An Evangelical Reading of Theologia Crucis in the Indian Context

Amidst the global resurgence of the <i>theologia crucis</i>—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 <i>theologia crucis</i> 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 <i>theologia crucis</i>. Following this, he traces the contours of an evangelical reading of <i>theologia crucis</i>, demonstrating how it disrupts normative interpretations of the cross by envisioning a reconciliative God and cross, leading to the articulation of <i>humanitas crucis</i><b>—</b>the humanity of the cross. By way of implications for public engagement, the author discusses how evangelical <i>theologia crucis</i> 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.