A Necessary Smelting: Leonhard Schiemer's Theology of Suffering

The Cross: a reality so repulsive in the first century that it was considered inappropriate for conversation. The suffering and shame that it inflicted was reserved for criminals who were slaves, foreigners, or other "nonpersons." Despite this, the cross has endured as the symbol of the Christian faith. Jesus' death on the cross, and his resurrection, is the central focus of the Christian faith. As Western Christianity looks upon Christ's suffering on the cross, it has focused mostly on one very important aspect of Christ's work-the objective aspect that he suffered for us in order to deal with the problem of human sin. While this truth is essential, Leonhard Schiemer, an early sixteenth century Austrian Anabaptist leader, reminds us not to ignore the other aspect-the subjective aspect of the cross working within us, destroying sin, transforming us into Christ's image, and deepening our love for God. For Schiemer, Christ's cross is also the central focus of the Christian life. As he explains, suffering the pain of Christ's cross inwardly is the key to a life of inexpressible joy.