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A Study Guide For "The Soteriological Approach To Christian Doctrine", Ronald W. Roschke
A Study Guide For "The Soteriological Approach To Christian Doctrine", Ronald W. Roschke
Concordia Theological Monthly
The study guide is designed to be used with the entire section of Mayer’s book dealing with the soteriological approach. This includes some material in lessons 3 and 5 not included in this reprint. We have included the page numbers of those materials in Mayer (according to the 1961 edition) so that those who have access to the full volume may use it. Furthermore, those questions dealing with these materials are marked with an *. We have attempted to construct these questions in such a way that discussion can take place even if all members of the class do not …
Psychology And Theology: A Return To Dialog, Alan C. Reuter
Psychology And Theology: A Return To Dialog, Alan C. Reuter
Concordia Theological Monthly
There is a close relationship between Christian theology and contemporary psychology. The Lutheran theological tradition is especially founded in an experiential matrix which gives it a common ground with psychological thought. However, this relationship between theology and psychology has not always been a clear or comfortable one.
The Political Function Of Luther's Doctrina, James R. Preus
The Political Function Of Luther's Doctrina, James R. Preus
Concordia Theological Monthly
Theology is implicitly political; Luther’s career as theologian demonstrates this principle clearly. By attacking the papacy's doctrine, Luther attacked the framework of society in 16th-century Europe. The doctrine of faith had explosive political implications, and Luther found himself increasingly forced to place limits on the political conclusions drawn from his work by his followers, chiefly through his construction of the two-kingdoms teaching.
'Your Job, Mr. President ... .", David S. Schuller
'Your Job, Mr. President ... .", David S. Schuller
Concordia Theological Monthly
Good humor and a certain salty Lutheran irreverence are necessary on the day of a presidential inauguration to make sure we don't believe every exaggeration spoken in the excitement of the occasion. You may remember the inauguration of a university president some years on the first anniversary of his inauguration ago. After two days of festivities and speeches suggesting that the fate of half of Western culture revolved about the decisions that would be made by the new president, a friend put his hand on his shoulder and said, "'Look, George, forget all that stuff. You have three main jobs: …
Theological Education: The Ecumenical Dimension, Thomas Coates
Theological Education: The Ecumenical Dimension, Thomas Coates
Concordia Theological Monthly
This article was originally presented as a lecture al the Consultation on Ecumenical Affairs of The Lutheran World Federation, Tokyo, Japan, May 5, 1971.
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.
Walther's Theology Of The Word, Carl S. Meyer
Walther's Theology Of The Word, Carl S. Meyer
Concordia Theological Monthly
C. F. W. Walther (1811-1887), the premier theologian of the Missouri Synod, was a dogmatician who relied heavily on the writers of Lutheran Orthodoxy of the 16th and 17th century. He made little use of the historical-exegetical method. John Philipp Koehler, the historian of the Wisconsin Synod, points out, for instance, regarding the proposal to have one joint theological seminary within the Synodical Conference in 1878: “Walther's hobby, the Latin disputation, with Latin the medium of instruction, as embodied in the Missouri proposals for the joint seminary was as antiquated scholasticism and besides would have kept the whole study of …
The Sense Of Church History In Representative Missouri Synod Theology, David W. Lotz
The Sense Of Church History In Representative Missouri Synod Theology, David W. Lotz
Concordia Theological Monthly
Based on representative Missouri Synod writings from the late 19th century, the author describes and documents an "antihistorical bias" that has provided impediments to an appropriate appreciation of church history in Missouri Synod theology.
Theology-Philosophy-Poetry: Toward A Synopsis, Erwin L. Lueker
Theology-Philosophy-Poetry: Toward A Synopsis, Erwin L. Lueker
Concordia Theological Monthly
From his background as professor of systematic theology, as well as that of his deep interest in philosophy and poetry and his writing in these fields over many years, the author sketches his impressions of the nature of the relationship between theology, philosophy, and poetry and indicates the current tendency toward a synopsis. The relationship between literature (especially poetry) and philosophy and theology is receiving increasing attention from scholars in all three areas. It is the author's conviction that the sensitivity of poets often makes them pioneers in recognizing new situations and impending changes and that some of the outstanding …
Hermeneutics And The Teacher Of Theology, Edgar Krentz
Hermeneutics And The Teacher Of Theology, Edgar Krentz
Concordia Theological Monthly
After discussing the use and meaning of the term “Hermeneutics," the author explores both the historical and the critical dimensions necessary in contemporary Biblical study and shows how teachers of theology, their students, and pastors can derive great benefits from such historical-critical studies of the sacred Scriptures.
