Principles of Lutheran Theology

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 179 pages
• Published by: Fortress Press
• Edition: 2nd Edition March 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0800638352
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0800638351
• Book Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Weighs: 7.2 ounces

Product Review
"a modern classic that criticizes, illumines, and inspirse with missionary zeal and catholic breadth." -- Steven D. Paulson, Professor of Systematic Theology, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota

"Braaten's construal of Lutheran theology is clear, concise, colorful, persuasive, and accurate." -- Robert Benne, Jordan-Trexler Professor of Religion Emeritus, Roranoke College, Virgina

Product Description
First published in 1983, Principles of Lutheran Theology has guided students into theological reflection on the landmarks of Christian faith as understood in the Lutheran confessional heritage for a generation. The book sets forth the main principles of classical Lutheran theology but with an eschatological accent. Canon, confession, ecumenicity, Christ-centeredness, sacrament, law/ gospel, and two kingdoms are all examined not only in terms of their original meaning and historical development but also in light of current reflections.

In this new edition, Braaten takes stock of the research and reflection of the last twenty-five years and also adds a chapter on the distinctive, Archimedean Lutheran insight into the hiddenness of God as a fount or ground of all theologizing. This new edition, cross-referenced to key readings in Luther's Works and The Book of Concord, will both equip and facilitate the search for a contemporary articulation of Christian identity in light of the church's historic commitments

Reader Reviews
This review is from: Principles of Lutheran Theology (Paperback) Great read on Lutheran church theology (although the word "Principles" should be emphasized in the title), ecumenical thought, and early Reformation vs. modern thought theology. Carl E. Braaten is clear and concise to pack a lot of chapters in this little 154 page book. The term "Principles" should be emphasized, as Braaten does not write or present a systematic theology. The chapters are as follows: 1) The Canonical Principle, 2) The Confessional Principle, 3) The Ecumenical Principle, 4) The Christocentric Principle, 5) The Sacramental Principle, 6) The Law/Gospel Principle, and 7) The Two-Kingdoms Principle. Carl E. Braaten, accomplishes a couple of things for me, through this little intro to the theology of the Lutheran-"movement": a) covers the whole wide horizon on how various Lutherans look at these important theological principles, b) is not shy of showing the catholicity and also the ecumenical flavor of the Lutheran movement, and c) presents Lutheran theology not as a stand-along theology but as a theology of a "movement" (Evangelical or Lutheran) whose scope is to reform (or revive, renewal of) the church, its members, and the role of Christianity and Christians in our modern times. I would also need to add that in my search for an ecumenically-minded, creedal, liturgical, and historical Protestant church (coming from a neo-Protestant, free-worship, insular church and background) this book has been instrumental towards my finding the conservative Lutheran church as my home church. A church as a member of the Church (of Jesus Christ)! Doing a search on Carl E. Braaten will show that his writings are focused on: ecumenism or Christian unity theology, ecclesiology, and Lutheran theology. These subjects should be welcomed also by Roman-Catholics and Reform Protestants.