In Part I, Braaten assesses Luther's view of justification and its subsequent interpretation by orthodoxy, by Calvin, by Ritschl and Harnack, by Tillich, and by Barth. In Part II, the discussion turns to ecumenical dialogues on justification and the relation of the doctrine to evangelization, to the distinction between law and gospel, to pastoral care, and to the church's involvement in secular issues. Always lucid, often challenging, this book will stimulate thought and discussion beyond confessional lines.

Indispensable to understanding the advent and import of today's radically pluralistic scene, this unique historical anthology presents 37 signal readings from key theologians of this century. Outstanding interpreters of these figures and their generative ideas, Braaten and Jenson offer solid and sympathetic introductions and a clear scheme, a roadmap that makes sense of the fundamental and formative questions, concerns, "schools", and movements that have animated the theological enterprise in this explosive century, from 1900 right up to the threshold of contemporary currents.

Carl Braaten here issues an energetic call for a truly ecumenical church, including a Lutheran rationale for recovery of the historical episcopacy and papal primacy as servants of the gospel.Quoting Augustine's dictum that You cannot have God for your father unless you have the church for your mother, Braaten writes of the church's place in the divine scheme of things and of the various modernisms that distort or hide the classical Christian tradition. Tracing his own ecumenical journey, he outlines an ecclesiology of communion and advances specific proposals for enhancing Christian unity in...

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...

This book brings together Jewish and Christian scholars engaged in fresh thinking about the relation of their respective covenant communities. Speaking theologically and ecumenically, the contributors introduce readers to current attempts to construct a Jewish theology of Christianity and a Christian theology of Judaism.

The contributors to this volume argue forthrightly that neopaganism is not merely an objective threat from outside the walls of the church; in fact, gnostic forms of thought and spirituality permeate the church's inner life under such guises as "pluralism," "multiculturalism," "feminism," and "hospitality." Their essays are a direct attack on once-Bible-centered doctrine that is now being mingled with "alternatives" that are inherently hostile to the Christian faith. Contributors: Robert W. Jenson, Carl E. Braaten, Joseph-Augustine DiNoia, James R. Crumley, Robert L. Wilken, K. Paul Wesche,...

These essays address the crisis of biblical authority and interpretation in the church, focusing in particular on the inadequacy of the historical-critical method of hermeneutics, addressing from various perspectives the notorious gap between the historical-critical approach to the study of the Bible and the church's liturgical and dogmatic transmission of biblical faith. The authors, following Childs' "canonical method" of biblical interpretation, argue that the historical-critical method should not of itself set the agenda for biblical reading. Contributors: Robert W. Jenson, Carl E....