Existence And Process: A Study Of The Theology Of Schubert Ogden, Robert W. Paul
Existence And Process: A Study Of The Theology Of Schubert Ogden, Robert W. Paul
Concordia Theological Monthly
The author examines the conceptions of existentialism and process philosophy by which Schubert Ogden formulates his understanding of Christian theology and expresses his apologetic interests.
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.
Rudolf Bultmann Revisited, Otto W. Heick
Rudolf Bultmann Revisited, Otto W. Heick
Concordia Theological Monthly
Early in the fifties the writer asked the late Paul Althaus of Erlangen whether in his opinion World War II ushered in a new epoch in the history of theology, as had been the case with the first World War. His answer was no. The emphasis in theology, he felt, had remained unchanged. Seen from the vantage point of the mid-sixties, we know that Althaus was wrong. Gradually through the fifties interest in neoorthodoxy declined. Karl Barth no longer dominated the theological scene. The name of Rudolf Bultmann began to claim primary attention. The historical problems of the New Testament …
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, …
A Tribute To An Evangelical Ministry, Arthur C. Repp
A Tribute To An Evangelical Ministry, Arthur C. Repp
Concordia Theological Monthly
One can hardly speak of a Fuerbringer without bringing in some church history. This is especially true of Alfred O. Fuerbringer, who traces a line of ministers as forebears back to the 17th century through his father's side, and two centuries farther back on his grandmother's side, including one of the signers of the Formula of Concord in 1577-1580 (Martinus Bungerus). He has an even more intimate relationship with the Missouri Synod, for his grandfather was one of the Saxon founders. Two of his predecessors to the presidency of Concordia Seminary were related to him, C. F. W. Walther, who …
The Gospel, The Pastor, And "Culture.", Warren Rubel
The Gospel, The Pastor, And "Culture.", Warren Rubel
Concordia Theological Monthly
Actually the word "culture" continues to evoke an unmanageable number of responses from most of us. So much so that we need to distinguish quickly among a number of ideas clustering around the term in order to place the understandably complex relationships among the Christian gospel, the pastor, and culture in a meaningful if limited perspective. Here, after offering a quick sketch of some of the main currents and crosscurrents surrounding culture today, we attempt to suggest a rough plot for personal action. Our assumption is that the pastor as perpetual "student and literary worker" will fill in the details …
The Hermeneutical Problem And Preaching, V. C. Pfitzer
The Hermeneutical Problem And Preaching, V. C. Pfitzer
Concordia Theological Monthly
One is sometimes tempted to the thought that the theologian's work is often carried out not in obedience to the Great Commission of Matt. 28:19 f.: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations … teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you," but rather in compliance with an unknown saying which might run: "Go ye therefore and discuss with all nations, … and make into problems whatsoever I have commanded you.” It is thus with some diffidence that I have left the word "problem" in the heading of this paper. But I do it for the following …
On Change In Theology, Martin H. Franzmann
On Change In Theology, Martin H. Franzmann
Concordia Theological Monthly
This holds with special force for a confessional-conservative church which is, with good reason, appreciative of and jealous for its heritage; and such The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is, thank God. The question "have we changed?" is charged with emotion, and at least one component of that emotion is one that must be honored and taken seriously: the clement of holy fear lest that one talent which is death to hide be lodged with us useless.
The Theologian's Craft, John Warwick Montgomery
The Theologian's Craft, John Warwick Montgomery
Concordia Theological Monthly
Scientists are generally at a loss to know precisely what theologians do. Mailmen deliver letters; bartenders serve numerous varieties of firewater; otorhinolaryngologists concern themselves with throats, ears, and noses: but what exactly do theologians endeavor to accomplish? The aura of mystery surrounding theological activity troubles not merely the scientist, who generally has a clear-eyed view of his own professional function, but also the so-called "average man," who, though his awareness of his own role in life may be exceedingly vague, is even more troubled by the peculiarities of "religious" vocations. The wry comment of the parishioner, ''We take care of …
Theology And Moden Literature-Survey, Donald L. Deffner
Theology And Moden Literature-Survey, Donald L. Deffner
Concordia Theological Monthly
In Randall Stewart's American Literature and Christian Doctrine, the author unabashedly abandons "the so-highly-prized, the so-strenuously-inculcated academic neutrality" (p. viii) and pleads for a creatively critical evaluation of modern literature by Christian theologians. According to Stewart, the Christian critic must charge contemporary literature "to give an answer for the faith" that is in it. In the same spirit, John Killinger insists he must "ask hard questions of the creative arts… that the critic [the theologian] must judge, or it has nothing at all to say." (Sec John Killinger, The Failure of Theology in Modem Literature, pp. 15, 16)
The Old Testament In The Pulpit, Herbert T. Mayer
The Old Testament In The Pulpit, Herbert T. Mayer
Concordia Theological Monthly
How much should the pastor preach from the Old Testament? Probably the general answer should be: More than he has been doing. A brief review of sermon study series and sermon books published for pastors of The Lutheran Church -Missouri Synod reveals an average of four or five New Testament studies for each Old Testament text.
