Product Description

First published in 1983, Principles of Lutheran Theology has guided students into theological reflection on the landmarks of Christian faith as understood in the Lutheran confessional heritage for a generation. The book sets forth the main principles of classical Lutheran theology but with an eschatological accent. Canon, confession, ecumenicity, Christ-centeredness, sacrament, law/ gospel, and two kingdoms are all examined not only in terms of their original meaning and historical development but also in light of current reflections.

In this new edition, Braaten takes stock of the research and reflection of the last twenty-five years and also adds a chapter on the distinctive, Archimedean Lutheran insight into the hiddenness of God as a fount or ground of all theologizing. This new edition, cross-referenced to key readings in Luther's Works and The Book of Concord, will both equip and facilitate the search for a contemporary articulation of Christian identity in light of the church's historic commitments

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #113499 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 179 pages

Review
"...a modern classic that criticizes, illumines, and inspirse with missionary zeal and catholic breadth." -- Steven D. Paulson, Professor of Systematic Theology, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota

"Braaten's construal of Lutheran theology is clear, concise, colorful, persuasive, and accurate." -- Robert Benne, Jordan-Trexler Professor of Religion Emeritus, Roranoke College, Virgina

About the Author
Carl E. Braaten is one of the leading theologians in American Lutheranism. He taught Systematic Theology for a generation at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and was founding editor of the popular theological journal dialog. He has dialog written or edited many foundational works in Lutheran theology, among them is a two-volume Christian Dogmatics (1985, 6-0001- 1873-2), edited with Robert Jenson and Justification: The Article by Which the Church Stands or Falls (1990, 0-8006-2403-3). For thirteen years Braaten has been director of the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology and editor of its journal, Pro Ecclesia.

Customer Reviews

Well written.
Excellent piece. But could have been written in a simpler language for someone with a limited background in apologetics.

A great intro to Lutheran "movement" thought & theology, to Ecumenical progress, and to early vs. modern Reformation theology
Great read on Lutheran church theology (although the word "Principles" should be emphasized in the title), ecumenical thought, and early Reformation vs. modern thought theology.

Carl E. Braaten is clear and concise to pack a lot of chapters in this little 154 page book. The term "Principles" should be emphasized, as Braaten does not write or present a systematic theology.

The chapters are as follows:
1) The Canonical Principle,
2) The Confessional Principle,
3) The Ecumenical Principle,
4) The Christocentric Principle,
5) The Sacramental Principle,
6) The Law/Gospel Principle, and
7) The Two-Kingdoms Principle.

Carl E. Braaten, accomplishes a couple of things for me, through this little intro to the theology of the Lutheran-"movement":

a) covers the whole wide horizon on how various Lutherans look at these important theological principles,
b) is not shy of showing the catholicity and also the ecumenical flavor of the Lutheran movement, and
c) presents Lutheran theology not as a stand-along theology but as a theology of a "movement" (Evangelical or Lutheran) whose scope is to reform (or revive, renewal of) the church, its members, and the role of Christianity and Christians in our modern times.

I would also need to add that in my search for an ecumenically-minded, creedal, liturgical, and historical Protestant church (coming from a neo-Protestant, free-worship, insular church and background) this book has been instrumental towards my finding the conservative Lutheran church as my home church. A church as a member of the Church (of Jesus Christ)!

Doing a search on Carl E. Braaten will show that his writings are focused on: ecumenism or Christian unity theology, ecclesiology, and Lutheran theology. These subjects should be welcomed also by Roman-Catholics and Reform Protestants.

Excellent review
A great overview of Lutheran beliefs and schools of theology. If you want to learn more about Lutheranism, as a church member or as a non-Lutheran, this is a good place to start. Not too difficult to read or too long, this book nonetheless packs in a lot of information. As a Missouri-Synod Lutheran I found it very helpful in understanding other Lutheran viewpoints. The price is right too.