Principles Of Biblical Interpretation In The Lutheran Confessions

Illustrates how the Confessions derive from Scripture.

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.

Protestant is shorthand for a spreading family tree of church and theological traditions. Each tradition embodies a historically shaped perspective on the beliefs, practices and priorities that make up a Christian community. Whether you are an insider to one tradition, a hybrid of two or three, or--as many Christians today--an outsider to all, Exploring Protestant Traditions is a richly informative field guide to eight prominent Protestant theological traditions: Lutheran, Anabaptist, Reformed, Anglican, Baptist, Wesleyan, Dispensational and Pentecostal. Clearly and evenhandedly, W. David Buschart traces the histories of each tradition, explains their interpretive approaches to Scripture and identifies their salient beliefs. As a result, you will gain a sense of what it is to believe and worship as a Reformed or Pentecostal Christian, who the traditions' heroes are and where the "theological accents" are placed. Charts displaying the denominational representatives of each tradition and bibliographies mapping the path for further explorations add to the value of this guide. This is a book that seeks to receive rather than evaluate, to listen and understand rather than judge or correct. His is a model of theological hospitality that encourages you to open your doors to the varied ways in which Protestantism has taken root in history and human society. Some things take time, like coming to know a religious tradition. But Exploring Protestant Traditions is an excellent place to start.

Scripture has always played an important role in Christian theology. This study provides an issue oriented overview of the concepts of Scripture in Protestant theology from the 16th century Reformation onward. It then sets forth the concepts of Scripture in the theologies of two contemporary systematic theologians: W. Pannenberg and D. G. Bloesch. It analyzes, compares and evaluates the theological and anthropological presuppositions that have influenced their concept of Scripture. Despite fundamentally different starting points and other significant distinctions Pannenberg and Bloesch reveal surprising similarities. This seems to suggest that for both the concept of Scripture is determined ultimately by presuppositions that are derived and shaped extra scripturam".

With a unique and stimulating perspective on the history of interpretation this book provides a guideline for the use of dictionaries and word studies.

All Three volumes deal with the issue of biblical inerrancy (that the Bible is completely true and accurate, not only when it speaks to ideas of religious belief, but also when it speaks about factual elements of history and science, properly understood). This issue rocked the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod back in the late 1960s and early 1970s, prompting the release of the first two volumes. Volume one consists of essays by John Warwick Montgomery himself, and is addressed primarily to theologians. Volume two consists of an anthology by eight separate Lutheran contributors and is addressed to laymen as well as professional theologians. Volume 3 is new, never before published material and consists of essays by Dr. Montgomery outlining a new challenge along the same lines. Dr. Jeffery Kloha suggested a few years ago with the latest critical edition of the New Testament (Nestle-Aland 28th Edition), because of the interchangeability of some variant readings, that we now had a "plastic text". Dr. Montgomery goes up against this assertion with everything he has. Though obviously addressing themselves primarily to Lutheranism, the materials are, to a large degree, equally applicable to many of the other Christian communions and will be found to be extremely valuable in assessing the needs of a variety of denominations.