Ronald Thiemann’s Theologia Crucis and the Task of Public Theology

This article suggests that a Luther-inspired understanding of the “blessed exchange”—Christ bearing the sins of humankind on the cross while communicating to humankind a justifying righteousness—animates Ronald Thiemann’s understanding of public theology. Through a close analysis of Revelation and Theology: The Gospel as Narrated Promise, I argue that Thiemann’s Christologically shaped proposal regarding divine prevenience is itself a starting point for an understanding of Christian life that obliges the Christian to engage the world and apply the good news of the resurrection through a vigorous involvement in political and public life.