The Foolishness of the Cross
Theology of glory and the prosperity gospel are closely tied together. Though I would argue that the prosperity gospel is narrowly focused on financial and material success, and theology of glory can be broader. Both emphasize success, however, defined, and tend to minimize suffering and pain. Proponents of both (or either) often use transactional language when describing faith: if we do x,y, and z, then God will bless us in x,y,z way. In other words, the theology of glory and the prosperity gospel, sound very much in line with various secular models of understanding the world that focus on success and strength. And though the language most certainly differed, these ways of understanding god or the world aren’t new.
I mean we can see versions of it in the Roman Empire and how they understood the imperial cult and their domination and conquest over other lands. We can see traces of this theology in the Hebrew Bible, though I would argue that unlike modern iterations, the traces in the Hebrew Bible are borne out of an experience of pain and suffering instead of minimizing it. The Babylonian Exile and the experience of being a conquered people under various empires profoundly shaped the Hebrew Bible and the lives of those trying to make sense of their faith in light of their suffering. In that case, the idea of being triumphant and successful if we do x,y, and z had less to do with individual financial wealth and more with holding onto the idea of a God who has not abandoned their people. Plus the idea of the gods giving or withholding various blessings whether military, financial, etc is not an uncommon theology in antiquity.
With that being said, modern versions of the theology of glory and the prosperity gospel often center on minimizing or ignoring pain and/or exploiting the very real pain of the marginalized. In other words, the theology of glory and the prosperity gospel, both work very well in systems of domination and oppression. They fuel violence, greed, and exploitation. They provide religious language that sanctify horrific actions and policies that lead to the destruction of our natural world, and the subjugation and destruction of the most vulnerable of society. The theology of glory and the prosperity gospel aren’t considered foolishness to dominant society and instead are the very cornerstone of every exploitative imperial and economic system.
Followers of Jesus Christ should call out the theology of glory and the prosperity gospel for what they are: cruel and false gospels, justifying systems of violence and destruction. Yet, most Christians across the theological and political spectrum have accepted a version of the theology of glory. Now, those who tend to be more on the Mainline and Progressive side of the spectrum often reject the prosperity gospel and overt versions of the theology of glory. Yet you can still see glimpses of it, even within these denominations that like to consider themselves “enlightened” and on the “right side of history.” In the US, especially the theology of glory can be tied to Christian nationalism.
But a theology of a cross truly is foolishness to the dominant society. Why? Because it subverts our understanding of the natural order of things. It focuses on God’s presence in weakness, pain, and suffering. It not only refuses easy answers that seek to soothe pain, but it rejects theologies of empire and exploitation. A theology of the cross is incompatible with institutions and systems of violence and domination. Not only does a theology of the cross see God in the suffering and confront pain rather than ignore it, but it also seeks to destroy the very systems that thrive on exploiting the pain and suffering of other people.
A theology of the cross views the systems and values of this world as out of whack with the kingdom of God. It rejects individualism, the obsession with material wealth, the tying of people’s worth and human dignity to superficial markers determined by those in power. A theology of the cross turns the systems and values of the world upside down.
The wealthy and powerful aren’t ones to be followed but the most vulnerable are. Greed and material wealth aren’t markers of God’s blessing but instead may be evidence of one’s rejection of God (especially if one’s wealth is built on the exploitation and destruction of others.) A theology of the cross shows the foolishness of violence. For nations who spend an absurd amount of their budget on military might, and whose sense of nationhood is determined by their military strength, this theology is foolish. For nations obsessed with the idea of redemptive violence and who allow their law enforcement and state agents to murder the vulnerable at will, this theology is foolish.
And yet as those who are called to follow Christ, it is the theology we must embrace. And if we do so, unfortunately, we will need to have difficult conversations as individuals, within our worship communities, and as a nation about our priorities. Now, to be sure, I fully endorse the separation of church and state, so I am not saying that politicians should say, “hey I embrace a theology of the cross.” what I am saying is that for those who identify as followers of Christ, we need to care for the marginalized and vulnerable. We need to reject policies that oppress and cause harm. We shouldn’t force doctrinal statements on the nation at large, or assert that everyone needs to be taught the Bible in public schools-but we should work to create a nation that cares for everyone, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of their religious status, their sexual orientation, their gender identity, etc.
For Christians, we frame our advocacy for the marginalized in the language of our faith, while also recognizing that this is not the only language available.
Image: cross, with the sunlight reflected on it. Text: A theology of the cross views the systems and values of this world as out of whack with the Kingdom of God