Lutheran Theology: A Grammar of Faith
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
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.
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- Contains a discussion guide for each chapter
- Provides chapter-specific learning objectives
- Presents Key terms in bold, boxed text sections that identify points of debate, discussion of central topics, study questions and a glossary
- Introduction
Part I: Partnering with Martin Luther
- Martin Luther’s voice as the foundation
Part II: Lutheran confessions – A road map
- Orientation to the texts in the Book of Concord
- Lutheran faith grammar – Justification and freedom perspectives
Part III: Lutheran faith Language – An orientation
- God talk – Ecumenically with the Creeds and with contemporary questions
- The human condition, sin, and hopes
- Communities of faith and means of grace for the world
- Lingering issues and kindle for future fires
- Conclusions – All about freedom
What a pertinent introduction to Lutheran theology! Without ignoring the difficulties, Kirsi Stjerna invites us to see the contemporary relevance of Lutheran theology and its focus on the freedom of a Christian. Here is a helpful, open and constructive introduction to the resources of Lutheran theology.
Jan-Olav Henriksen, Professor of Systematic Theology, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion, and Society, Norway,
In this engaging introduction to Lutheran theology by way of the Book of Concord, Kirsi Stjerna successfully shows how Lutheran theology is, at its heart, a freedom theology with ongoing relevance for Christians and communities of faith across the globe. Stjerna takes us back to the debates and tensions of 16th century Lutherans and deftly shows they influenced the formulations of the texts within the Book of Concord. At the same time, she helps readers understand the global reach and reception of a Lutheran theology of freedom and its ability to speak to contemporary challenges of ecological devastation and gender justice. A delightful, teachable text!
Deanna A. Thompson, St. Olaf College, USA
With this fine book on Lutheran Theology, Dr. Stjerna again demonstrates her ability of pedagogically and magnificently communicating what is the very core of Luther’s reformatory thoughts. Stjerna introduces the less in-read students of theology to the essential Luther issues on the basis of primarily CA in such a profound and actualized way that hardly any stone is left untouched, and that in the most intoxicatingly inspiring way.
Else Marie Wiberg Pedersen, University of Aarhus, Denmark