Making Sense of the Cross Participant Book

 The heart of the cross is an element of mystery that can’t be resolved either easily or entirely.

The 3rd book in the Making Sense Series, Making Sense of the Cross, gives you the opportunity to ‘listen in’ on a conversation with two people having an open and candid conversation and discussion about the cross. One of the voices knows a little more and assumes the role of teacher or coach, someone who has had the time and opportunity to study the faith in some depth. The second voice assumes the role of someone who is curious and knows a little bit about the faith but brings a lot of questions.

What questions come up in Making Sense of the Cross:
So what’s with the cross?
What does the cross say about God?
What’s the big deal?
Did Jesus have to die?

Remember, questions are as important as answers.

This 6-chapter book includes:
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: Why does the Cross Matter?
• Chapter 2: Portraits and Perspectives
• Chapter 3: Ransom and Victory
• Chapter 4: Substitution, Satisfaction, and Sacrifice
• Chapter 5: Example and Encouragement
• Chapter 6: Event and Experience

"A wise educator has observed that the most difficult and most important courses are those of “Introduction.” This book is an “introduction” to the most crucial claims of Gospel faith. One notices immediately that the format is pedagogically designed with great intentionality. Then one notices that the dialogic exchanges are serious and genuine and without guile or manipulation. And finally one notices that the book is a disciplined engagement with the subject, taking seriously the deep attempts of the church at interpretation, but also honoring the inexplicable mystery of redemption in Christ. It will be lucky readers who enroll in this course in “Redemption 101”.
Walter Brueggemann
Columbia Theological Seminary
September 9, 2011

 
"David Lose has discovered a remarkably accessible way to help Christians dig deeper into a critical yet confounding mystery of the Christian faith: what do Christ’s death and resurrection mean? Making Sense of the Cross doesn’t impart truth, but rather reveals the many layers of cultural, historic and symbolic context of the cross for the sake of continued inquiry. Set your assumptions, fears and doubts aside as we explore, together, one of Christ’s most compelling questions: Who do you say that I am? 
Christian Piatt 
Author of "Banned Questions of the Bible"


"Making Sense of the Cross contains a series of dialogues though which you will hear your own questions affirmed, taken seriously, and addressed. You will find words to express more carefully the things that confuse you about the cross. You will learn to make sense of language that is often repeated during discussions about the cross. But finally you will receive something even greater: You will be drawn personally into the event of the cross itself so that Christ himself meets you and raises you into new life."
Phil Ruge-Jones
Associate Professor of Theology at Texas Lutheran University
Author of "The Word of the Cross in a World of Glory"

Introduction to Making Sense of the Cross: click here to download.

View Chapter 1 'A Man Hanging on a Tree', from Making Sense of the Cross: Click here to download