The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ – Fleming Rutledge
1. Full Citation
Rutledge, F. (2015) The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
2. Introduction
Fleming Rutledge’s The Crucifixion is a monumental theological work that reclaims the centrality and scandal of the cross for contemporary Christian thought. With theological rigour and pastoral urgency, Rutledge explores the multi-dimensional meaning of Christ’s death, situating it within the full biblical narrative and the context of cosmic conflict, justice, and divine love. Drawing deeply from Scripture, historical theology, and cultural critique, the book challenges sentimental or simplistic understandings of the cross. This review analyses its theological significance, breadth of argument, and enduring value for the Church.
3. Author Background and Credentials
Fleming Rutledge is an Episcopal priest and widely respected preacher and theologian. One of the first women ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church, she studied at Union Theological Seminary and has served in pastoral ministry for decades. Rutledge is known for her rich biblical preaching and her theological engagement with classical doctrines and modern existential concerns. Her work spans topics such as Advent, apocalyptic theology, and Pauline interpretation.
4. Summary of Contents
The book is divided into two major parts:
- The Crucifixion: Why It Matters
- Establishes the cross as the central event in Christian theology.
- Critiques both liberal and conservative tendencies to reduce the cross to a moral example, psychological therapy, or narrow penal logic.
- Argues that the crucifixion must be understood within a framework of cosmic conflict, divine agency, and eschatological reversal.
- The Biblical Motifs of the Crucifixion
- Explores the themes of substitution, representation, sacrifice, ransom, victory, and judgement across Scripture.
- Draws on Pauline theology, Old Testament typologies, and Christological development to articulate a multi-faceted soteriology.
- Special emphasis is given to apocalyptic theology, sin as enslaving power, and Christus Victor.
Rutledge maintains that only a theology of the cross that addresses the gravity of sin, the reality of evil, and the necessity of divine judgement can do justice to the biblical witness and the human condition.
5. Critical Evaluation
a. Coherence and Argumentation
The argument is comprehensive, theologically cohesive, and exegetically rich. Rutledge masterfully integrates theological history, biblical narrative, and contemporary relevance without compromising the mystery or scandal of the cross.
b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution
While drawing on classical motifs, Rutledge’s originality lies in reintegrating diverse atonement theories into a coherent framework rooted in Scripture and liturgy. Her insistence on divine initiative and cosmic deliverance is a major contribution to modern theology.
c. Evidence, Sources, and Method
The book blends biblical exegesis, historical theology (Anselm, Calvin, Barth), and literary-cultural analysis. Rutledge consistently shows how the cross addresses injustice, oppression, and existential despair, using rich homiletical examples.
d. Style and Accessibility
Though scholarly and expansive, the book is pastorally written and deeply meditative. It is intellectually demanding but spiritually rewarding, suited for both scholars and theologically engaged clergy.
e. Limitations and Critiques
Some critics find the book’s scope overwhelming and its theological positions strongly apocalyptic and Reformed, which may not resonate with all traditions. Others note that her emphasis on divine wrath and judgement, though balanced by love, may appear stark to modern sensibilities.
6. Comparative Context
Rutledge’s work enters dialogue with:
- Gustaf Aulén’s Christus Victor – shared emphasis on cosmic struggle
- Anselm’s Cur Deus Homo – penal but limited in scope
- Jürgen Moltmann’s The Crucified God – similar pathos, but more liberationist
- John Stott’s The Cross of Christ – evangelical and more accessible
Rutledge’s distinct voice lies in recovering apocalyptic soteriology and biblical justice in a deeply liturgical and theologically integrated framework.
7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance
The book is vital for systematic theology, biblical studies, soteriology, homiletics, and liturgical theology. It re-centres the cross in pastoral ministry, theological education, and public witness.
8. Reflection or Practical Application
Readers often respond with a renewed sense of awe, reverence, and personal conviction regarding the cross. Rutledge’s vision deepens preaching, challenges shallow gospel presentations, and provides a theological lens for confronting injustice, sin, and suffering.
9. Conclusion
The Crucifixion is a theological masterpiece that confronts modern reductionism and restores the profound, scandalous centrality of the cross. Rutledge offers a theologically rich, biblically faithful, and pastorally urgent account of salvation that speaks to both church and culture.
Recommended for: Theologians, preachers, seminary students, and serious readers seeking a deeper grasp of the cross’s theological depth and cultural relevance.
10. Other Works by the Same Author
- Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ – Theology of waiting, judgement, and hope.
- The Bible and the New York Times – Essays on Scripture and contemporary issues.
- The Battle for Middle-earth – Theological reading of Tolkien.
- Help My Unbelief – Sermons on doubt, faith, and divine encounter.
11. Similar Books by Other Authors
- John Stott – The Cross of Christ
- Jürgen Moltmann – The Crucified God
- Gustav Aulén – Christus Victor
- Rowan Williams – Tokens of Trust
12. References (only if external works are cited)
- Aulén, G. (1931) Christus Victor
- Anselm, Cur Deus Homo
- Moltmann, J. (1974) The Crucified God
- Stott, J. (1986) The Cross of Christ