Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons^™

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

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.

Pieper's Principium In Its Historical-Theological Setting, David Meyer

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

My purpose is not merely to seek a critical and objective analysis of Pieper’s understanding of Scripture as the present-day principium theologiae, but my purpose is to reproduce Pieper’s theology of the principium against the backdrop of his theological world as he saw it.

The Cosmological Proof For The Existence Of God In Post-Reformation Theology, Otto Stahlke

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

It ls the aim of this study to inquire whether the Post-Reformation theologians were aware of the difficulty which the cosmological proof has encountered in later thought, and, if so, how they responded to this difficulty.

The Doctrine Of Infant Baptism In The German Protestant Theology Of The Nineteenth Century, David Scaer

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

This work is not written primarily to give answer to the difficulties which might arise in connection with infant baptism. This it might, do incidentally and this is certainly the author's wish. What is endeavored here is to analyze the doctrine or infant baptism as it appeared in the nineteenth century in Germany, the land of Luther. In so far as we are dealing with a limited period of time within certain defined geographical limits, our work is historically orientated. But in far as the various teachings on infant baptism are analyzed, this task belongs to that of systematic theology. …

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

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

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 Research In America 1900-1960, Walter Tillmanns

Doctor of Theology Dissertation

The objectives of this study are to present a detailed overview of the three types of Luther research in America, the Protestant, the Roman Catholic, and the Lutheran, and then to evaluate this research. A Lutheran evaluation of this research must of necessity be Lutheran, but an attempt will be made to be fair in this evaluation to all. In other words, the assumption is that there has been progress in Luther research in America and that in spite of the ups and downs, conditioned by two World Wars and religious and philosophical prejudices, there is a deeper understanding of …

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

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

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.

The Theological Implications Of Confirmation, Arthur C. Repp

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Lutheran practice of confirmation can hardly be described as uniform during its long history. The differences varied greatly both in number and in kind as many accretions attached themselves to this practice. Because there was no Biblical basis for confirmation, the Lutheran Church did not hesitate to warrant new emphases and directions with changing circumstances and needs. As confirmation is practiced today, especially in the United States, it is cluttered with the remnants of such additions, the origins of which are rarely recognized. Just as the Reformation Church thought it was restoring confirmation in accord with the tradition of …

Do We Need Another Reformation?, Lewis W. Spitz

Concordia Theological Monthly

In view of the tremendous progress of our age in all areas of human endeavor and the problems it has created, the question has been asked: "Do we need another Reformation?" After all, nearly four and a half centuries have passed since Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church at Wittenberg.

The Christian Answer To The Ethical Problem: A Study Of Catechism Question Number 170, Dale E. Griffin

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Reformation doctrine of justification by faith without the deeds of the Law has been frequently questioned and declared to be injurious to the moral and ethical lives of the children of God.

Luther's Theology Of The Holy Spirit In His Sermons Of John 14, 15, 16, Gerhard Galchutt

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

The purpose of this research is to participate in the denominational investigations with regard to specific theologies of the Spirit. Scientifically stated our. purpose is only to see what Luther himself says·about the Spirit and the Spirit's working.

The Eschatology Of The Lutheran Symbols, Walter Pieper

Master of Sacred Theology Thesis

For some years there has been a renewed interest in eschatology. A specific treatment of eschatology from the Lutheran point of view, however, is still lacking. With the exception of Schlink and Brunstaed, neither of whose treatment is completely adequate, nothing has been written on the subject of the -eschatological expectation found in the Lutheran Symbols. The goal of this paper, therefore, is to draw the eschatological references from the Symbols to discover how the writers looked at that which lay beyond this life and how this expectancy related to their presentation of the faith.

Concept Of Personal Freedom In Berdyaev, David J. Klumpp

Bachelor of Divinity

This paper will attempt to describe Berdyaev’s thinking on the subject of personal freedom. No attempt will be made to criticize or evaluate his thinking by either the criteria of philosophy or theology although instances in which he takes issue or attacks Orthodox Christianity will be noted. In presenting Berdyavev’s concept of personal freedom an attempt will be made to remain within the framework of his thought as it is available in his English writings.

Theology And Love, Richard R. Caemmerer

Concordia Theological Monthly

Two customs of thought have tended to erect, if not a barrier, at least a filter between theology and Christian life.

