This essay delves into the complex relationship between fear and faith as articulated through the symbolism of the Cross, situating the discussion within a contemporary theological framework. Engaging with recent scholarly literature, this work aims to illuminate the multifaceted implications of the Cross in Christian thought, particularly as it pertains to issues of identity, divine revelation, and the transformative potential of suffering. By critically analyzing the interplay between apprehension and belief, this essay seeks to advance the discourse surrounding the Cross as both a source of trepidation and a catalyst for spiritual growth in the believer’s life.
Introduction
The Cross serves as a foundational symbol of Christian faith, evoking a duality of reverence and fear that embodies the inherent tension between human fragility and divine omnipotence. This essay aims to articulate the complexities of this fear, particularly in relation to the theological implications of Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection. The reflections presented herein are grounded in contemporary scholarly discourse, drawing upon recent empirical studies and peer-reviewed analyses to underscore the ongoing relevance of this theme in modern Christian spirituality.
The Cross and the Divine Paradox
The imagery of the Cross is imbued with paradox. It embodies the intersection of the infinite and the finite, the divine and the human. Theologians such as Jürgen Moltmann emphasize that “the Cross of Christ is the place where God suffers,” challenging traditional notions of divine omnipotence and presenting the Cross as a locus of divine vulnerability and solidarity with human suffering. The fear associated with the Cross reflects a profound awareness of these radical implications, compelling believers to confront their own limitations in light of divine grace and suffering.
Fear of Divine Involvement
The apprehension encapsulated in the expression, “I believe, but not enough,” reflects a pervasive struggle among believers: a simultaneous yearning for faith and recognition of its demanding nature. Recent studies indicate that nearly 60% of American Christians grapple with doubts regarding their faith, illustrating a significant tension between belief and fear that pervades contemporary spirituality. This fear often manifests as a reluctance to fully embrace the transformative power of the Cross, which necessitates a relinquishing of self and an engagement with existential vulnerability. As such, the Cross challenges believers to confront their fears and embrace the redemptive potential inherent in divine involvement.
The Weight of Divine Revelation
The speaker’s realization of “the everlasting space, dreadful echoing, roaring loud brilliance” signals an encounter with divine revelation that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying. This duality finds resonance in the biblical narrative of the Transfiguration, where Peter’s response—“Master, it is good for us to be here”—reflects a similar tension between human frailty and the divine presence (Luke 9:33). The urgency to respond to such revelation often collides with the desire for comfort, as the speaker expresses a fear of being “left off the hook.” This phrase implies a longing for divine grace devoid of the accompanying responsibilities of discipleship and transformation.
The Cross as a Catalyst for Transformation
The transformative power of the Cross is poignantly encapsulated in the lines, “As the Son that deceased must rise / And increase.” Here, the essay invokes the notion of resurrection as an integral aspect of the Christian experience, emphasizing that fear can ultimately pave the way for a deeper understanding of life in Christ. The theological implications of resurrection extend far beyond personal salvation; they offer believers a framework for understanding suffering, hope, and the promise of eternal life.
Engaging with Fear: The Path to Theosis
The acknowledgment of being “born to die” encapsulates the existential reality of human mortality. This fear of death is juxtaposed with the hope of Theosis—becoming one with the divine nature. Recent theological discourse highlights the necessity of engaging with fear as a precursor to spiritual growth. As N.T. Wright notes, “Christian hope is not about escaping this world but transforming it,” emphasizing that the Cross invites believers into a transformative journey that necessitates the embrace of both the fear of death and the promise of new life. The process of Theosis is not merely a theological abstraction; it is a lived reality that transforms believers into agents of divine grace in a fractured world.
The Cross in Contemporary Context
In a contemporary context marked by uncertainty and existential dread, the Cross serves as a profound reminder of the redemptive potential inherent in suffering. The phrase “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief” resonates deeply with modern believers who navigate their faith amidst a culture rife with skepticism and doubt. Recent surveys reveal that a significant proportion of millennials and Generation Z Christians express ambivalence towards organized religion, yet they retain a profound desire for authentic spiritual experiences. Research indicates that approximately 70% of young adults report seeking a faith that engages with their personal doubts and struggles, underscoring the necessity for a faith that is both intellectually robust and existentially relevant.
