Lutheran Theology: A Grammar of Faith

Description

This textbook explores the Lutheran theological tradition. Kirsi Stjerna looks at Lutheran sources, vocabulary and focal points through the lens of the Augsburg Confession and the Large Catechism, developing a distinctive Lutheran faith language that resonates with contemporary contexts and inquirers. Lutheran Theology gives students the tools they need to understand Lutheran perspectives in the light of historical sources, to see the underlying motivations of past theological discourses and to apply this knowledge to current debates. Introducing the Book of Concord and Martin Luther’s freedom theology, it shows them how to engage critically and constructively with key topics in theology and spirituality, such as freedom and confession. Stjerna pays particular attention to the contribution of women theologians, and empowers students to bring Lutheran theology into conversation with other faith languages and traditions. This textbook includes an extensive range of pedagogical features: - A discussion guide for each chapter - Chapter-specific learning objectives - Key terms in bold, boxed text sections that identify points of debate, discussion of central topics, study questions and a glossary Cover Contents Preface Acknowledgments 1 Introduction Reorientations in the Junction of Past, Present, and Future The Word “Lutheran” The Plan PART ONE Partnering with Martin Luther 2 Martin Luther’s Voice as the Foundation Martin Luther in Chronology—Pivotal Freedom Moments Luther in Chronology and Context Early Years 1483–1517 Critical Years 1517–21 Reactions and Further Developments Luther Bulled Luther Outlawed Bible Work Teaching and Implementation Years 1521–30 Worship and Church Welfare and Order and Education Lutheran Notion of Vocation Writings, Meetings, Developments in Church and Family Life after 1522 The Year of 1525: Peasants Riots and Marriage Reforms and Debates Diets, Visitations, Writings Last Years 1530–46 After Luther A Topic of Special Concern: Luther’s Anti-Jewish Views Martin Luther on Freedom and Faith—Freedom Theology On Christian Freedom—Luther’s Theological Synopsis Conclusion PART TWO Lutheran Confessions—A Road Map 3 Orientation to the Texts in the Book of Concord and the Lutheran Hermeneutics The Texts in the Book of Concord The Ecumenical Creeds Catechisms from Luther, 1529 The Augsburg Confession by Philip Melanchthon, 1530, and Its Apology, 1531 The Smalcald Articles, Luther, 1537 The Treatise on Power and Primacy of the Papacy, Melanchthon, 1537 The Formula of Concord, 1577 Freedom and Ambiguity with the Texts and the Sola Scriptura Principle Luther’s Voice and the Confessions On the Meaning of Confessing Concluding Reflections: Confessing in the Company of Others 4 Lutheran Faith Grammar—Justification and Freedom Perspectives About the Key Terms and the Vision In a Nutshell Justified by Faith, by Grace, by Christ Lutheran Teaching of Forgiveness, Grace, and Freedom Law—Gospel Hermeneutics and the Scripture Alone Principles PART THREE Lutheran Faith Language—An Orientation 5 God-talk—Ecumenically with the Creeds and with Contemporary Questions One God The Ecumenical Foundation The Nonnegotiables and Contemporary Questions Christ at the Center Fundamentals on Jesus—Scriptural Evidence True God, True Human—The Chalcedonian Definition Christ, the Spirit, and the Consummation of God’s Work Christ’s Lordship—A Perspective from the Catechisms and Smalcald Articles Christ–God–Spirit—The Trinitarian God as the Source of Being The Agency of the Holy Spirit and Holiness Prospects The Holy Spirit and the Augsburg Confession Mary, the Mother of God 6 The Human Condition, Sin, and Hopes Sin as a Starting Point? An Inherited Disposition Sin, Will, and Non-freedoms Illumination from the Smalcald Articles and the Catechisms The Synergistic Controversy and Lutherans in Discord Sin in Daily Life—Perspectives from the Catechisms Contemporary Considerations: Freedom in Non-freedom 7 Communities of Faith and Means of Grace Christian Lutheran Communities and Their Reformation Roots The Making of the Church and Its Purpose A Community of Sinners and Saints Sacraments and Hospitality with Grace Baptism—Heavenly Water for New Birth Infant Baptism with Catechisms The Lord’s Supper, the Real Presence of God “For You” Who Is Welcome and What Is Received? Further Insights from the Smalcald Articles and the Formula of Concord Other Holy Means: Confession, Repentance, and Mutual Consolation Order and Call Questions in the Church 8 Lingering Issues and Kindle for Future Fires Last but Not Least—The Practical Matters Who Is Welcome to Communion? Who Can Marry and Vocation Issues Monastic Vows, Celibacy, and Sexuality The Mass and Confessing, Revisited Christian Perfection Perspectives Power in the Church and Living in the World 9 Conclusions—All about Freedom Bibliography Index