Boasting in the Cross Alone

“The common anthropological assumptions of Greek philosophy and Hellenistic culture, not unlike those of the modern cult of self-esteem, greatly valued all forms of human assertiveness as badges of excellence, strength, and virtue (from the Latin virtus, meaning “manliness” or “worth”). Physical prowess, military feats, oratorical abilities, intellectual acumen, political power, monetary success, social status – all these were things to be proud of and to glory in.

“Paul holds up something utterly despicable, contemptible, and valueless by any worldly standard – the Cross of Christ. For 2,000 years, the Cross has been so variously and beautifully represented in Christian iconography and symbolism that it is almost impossible for us to appreciate the sense of horror and shock that must have greeted the apostolic proclamation of a crucified redeemer. Actually, the Latin word crux was regarded as an expression so crude, no polite Roman would utter it in public. In order to get around this, the Romans devised a euphemistic circumlocution, ‘Hang him on the unlucky tree’ (arbori infelici suspendito), an expression from Cicero. But what the world regarded as too shameful to whisper in polite company, a detestable object used for the brutal execution of the dregs of society, Paul declared to be the proper basis for exaltation. In the Cross, and the Cross alone, Paul said, he would make his boast in life and death, for all time and eternity.

‘When false foundations all are gone,
Each lying refuge blown to air,
The Cross remains our boast alone,
The righteousness of God is there.’”

--Timothy George, Christianity Today, July 2005, p. 32.