Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #703076 in Books
• Published on: 1997-06
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 141 pages

Customer Reviews

Rome and Wittenberg Exposed
This giant of a Lutheran, Bob Preus, here in his final book shows that real Lutheranism and real Roman Catholicism are radically different. What kind of Lutheran and what kind of Roman Catholic? Those who follow there official, historical, published beliefs.

Preus carefully shows that the recent announced settling of the theological differences through the publishing of "The Joint Declaration of Justification" is premature and not honest in its conclusions.

For centuries and still today, the major difference which separates confessions in Christianity is this doctrine of justification. Here Preus offers evidence from Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions and from church history that unless there is true agreement in all doctrine, there is no true theological settlement, only a false ornamentation of external unity.

Such is our ecumenical times, and as always, confessors of the truth have such to contend with. Dr. Preus will go down in history as one fine and valiant contender for the faith handed down. May we who inherit such fine examples continue in his stead, and contend for the three Reformational solas without being contenious.

This is a major work of first class. Written so many can feast at the nourishing truth laid out so cogently here. May the Lord bless all who read this substantial theological work.

An unwavering, truthful book by a kind and gentle scholar
Shortly after the reformation and Counter-Reformation, a vivid difference existed between Lutheran and Roman Catholic confessions on the doctrine of justification. One needs only to look a Martin Chemnitz' four giant tomes on the examination of the Council of Trent to know this was true--and widely known. Nevertheless, today, many Lutherans and Catholics claim that the difference between their confessions is really not such a giant chasm.

Dr. Robert Preus, however, would disagree that true differences between Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism no longer exist. In this, his final book before his death in November 1995, Dr. Robert Preus shows through recent documents and scholarship that true agreement has not really been reached between these two churches.

Dr. Preus shows that the priority in dialogues between Lutherans and Catholics is "external unity and external peace among the churches." (pg. 106) He brings to the fore that new definitions to define old terms have taken place instead of true agreement: "an amalgam of the old Lutheran and Roman Catholic definitions, or rather, a pasting together of the two disparate sets of definitions--sort of like a treaty." (pg. 111) Preus unmasks that agreements like the Joint Declaration are really vehicles that explain away true doctrinal differences as mere non-divisive differences.

Nevertheless, true differences do exist between Roman Catholicism and confession, orthodox Lutheranism. Here are a few for starters: 1) the authority of Scripture, 2) the doctrine of justification, the focus of this book, 3) the authority of the pope, 4) the number and the nature of the sacraments, and 5) the role of the Virgin Mary and the saints.

Buy the book to read the searing truth told in a non-vehement way. For "when two parties say they depend upon the saving grace of God for salvation, and by grace one party (the Lutherans) means the saving, loving disposition of God and the other party (the Roman Catholics) means an infused quality, can they be said to share a common confession?" (p. 54.) If you want to believe that no doctrinal differences exist and you like plugging your ears and singing happy melodies, then avoid this book. However, all truth seekers need to buy this book while it is still in print!