Synopses & Reviews
Forty years of in-depth research on Martin Luther's theology has left Oswald Bayer uniquely qualified to present this comprehensive study. He does so with clarity and care, simply enough for nontheologians to access.
This remarkable book offers the basics of Luther's understanding of theology, discussing his response to the philosophy of science tradition, the formula by which he studied theology, and the basic philosophy that informed him. Bayer then takes Luther's stance on Christian dogmatics and ethics and applies it to our own theological understanding in the modern age. With such a complete Lutheran dogmatic concept -- the first of its kind offered -- the stunning inner consistency of Luther's theology and its ease of application to contemporary studies become unmistakably clear.
Martin Luther's Theology is a valuable tool for students and teachers of theology and for those looking for a guide into the mind and heart of Luther -- a theologian for today.
Synopsis
Forty years of in-depth research on Martin Luther's theology uniquely qualifies Oswald Bayer to present this comprehensive introduction to Luther's thought, written for those lacking an academic background in theology.
Bayer's noteworthy study explores the basics of Luther's understanding of theology, discussing his response to the "philosophy of science" tradition, the formula by which he studied theology, and the basic philosophy that informed him. Bayer then takes Luther's stance on Christian dogmatics and ethics and applies it to our own theological understanding in the modern age. With such a complete Lutheran dogmatic concept -- the first of its kind offered -- the stunning inner consistency of Luther's theology and its ease of application to contemporary studies become unmistakably clear.
Synopsis
It may come as a surprise to some, but Martin Luther never wrote a "theology." He delivered his theological thought in myriad ways - lectures, preaching notes, arguments, fables, hymns, and more - but never penned a systematic theology. Having scoured Luther's voluminous corpus, Oswald Bayer here reimages Luther's theology and its validity for today. The fruit of Bayer's lifelong engagement with the Reformer, Martin Luther's Theology: A Contemporary Interpretation will serve as the best comprehensive introduction to Luther's thought for a long time. Book jacket.
Table of Contents
The rupture between ages -- Every person is a theologian : Luther's understanding of theology -- The topic of theology : the sinning human being and the justifying God -- What does "evangelical" mean? The reformational turning point in Luther's theology -- What makes the Bible become Holy Scripture? -- Creation : establishment and preservation of a community -- The order of the world : church, household, state -- The human being : in the image of God -- Sin and the bound will -- God's wrath and evil -- "Through the son, our Lord" : God as mercy and love -- God's presence : the Holy Spirit -- The church -- Faith and good works --Spiritual and temporal rule : God's two realms -- Consummation of the world and God's triune nature -- Promise and prayer.