The cross is not and cannot be loved. Yet only the crucified Christ can bring the freedom which changes the world because it is no longer afraid of death.

In his time, the crucified Christ was regarded as a scandal and as foolishness. Today, too, it is considered old-fashioned to put him in the centre of Christian faith…

Yet only when men are reminded of him, however untimely this may be, can they be set free from the power of facts of the present time, and from the laws and compulsions of history, and be offered a future which will never grow dark again.

Today the church and theology must turn to the crucified Christ in order to show the world the freedom he offers.

This is essential if they wish to become what they assert they are: the church of Christ, and Christian theology.

from The Crucified Christ

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Gender-inclusive version:

The cross is not and cannot be loved. Yet only the crucified Christ can bring the freedom which changes the world because it is no longer afraid of death.

In his time, the crucified Christ was regarded as a scandal and as foolishness. Today, too, it is considered old-fashioned to put him in the centre of Christian faith…

Yet only when mortals are reminded of him, however untimely this may be, can they be set free from the power of facts of the present time, and from the laws and compulsions of history, and be offered a future which will never grow dark again.

Today the church and theology must turn to the crucified Christ in order to show the world the freedom he offers.

This is essential if they wish to become what they assert they are: the church of Christ, and Christian theology.

from The Crucified Christ