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Documentation: Authority In The Church, C. F. Walther, Arnold Krugler (Translator)
Documentation: Authority In The Church, C. F. Walther, Arnold Krugler (Translator)
Concordia Theological Monthly
In 1879 Dr. Walther delivered a long essay to Iowa Lutheran congregations who were reluctant to join the Synod because they feared the Synod would arrogate to itself excessive authority over them. With extensive citations from Scripture, Luther, the Lutheran Confessions, and the Lutheran fathers, Walther developed his concept of the proper relationship between Synod and congregations.
The Just Shall Live By Faith, Otto W. Heick
The Just Shall Live By Faith, Otto W. Heick
Concordia Theological Monthly
When did Luther reach the reformation insight into the doctrine of Justification? The author reviews the literature on the question, and brings to the attention of American readers the work of Uuras Saarnivaara, which has received little scholarly attention since its publication.
Luther On Christ And The Old Testament, James S. Preus
Luther On Christ And The Old Testament, James S. Preus
Concordia Theological Monthly
Careful reading of this article will contribute to getting the hermeneutical debate in our Synod beyond the present impasse that has been created by a non-Lutheran posing of the alternatives by so many who are involved in the debate.
Campus Ministry And The University In The Mutual Task Of Liberation, Wayne Saffen
Campus Ministry And The University In The Mutual Task Of Liberation, Wayne Saffen
Concordia Theological Monthly
The author is Lutheran campus pastor at the University of Chicago. He delivered this address at the dedication of a striking ecumenical center for worship and religious services on the Edwardsville campus of Southern Illinois University on Oct. 18, 1971. In the address he challenged both the church and the university to become agents of God's program of setting people free.
The Other Understanding Of The Inspiration Texts, Traugott H. Rehwaldt
The Other Understanding Of The Inspiration Texts, Traugott H. Rehwaldt
Concordia Theological Monthly
In this article the author evaluates the notes of Franz Pieper on the inspiration of Scripture, presents a summary of Herman Sasse's view on inspiration, and then offers certain counsel concerning the proper understanding of the inspiration of the Scriptures.
Doctrinal Emphases In The Missouri Synod, Erwin L. Lueker
Doctrinal Emphases In The Missouri Synod, Erwin L. Lueker
Concordia Theological Monthly
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has had the same doctrinal basis for 125 years. It is remarkable that within that period of time the loyalty of no group in Synod to that basis as given in the constitution could be seriously challenged. This, however, does not mean that there were no variations in emphases. This study is a brief synopsis of such variations. It is not concerned with difference, uniformity, contradiction, or inconsistency in doctrine (although some of these factors may be present) but with coordinating stresses. Examination of consistent adherence to basic insights is also beyond the scope of this …
Let's Be Lutheran, Lloyd H. Goetz
Let's Be Lutheran, Lloyd H. Goetz
Concordia Theological Monthly
The Word of God is His self-revelation in the person of Jesus Christ. This is God's final, complete, and greatest communication to man for his salvation.
Apostolicity And Ministry: A Lutheran View, Carl S. Meyer
Apostolicity And Ministry: A Lutheran View, Carl S. Meyer
Concordia Theological Monthly
The author presents an historical survey of the Lutheran view of the ministry, with special emphasis on The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and concludes that the historic episcopate does not exist jure divino, and that fidelity to the apostolic Word is essential, not fidelity to apostolic succession.
Luther And The Principle: Outside Of The Use There Is No Sacrament, Edward F. Peters
Luther And The Principle: Outside Of The Use There Is No Sacrament, Edward F. Peters
Concordia Theological Monthly
On the basis of a thorough search of the Weimar Edition and other pertinent materials the author argues that Luther taught that a valid celebration of the Sacrament of the Altar requires the acts of consecration, distribution, and reception, but that the presence of Christ's body and blood is not limited to the moment of reception.
A Consideration Of The Meaning Of Prayer In The Life Of Martin Luther, Deanna Marie Carr
A Consideration Of The Meaning Of Prayer In The Life Of Martin Luther, Deanna Marie Carr
Concordia Theological Monthly
The author considers the meaning of prayer for Luther’s religious life and shows how during the 16th-century Reformation Luther "renewed" the wholesome traditions that had surrounded prayer in the prior history of the Christian church.
Erasmus-Luther: One Theology, One Method, Two Results, Gottfried G. Krodel
Erasmus-Luther: One Theology, One Method, Two Results, Gottfried G. Krodel
Concordia Theological Monthly
Luther and Erasmus were both biblical humanists, both affirmed the grace of God as central, but each constructed a different theological system. Erasmus always regarded theology as a descriptive task, best advanced by continuous disputations. Luther saw the Gospel as the crystal-clear center of Scripture, the saving knowledge revealed by God. Because of this conviction, Luther viewed theology as the task of making assertions, of boldly confessing one's faith.