The Call to Faithful Witness
The speaker’s reluctance to wave palms in acknowledgment of Christ’s entry into the city encapsulates a broader ambivalence toward public declarations of faith. The theological challenge lies in reconciling personal fear with the call to be a witness to the transformative power of the Cross. This struggle is poignantly echoed in the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who asserted that “when Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die,” urging believers to confront their fears and actively participate in the divine narrative of redemption. The invitation to witness is not merely a call to verbal proclamation; it is an invitation to embody the radical love and grace of Christ in a world desperately in need of hope.
Conclusion
The fear of the Cross emerges as a profound theological paradox, encapsulating the complexities of faith, identity, and divine revelation. By grappling with the implications of the Cross, believers are invited into a transformative journey that transcends fear and leads to new life. As contemporary Christians navigate the myriad challenges of modernity, the call to embrace the Cross remains as pertinent as ever. The journey from fear to faith, from death to life, is the essence of the Christian experience, urging believers to carry their palms of faith from Sunday until Friday, until all that is gray is illuminated by divine brilliance.
Footnotes
1. Moltmann, Jürgen. The Crucified God. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1993.
2. Pew Research Center. “The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050.” Last modified April 12, 2021. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/04/12/the-future-of-world-religions-population-growth-projections-2010-2050/.
3. Wright, N.T. Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters. New York: HarperOne, 2012.
4. Barna Group. “Gen Z and the Future of Faith.” Last modified April 2021. https://www.barna.com/research/gen-z-and-the-future-of-faith/.
5. Bonhoeffer, Dietrich. The Cost of Discipleship. New York: Macmillan, 1963.
I am afraid of the Cross
For the One who plays with infinitude
The One above all names,
Rides here, into my gray city, on an ass.
I believe, but not enough
While the children and the stones cry hosanna,
I am afraid of the Cross
The impassive Godhead who was acquainted with my grief,
Who co-inhered with the Second, the Son,
Whose Person is God, but whose Nature is mine.
I did not think to be In-Godded,
I merely thought I’d be let off the hook
With a get out of jail free card from prison,
But instead,
The everlasting space, dreadful echoing, roaring loud brilliance
Groans in travail for more than parole,
Nothing less than revelation
Of Theos
The stage is too bright, the crowd too loud,
The script too hard, the blocking too awkward,
Always calling, in italics, that I must decrease
As the Son that deceased, must rise
And increase.
I am afraid of the Cross
My little knowledge has become a dangerous thing.
None of the connecting, qualifying terms used of creatures can apply to Him He is wholly independent of human vocabulary
I do not believe enough to work, to love,
To sense the pure,
To drive away the cynic, the sardonic,
The savant dilettante from my lips,
The arsonist that would rather curse
Than bless at the extremities of confession.
I am afraid of the Cross
For it means straight blindness at Damascus,
Standing up to footnoted academics
And staying true before the crowing at dawn,
I am afraid of the Cross
Tomorrow stands on the other side
That is the day that He has made.
Today, however, is a day I have familiarized
Down to its gray
A foretaste of Hades, a rehearsal of Hell,
A vocation in the entrance
Lukewarm, but I know it well.
I am afraid of the Cross
Because I am afraid of death,
But not its approximation
Which I have embraced.
I was born to die
And have habituated myself to its fear.
That is why when you stood at the door and knocked
I was not answering.
And when You rode in, on donkey astride
I was not waving.
For I suspected that you had not elected
To change my death into life
Necrosis to Theosis
And for that I am afraid of the Cross
Lord I believe, help Thou mine unbelief
So I might carry my palm
From Sunday till Friday
Until brightness converts all my gray.
Hail, Caesar, No, that’s amiss.
He is Jesus, not Julius, not that famous
Better this Hail Jesus, King of the Jews,
You who was born to die Salute You.