Mannermaa's revisionist work on justification in Luther's theology--a notable contribution from one of the most influential Finnish scholars of Luther studies-- is now available in English. His book opens up new interpretive questions for historical theology with striking implications for ecumenism, ethics, and spirituality. He writes, "the idea of the divine life in Christ which is present in faith lies at the very center of the theology of the Reformer." He argues that later Lutheran interpretation of this teaching has portrayed justification as more mechanical and forensic than Luther did,...

Published in Finland in 1983, Two Kinds of Love is the second of Tuomo Mannermaas provocative books offering a distinctly different interpretation of Martin Luthers theology. In Two Kinds of Love, Mannermaa unfolds Luthers understanding of love as the key to the reformers theology of grace. Human love orients toward that which is already good and beautifuland, as such, comes into being only through the prestige and glory of the loved one. In contrast, Gods love is a pure gift of grace, which makes possible our love for God and for one another.