Beza And Melanchthon On Political Obligation, Eugene Linse
Beza And Melanchthon On Political Obligation, Eugene Linse
Concordia Theological Monthly
Martin Luther and John Calvin thought of themselves not as philosophers or politicians, but first and last as theologians and students of the Word of God. Accordingly, we should not expect to find them presenting a comprehensive political philosophy or even a general theory of politics, for they did not see this as the task to which they were called. Whatever each had to say about political ideology or practice tended to be largely theoretical and the consequence of first principles rooted and grounded on theology. Of necessity both spoke of matters pertaining to the nature and function of politics, …
Erasmus On The Study Of Scriptures, Carl S. Meyer
Erasmus On The Study Of Scriptures, Carl S. Meyer
Concordia Theological Monthly
Erasmus (1469-1536) was the editor of the first published Greek New Testament printed from movable type (1516). He translated the books of the New Testament into Latin and also paraphrased them (except Revelation) in that language. He published the notes of Lorenzo Valla (1406-1457) on the New Testament. He must likewise be accounted as one of the important theologians of the first half of the 16th century as well as an earnest advocate of the study of Scriptures.
Reflections On Bonhoeffer's Theology, Otto W. Heick
Reflections On Bonhoeffer's Theology, Otto W. Heick
Concordia Theological Monthly
The difficulty of presenting a "theology of Bonhoeffer" which tries to relate organically the later fragmentary writings of Bonhoeffer to the more comprehensive studies of his earlier period has been recognized in a number of major studies since 1960. The famous essay on cheap grace written in 1937 protested against grace without discipleship and faith without obedience, drawing a sharp line of demarcation between the world and the community of saints.
The Presence Of Christ's Body And Blood In The Sacrament Of The Altar According To Luther, Norman Nagel
The Presence Of Christ's Body And Blood In The Sacrament Of The Altar According To Luther, Norman Nagel
Concordia Theological Monthly
The great feature of the 450th celebration of the Reformation is the extent of ecumenical participation. It might almost be said that our Roman Catholic brethren have taken over the show. Luther studies provide an index of the growth in mutual understanding, but what help is Luther at the heart of Christian unity, the doctrine of the Lord's Supper?
New Testament Studies, Past And Present, Edgar Krentz
New Testament Studies, Past And Present, Edgar Krentz
Concordia Theological Monthly
The pastor who picks up a recent New Testament introduction or theology, a study of the Synoptic Gospels or Acts, or a history of New Testament times may well feel that for him the study of the New Testament has become an arcane and esoteric discipline. The questions asked about the Redaktionsgeschichte of a Gospel, the surprising frequency with which the term gnosis or Gnosticism appears in current literature, or the discussion in many circles of "incipient catholicism" may well lead him to suspect that the whole discipline has now changed.
A Marxist De-Lutheranization Of The German Reformation, Douglas C. Stange
A Marxist De-Lutheranization Of The German Reformation, Douglas C. Stange
Concordia Theological Monthly
In 1947, when the rebuilding of a Europe ravaged by world war had only begun, a classical study of Thomas Müntzer appeared in Russia by the eminent historian, Moisei Mendelevich Smirin, entitled Nordnaja reformazija T. Mjunzera I welikaja krestjanskaja wojna. Five years later it was translated into German, and in 1956 it was enlarged and rcvised. Smirin's effort earncd him not only the Stalin prize, second class, but also acceptance as the "orthodox voice" in the confirmation of the Müntzer legend. Friedrich Engels in 1850 had baptized Münrzer's role in the German Reformation in the pure mainstream of Marxist history. …
Luther On Justification, John F. Johnson
Luther On Justification, John F. Johnson
Concordia Theological Monthly
Once upon a time every student of theology identified in any way with the Lutheran Confessions was able to read, pronounce, and understand the expression articulus stantis et cadentis ecclesiae. More importantly, he was not only able to read it; he believed with all his heart that this designation referred to the doctrine of justification. Indeed, this has always been the distinguishing mark of evangelical Lutheranism.
Martin Luther's Views On The State Of The Dead, Philip J. Secker
Martin Luther's Views On The State Of The Dead, Philip J. Secker
Concordia Theological Monthly
In 1765 the Anglican theologian Francis Blackburne asserted that Blessed Martin Luther “espoused the doctrine of the sleep of the soul, upon a scriptural foundation, and then he made use of it as a confutation of purgatory and saint worship, and continued in that belief to the last moment of his life.”
Luther's Exegetical Principle Of The Analogy Of Faith, Otto Hof
Luther's Exegetical Principle Of The Analogy Of Faith, Otto Hof
Concordia Theological Monthly
It was clear to Martin Luther that what was at issue in his discussion with his opponents, with Rome on the one hand and with the enthusiasts on the other, was not so much the question of principle regarding the importance and relevance of the Bible-in whatever way and however qualifiedly its authority was on all sides theoretically acknowledged and practically brought to bear in controversy through argumentation by means of Bible passages - as rather the question concerning the correct interpretation of the Holy Scripture.
The Martyrs Of Christ -A Sketch Of The Thought Of Martin Luther On Martyrdom, Douglas C. Stange
The Martyrs Of Christ -A Sketch Of The Thought Of Martin Luther On Martyrdom, Douglas C. Stange
Concordia Theological Monthly
If one wishes to discuss any contribution, rediscovery, or reformation that Luther made in the Christian church, he must recognize the great Reformer's primary concern that faith in Christ be purely preached. For Luther, the church was built on the rock that is Christ, and Christians were to preach the Savior's Evangel to all men.
