Theology of the Cross and Marx's Anthropology: A View from the Caribbean

Description: This is a fascinating, major articulation of a contemporary theology of the cross in response to the soteriological challenge of Karl Marx's anthropological 'Weltanschauung.' The author focuses primarily on the much neglected 'Early Writings' (1844 Manuscripts), in which Marx himself provides a necessary humanistic critique of official Marxism. The theology of the cross, which the author articulates, is centered in Luther's 'theologia crucis, ' Moltmann's crucified God, and Latin American (liberation) theology's divine identification and solidarity with the poor and oppressed. Specifically, the context of the work is the Caribbean and the Americas

Brief description: Winston D. Persaud is Professor of Systematic Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, where he has taught since 1984. Born in Guyana, South America, Persaud has also served there as a parish pastor in the Lutheran Church. During that time, he was active in the ecumenical work of the Guyana Council of Churches and the Caribbean Conference of Churches.

Review Quotes: ['The Theology of the Cross and Marx's Anthropology'] throws light on the current unrest in Communist countries as well as in the Third World. It shows the continuing relevance of the writings of the early Marx and will be especially appreciated by scholars in philosophy, sociology, and religion.
--Donald Bloesch, Professor Emeritus,
University of Dubuque Theological
Seminary

[This book's] significance lies in being an imaginative and plausible correlation of two very different patterns of thought, namely, Luther's theology of the cross and Marx's anthropology. It is written in a readable style and can be understood by persons who are not specialists in religious scholarship.
--Carl E. Braaten, Professor Emeritus,
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago