International records / OpenAlex research

Luther's theology of the cross, and Africa

First are the colorful paintings on the back of Nigerian lorries. Amidst the many bright and vivid drawings of lions and jets are two common sets of religious symbols. On the one hand is the cross of Jesus, often painted red. On the other hand are pictures representing Islam, sometimes with a mosque and possibly some palm trees, but frequently with crossed swords at the top of the painting. Even though owners may have different motivations for putting symbols on their lorries, it remains true that both the cross and the sword can be instruments of exe.cution. In the first case, the founder of …