| Summary: | A prominent element in Raymund Schwager’s Dramatic Theology is the so-called Five-Acts-Scheme, as Schwager divided Jesus’ ministry into five acts of a drama. Some scholars deem this too narrow an approach and claim that this scheme is not an essential part of Schwager’s Dramatic Theology. I argue here to the contrary: Schwager developed this model over 20 years. Viewing it as non-essential would basically nullify Schwager’s work of that period in favor of his initial intuition that led him to develop the model in the first place. Moreover, the Five-Act-Model is instrumental for Schwager in determining the image of God that the New Testament wants to convey in discipleship to Jesus. Schwager emphasizes the need for a coherent image of God and develops that through the means of his five acts. As this image of God is central for him, the five acts are as well. However, I agree that they are means and not and end, and they should not be made into a fixed system. This would run contrary to Schwager’s intention. In the end, I formulate some ideas for further inquiries.
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