Brief Studies, Carl S. Meyer
Brief Studies, Carl S. Meyer
Concordia Theological Monthly
Theology or Philosophy of History Which?
Dangerous Trends In Modern Theological Thought, K. Runia
Dangerous Trends In Modern Theological Thought, K. Runia
Concordia Theological Monthly
In an article on “The Development of Theological Thought;” contributed to the symposium Twentieth Century Christianity, Dr. Walter Marshall Horton distinguishes four phases during the first six decades of this century.
The Theological Library And The Tradition Of Christian Humanism, Jaroslav Pelikan
The Theological Library And The Tradition Of Christian Humanism, Jaroslav Pelikan
Concordia Theological Monthly
Theology is a creation of the human spirit. It is, I am persuaded, vastly more than this. Indeed, if it is right theology, it is a creation of the Divine Spirit Himself. I am speaking as a university professor and scholar in the field of the humanities, to which theology as a creation of the human spirit belongs, and as one who believes that today the creativity of the human spirit needs all the help it can get.
Theology As Habitus Practicus Theosdotos: A Lutheran Emphasis, Henry J. Eggold
Theology As Habitus Practicus Theosdotos: A Lutheran Emphasis, Henry J. Eggold
Concordia Theological Monthly
The theologians of the 17th century distinguished between the abstract and the concrete use of the term "theology." Only in an abstract, accidental, and relative sense did they call theology "doctrine ... or even a book or a system exhibiting theology."
The Word Of God In The Theology Of Lutheran Orthodoxy, Robert D. Preus
The Word Of God In The Theology Of Lutheran Orthodoxy, Robert D. Preus
Concordia Theological Monthly
The intention of this paper is not to offer a complete delineation of the doctrine of the Word of God in the theology of Lutheran orthodoxy, a project entirely too vast to be undertaken within our limited space. Our interest is to learn what the orthodox Lutheran teachers say to us on the specific issues now under debate. I have therefore restricted this study to a simple twofold purpose: (l) to present and analyze what Lutheran orthodoxy has said on the chief problems concerning the doctrine of the Word and (2) to offer significant observations regarding the real concerns and …
Rudolf Bultmann And The Sacrament Of Holy Baptism, John H. Elliott
Rudolf Bultmann And The Sacrament Of Holy Baptism, John H. Elliott
Concordia Theological Monthly
In the fullness of time God sent forth His Son, a pre-existent divine Being, who appears on earth as a man. He dies the death of a sinner on the cross and makes atonement for the sins of men. His resurrection marks the beginning of the cosmic catastrophe … all who belong to Christ's Church and are joined to the Lord by Baptism and the Eucharist are certain of resurrection to salvation. . .. "
Theology And Church Music As Bearers And Interpreters Of The Verbum Dei, Walter B. Buszin
Theology And Church Music As Bearers And Interpreters Of The Verbum Dei, Walter B. Buszin
Concordia Theological Monthly
In the very first issue of Musik und Kirche, published in January/February 1930, Christhard Mahrenholz stated in his foreword that no age or generation can afford simply to take for granted that a relationship exists between the church and her music. Mahrenholz emphasized at the time that the very nature of the problems involved demands that each generation study this question anew.
Melanchthon The Theologian, Robert D. Preus
Melanchthon The Theologian, Robert D. Preus
Concordia Theological Monthly
It would seem impossible that the theme "Melanchthon the Theologian," which is as comprehensive as it is indefinite, could be discussed satisfactorily in any brief presentation. The actual purpose and scope of this study is, however, narrower than the rather general theme might indicate. I propose to consider Melanchthon’s contributions to that discipline which is now known as dogmatics, to trace the impact of his systematic bent upon Lutheran theology, to delineate some of his main ideas on theology, and thus to assess him as a theologian.
Prolegomena According To Karl Barth, Robert D. Preus
Prolegomena According To Karl Barth, Robert D. Preus
Concordia Theological Monthly
In a former article I pointed out by way of introduction that Karl Barth by his raking cognizance of both exegesis and church history ranks rightfully above most of his contemporaries as a dogmatician of stature. In the present article I shall try to examine Barth's opinion on the subjects of theology and dogmatics more specifically. We shall find that Barth takes a position on the matter of prolegomena very close to that of the 16th- and 17th-cenrury Lutheran and Reformed teachers, that his position is in the main both Scriptural and sane. Here, although we shall perhaps discern nothing …