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Full-Text Articles in Arts and Humanities
Not My Church: Confessional Living In An All-Consuming World, Cody Macmillan
Not My Church: Confessional Living In An All-Consuming World, Cody Macmillan
Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal
What I hope to offer in the following pages is a vision for the Church that is not our own in a world that is increasingly foreign to us. In a discussion of the Scriptures and the Sacraments, I would like to present three ways in which this Church is distinctly alien in nature. She presents alien standards, alien sentiment, and alien strength to which we are called to subscribe, submit, and surrender. In presenting the alien nature of this church, I offer points of contrast and comparison with the culture to which we are tempted to succumb. These comparisons …
The Beginnings Of Jewish Missions In The Lcms, Jaron Melin
The Beginnings Of Jewish Missions In The Lcms, Jaron Melin
Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal
Mission is the theological account of the relationship between the church and the world. Where are the Jews in this relationship? If the church and the Jews had a relationship status on Facebook, then it might say, “It’s complicated.” This may be true of any kind of missions, but this shows itself to be especially true in Lutheran history and in particular LCMS-history. I look at the histories as recorded by Meyer, Lieske, Cohen, Parviz, and others on the early history of Jewish Missions in the LCMS, and I reflect on the context and theology behind them using missiologists like …
Virtual Reality In And For Creation, Jaron Melin
Virtual Reality In And For Creation, Jaron Melin
Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal
Within the last few years, there has been growing excitement and concern in the rise of what is called the metaverse. How do various enthusiasts and observers characterize the metaverse? Bobrowsky on the Wall Street Journal reports the metaverse as “an extensive online world transcending individual tech platforms, where people exist in immersive, shared virtual spaces. Through avatars, people are able to try on items available in stores or attend concerts with friends, just as they would offline.”
Arius As A Figure In Church History, Kendall Davis
Arius As A Figure In Church History, Kendall Davis
Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal
Church history, much like any other kind of history, is an exercise in meaning-making and identity creation. As Anglican theologian, Rowan Williams, writes regarding Church history, “We begin with a sense of identity that is in some way fragile or questionable, and we embark on the enterprise of history to make it clearer and more secure. In the process, of course, definitions may change a good deal, but the aim is to emerge with some fuller sense of who we are.”1 This is quite obviously true when we tell stories about the heroes of the faith: Irenaeus, Martin Luther, C. …
How Embodied Human Creatures Converse Online, David Edwards
How Embodied Human Creatures Converse Online, David Edwards
Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal
Have you ever noticed just how much you can learn about what a person has going on in life without asking them a single question? All you have to do is hop on Facebook, scroll through twitter, or scan Instagram and you can see updates on everything! From the birth of a first child to the death of a loved one, from their favorite new show to Fantasy Football failures, it is pretty easy to learn a lot about a person and their life today with only so much as a couple of clicks on a screen or a keyboard.
Righteousness And Salvation, Tibebu Senbetu
Righteousness And Salvation, Tibebu Senbetu
Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal
Some of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) and the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Mekane Yesus (EECMY) members’ understanding of righteousness and salvation fits into neither Pauline nor Jacobite teaching.1 This short paper examines whether Christians in Ethiopia today correctly understand the whole account of Scripture about righteousness and salvation. It also analyzes what the Scriptures and the Lutheran teachings say on the subject. Knowingly or unknowingly, the full biblical message on soteriology has been neglected by some Christians, which has resulted in a confused understanding of righteousness and salvation. Finally, this paper attempts to bridge the gap between the …
Rethinking Law And Gospel In The Way We Do Preaching, Benjamin Berteau
Rethinking Law And Gospel In The Way We Do Preaching, Benjamin Berteau
Grapho : Concordia Seminary Student Journal
This paper evaluates the impact of C. F. W. Walther’s Law and Gospel and Richard Caemmerer’s goal, malady, means approach to homiletics, also discussing the potential trap of law-gospel reductionism. A suggested pathway forward is a reemphasis on a creedal approach to Lutheran theology and preaching as well as a renewal of rhetoric as foundational to ultimately restoring a positive view of the third use or function of the law in Lutheran preaching. Having done so, the reader may certainly apply this positive view of the law as it relates to preaching on other topics related to the Christian Life …
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 …
Rejoicing In Mercy: Unity In Diversity, John W. Constable
Rejoicing In Mercy: Unity In Diversity, John W. Constable
Concordia Theological Monthly
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has adopted an apt slogan to celebrate a century and a quarter of its existence: "Rejoicing in Mercy." The Lord has been good to our beloved Synod and has given us so much. A quarter of a century ago we celebrated "A Century of Grace;" a half-century ago we cried "Ebenezer" - "the Lord hath helped us hitherto."
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.
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.
'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: …
The Task Of The Theological Professor, Arthur C. Repp
The Task Of The Theological Professor, Arthur C. Repp
Concordia Theological Monthly
This paper is a revision of a statement on the nature and purpose of the theological seminary that Dr. Repp read, to the Fact Finding Committee appointed by Dr. Jacob A. 0. Preus, President of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, to investigate the Biblical teaching of the faculty of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.
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.
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 …
Law-Gospel Reductionism In The History Of The Lutheran Church -Missouri Synod, Edward H. Schroeder
Law-Gospel Reductionism In The History Of The Lutheran Church -Missouri Synod, Edward H. Schroeder
Concordia Theological Monthly
This essay proposes to trace a segment of the history of hermeneutics in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod insofar as the distinction between Law and Gospel plays a role in that history. The study is important because in recent years one school of thought in the Synod has stated that some pastors and teachers are confusing the proper relationship between the two by practicing what these critics call "Gospel reductionism." This criticism seems to have been launched in the Synod in two conference papers that John Warwick Montgomery delivered to eight different audiences in the spring and fall of 1966.
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.
The Theology Of Acts, Robert H. Smith
The Theology Of Acts, Robert H. Smith
Concordia Theological Monthly
The author argues that Luke-Acts must be read as a single work in two volumes, whose author is a brilliant theologian. Acts 28:17-31 provides a window through which the reader can begin to penetrate and to ponder the theological message of Luke-Acts.
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 …
Ministry Without Fear, Krister Stendahl
Ministry Without Fear, Krister Stendahl
Concordia Theological Monthly
I worry a lot about speaking to you senior seminarians. I feel honored and moved by the occasion. I sense much of the feelings and the fears and the joys and hopes, sometimes together and sometimes in clash, that are present in this room and in your branch of the church. It is the kind of situation in which it is difficult for anyone to speak who doesn't have to pay the price of staying and sweating it out. I will not give a very delightful and happy dinner speech, although, I guess, real humor is not to tell stories …
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.
Early Israel As The Kingdom Of Yahweh, Albert E. Glock
Early Israel As The Kingdom Of Yahweh, Albert E. Glock
Concordia Theological Monthly
Archaeological evidence indicates that early Israel as the kingdom of Yahweh functioned on the analogy of Ancient Near Eastern vassal states. In the religion of Early Israel both law and warfare were vehicles for the extension of Yahweh's covenant rule.
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 …