The Idea Of Justice In Luther's First Publication, Heinz Bluhm
The Idea Of Justice In Luther's First Publication, Heinz Bluhm
Concordia Theological Monthly
The idea of justice or righteousness is at the very heart of the religion of Martin Luther. Everyone, friend and foe alike, agrees on this point. The special problem that has intrigued scholars for several decades now, ever since Luther's earliest Latin university lectures became available, is to determine as closely as possible the exact moment in Luther's development when a "new" conception of justice first dawned on him.
Martin Luther And The Idea Of Monasticism, Heinz Bluhm
Martin Luther And The Idea Of Monasticism, Heinz Bluhm
Concordia Theological Monthly
Monasticism was still a major issue in the first half of the 16th century in Europe. It played a definite role in the life of many men and women. Among the famous, Desiderius Erasmus and Ulrich von Hutten left the monastery easily, even eagerly; Martin Luther on the other hand only after immense inner difficulties. Inevitable as the final break was for Luther, it caused him great anguish of soul both before and after. Hence it is hardly surprising that throughout his numerous writings there are frequent references to what was surely one of the most stirring experiences in his …
The Function Of Historical Theology In The Theological Training Program, Walter W. Oetting
The Function Of Historical Theology In The Theological Training Program, Walter W. Oetting
Concordia Theological Monthly
What is the function of historical theology? Since many of you students are not sold on the value of studying history, to say the least, we need to know at the very outset why it is important for theological students to study the history of the church.
Fathers, Brethren, And Distant Relatives: The Family Of Theological Discourse, Jaroslav Pelikan
Fathers, Brethren, And Distant Relatives: The Family Of Theological Discourse, Jaroslav Pelikan
Concordia Theological Monthly
For the theologian, one Book is enough, and a thousand books are not too many. This paradox interprets the meaning and prescribes the role of the theological library. For the task of the theologian, of every theologian, is the exposition of the Sacred Scriptures. Yet to perform his task of expounding that one Book the theologian needs a great many books.
The Inclusive Nature Of Holy Baptism In Luther's Writings, Harry G. Coiner
The Inclusive Nature Of Holy Baptism In Luther's Writings, Harry G. Coiner
Concordia Theological Monthly
Though our action or behavior does not make the sacrament valid, nevertheless legitimate concerns are to be expressed from time to time regarding our understanding and employment of Baptism. Luther reminds us that Baptism is no human trifle devised or invented by men, but it is instituted by God Himself; for He strictly commanded that we must be baptized, or we cannot be saved; let no one regard it as a trivial matter, like putting on a new red coat. He expressed his estimation of Baptism in strong terms.
The Distinction Between Law And Gospel, Robert C. Schultz
The Distinction Between Law And Gospel, Robert C. Schultz
Concordia Theological Monthly
The distinction between law and Gospel is one of the clearest systematic expressions of the doctrine of justification through faith without works formulated by the Lutheran Reformation. The reformers' understanding of the bondage of the will, of conversion and repentance, and of the Christian as being at one and the same time a righteous man and a sinner is directly related to this distinction. It is also one of their basic hermeneutical principles.
Luther's Sola Scriptura, Lewis W. Spitz
Luther's Sola Scriptura, Lewis W. Spitz
Concordia Theological Monthly
Fifty gulden (about $470) to make Martin a doctor of theology was doubtless one of Elector Frederick's wisest investments - much wiser than the generous amount he spent for his prodigious collection of sacred relics. The payment of this fee guaranteed his Electoral Grace a tremendous benefit to his beloved University of Wittenberg. To obtain this sum of money for the promotion of his brilliant friar, Vicar John Staupitz had to the Elector that Luther would fill the chair of lectura in Biblia of the theological faculty for the remainder of his life.
Attitudes Toward The Use Of Force And Violence In Thomas Muentzer, Menno Simons, And Martin Luther, Ralph L. Moellering
Attitudes Toward The Use Of Force And Violence In Thomas Muentzer, Menno Simons, And Martin Luther, Ralph L. Moellering
Concordia Theological Monthly
The treatise offered here seeks to extract and delineate, from three leading figures of the Reformation period, three basic attitudes toward the use of force and violence which have been, and continue to be, assumed by the followers of Jesus Christ. When Constantine first raised the Christian banner in front of his armies he was already tending in the direction of the first position exemplified most clearly in the career and theology of Thomas Muentzcr.
Luther's Christ, Paul M. Bretscher
Luther's Christ, Paul M. Bretscher
Concordia Theological Monthly
For Luther, Christianity centered in the Lord Jesus Christ. First of all, in Christ as the Son of God. For no one else, he says, can overcome the wrath of God, destroy the power of death and devil, and grant eternal life. Whoever, therefore, sells short anything of this article "will in course of time lose all of Christianity and ultimately become a Turk." One may nor, therefore, tamper with the divine Word.