of God 4 VOCATION: The Spirituality of Ordinary Life 5 LIVING IN TWO KINGDOMS: The Sacred and the Secular 6 CONCLUSION: Worshiping God APPENDICES: The First Evangelicals and Other Churches Resources for the Spirituality of the Cross Notes for the Spirituality of the Cross