The one is the hoary distinction between the "doctrinal" and the "practical" portions of the epistles - as though the apostles were "teaching" less strenuously when they were shaping the life and behavior of their readers than when they were discussing their faith. The other is the theologically more recent distinction between kerygma and didache and the assumption that when a preacher wants to save people, he tells them about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; when he …

Luther And Sanctification, Philip S. Watson

Concordia Theological Monthly

In a volume of sermons which he published in 1788, John Wesley took occasion to repeat a criticism of Luther that he had first made after reading his commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians many years before. "It has frequently been observed," he says, "that very few were clear in their judgment both with regard to justification and sanctification"; and he cites Luther as an example. "Who," he asks, "has wrote more ably than Martin Luther on justification by faith alone? And who was more ignorant of the doctrine of sanctification, or more confused in his conceptions of it?" …

What Luther Says: A Review, Theodore Hoyer

Concordia Theological Monthly

The last 80 years have seen a great revival of interest in Reformation history and as a result an ever-increasing research in the facts of those times. Its beginning came with the preparations for the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Luther's birth in 1883. More especially, however, this new Luther and Reformation research was launched by those who were opposed to Luther and to Protestantism in general. They knew what this celebration would initiate: literature describing, defending, promoting Protestant interests. In order to meet and to stop this, they did-the very best they could to promote it!

Luther's Apologetics, Siegbert Becker

Concordia Theological Monthly

The renewed interest in the construction of a Christian apologetic which is stirring in Protestantism ought also to stimulate Lutherans to take a fresh look at the possibilities of defending the Christian faith before an unbelieving world. As Protestantism shortens its lines in an attempt to strengthen its position, it behooves a Lutheran theologian to come to a clear understanding of the nature and the place of apologetics in the Christian witness.

The Significance Of Luther's Term Pure Passive As Quoted In Article Ii Of The Formula Of Concord, Robert D. Preus

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Lutheran doctrine of conversion, standing as it does between Calvinism and synergism, is always a difficult position to maintain and defend; for it is built on a paradox, a paradox of exclusive divine action and complete human participation. Faith is at the same time passive and active: passive in that man, blind and dead spiritually, in coming to faith only suffers God to work this change in his heart, active in that man himself believes and is in no way coerced in this nor divested of any of his faculties.

Luther's World Of Thought: A Review, Paul M. Bretscher, Erwin Lueker

Concordia Theological Monthly

This is the title of a 315-page book written in German (Luthers geistige Welt, 2d ed., 1953) by the Heidelberg church historian Heinrich Bornkamm, translated into English by Martin Bertram (professor of German at Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Ind.), and published by Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis. Before analyzing the content of this volume the question why Bornkamm's book was made available to American readers deserves some consideration.

The Doctrine Of Christ's Exaltation In Luther's Theology, Gerhard Galchutt

Bachelor of Divinity

If we, us Lutherans, are within Western Protestantism, it would hardly be possible for us to escape the influence of this milieu. And this writer believes this influence and its effects are readily found also within or own church body. There may be no traces of this influence in our doctrine and theological discussion, but it might become manifest already.in our cultus and then in some of our religious publications and devotional art for popular consumption. If so, this thesis has a very “practical” bent. It tries to set forth Luther's doctrine of the exalted Christ as a corrective for …

Luther's Concept Of The Two Kingdoms And The American Situation, Walter Charles Pieper

Bachelor of Divinity

It is neither the purpose of this paper to prove or disprove any man’s theory of interpretation of application of Luther’s teaching and to see how it has affected modern history, but rather it aims to look at Luther and see what he actually says.

Suggested Principles For A Hermeneutics Of The Lutheran Symbols, Arthur Carl Piepkorn

Concordia Theological Monthly

The Symbols have various intended uses. They can serve as a legal club, in order to enforce conformity with their teaching by a clergyman or instructor who has solemnly committed himself to teach and practice according to them, under pain of dismissal for having obtained money or other emoluments under false pretenses. But this is certainly an opus alienum. Their proper office includes serving as a norm of teaching and of administering Sacraments, to which an individual solemnly and voluntarily committed to them strives conscientiously to conform; as a Symbol, that is, an identification among Lutherans, since they are the …

A Critique Of Aulen's Christus Victor, George O. Evenson

Concordia Theological Monthly

One of the most significant theological books published in recent decades is Christus Victor by Gustaf Aulen. In it he suggests that there are three main ideas or theories of the atonement: the classic, the Latin, and the subjective-humanistic. That which makes the book both significant and controversial is the author's contention that the authentic Scriptural doctrine of the atonement is the classic idea, that Luther was an exponent of the classic idea and that therefore the orthodox Lutheran doctrine of the atonement differs markedly both from Scripture and from Luther. Aulen asserts that “the doctrine of Lutheranism became a …

Luthers Leher Von Altarsakrament 1525-1529, Jobst Melchior Schone

Bachelor of Divinity

Luther's teaching on the sacrament of the altar. Luthers Lehere Vom Altarsakrament. Luther's Doctrine of the Altar Sacrament

Was Luther A Nominalist?, Bengt Haegglund

Concordia Theological Monthly

The problem of the relation between Luther and the tradition which derives its name from William of Occam has in our time acquired a new interest. Certain Roman Catholic critics are inclined to ascribe the Reformer's heretical ideas to nominalist influences. According to them nominalism bears within itself a ferment of dissolution; it rejects in a radical manner the fundamental presuppositions of the whole scholastic theology. Is such a view based on an accurate representation of nominalism? This is a question which we cannot answer within the limits of the present article.