Union with Christ: The New Finnish Interpretation of Luther

by Carl E. Braaten (Editor), Robert W. Jenson (Editor)

Overview

This book introduces the English-speaking world to the new Finnish interpretation of the theology of Martin Luther, initiated by the writings of Tuomo Mannermaa of Helsinki University. At the heart of the Finnish breakthrough in Luther research lies the theme of salvation. Luther found his answer to the mystery of salvation in the justifying work of Christ received through faith alone. But Protestant theology has never enjoyed a consensus on how to interpret the Reformation doctrine of justification by faith. In opposition to the traditional forensic understanding of justification, Mannermaa argues that for Luther "Christ is really present in faith itself." Mannermaa's interpretation of Luther's view of justification is thus more ontological and mystical than ethical and juridical. As such, his work challenges a century of scholarly opinion concerning a foundational doctrine of Protestant theology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802844422
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	08/19/1998
Pages:	191
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.45(d)

About the Author

Carl E. Braaten is professor emeritus of systematic theology at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and former executive director of the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology.

Robert W. Jenson (1930–2017) was a leading Lutheran and ecumenical theologian. He served as codirector of the Institute for Theological Inquiry and was cofounder and longtime associate director of the Center for Catholic and Evangelical Theology. Among his many significant books are A Religion against Itself, The Triune Identity, and the two-volume Systematic Theology.

Table of Contents

Preface: The Finnish Breakthrough in Luther Research
Carl E. Braaten and Robert W. Jenson

Why Is Luther So Fascinating? Modern Finnish Luther Research
Tuomo Mannermaa

Response by Robert W. Jenson

Justification and Theosis in Lutheran-Orthodox Perspective
Tuomo Mannermaa

Christ as Favor and Gift: The Challenge of Luther's Understanding of Justification
Simo Peura

Response by Carl E. Braaten

What God Gives Man Receives: Luther on Salvation
Simo Peura

Natural Law and Faith: The Forgotten Foundations of Ethics in Luther's Theology
Antti Raunio

Response by William H. Lazareth

Luther and Metaphysics: What Is the Structure of Being according to Luther?
Sammeli Juntunen

Response by Dennis Bielfeldt

Salvation in the Lutheran-Orthodox Dialogue
Risto Saarinen

Editorial Reviews

Reformation & Revival
"This important book introduces to the English-speaking world the new Finnish interpretation of the theology of Luther, initiated by the writings of Tuomo Mannermaa of Helsinki University. . . Offers some interesting historical/theological insights that may aid the necessary recovery of biblical balance for what is truly important to serious evangelicalism."

Theology Today
"The editors are to be congratulated for offering for the first time in English a handy synopsis of current Finnish scholarship on Luther by its leading proponents, whose theories have attracted considerable attention in recent times."

Word & World
"This book is valuable for the introduction of English-speaking Lutherans to the world of Finnish Luther interpretation. . . The reflective pastor will be able to recognize new angles for preaching and teaching that run counter to traditional conceptions. The Finns deserve praise for their efforts to provide a new entry point into the magnificent corpus of Luther's work."

St. Vladimir's Theological Quarterly
"Even in a time when there is so much turmoil in the ecumenical movement, conflicts within the WCC and NCC, protests from member churches, particularly criticism from the Orthodox churches and strong appeals for quitting ecumenical participation by the Orthodox, it is heartening to be able to point out something genuinely good, true and beautiful, stemming from encounters among divided Christians. This excellent volume of essays by the recent or 'new' Finnish Lutheran scholars is just such a find."

From the Publisher

"This important book introduces to the English-speaking world the new Finnish interpretation of the theology of Luther, initiated by the writings of Tuomo Mannermaa of Helsinki University.... Offers some interesting historical/theological insights that may aid the necessary recovery of biblical balance for what is truly important to serious evangelicalism."

Reformation & Revival

The editors are to be congratulated for offering for the first time in English a handy synopsis of current Finnish scholarship on Luther by its leading proponents, whose theories have attracted considerable attention in recent times.

Theology Today

This book is valuable for the introduction of English-speaking Lutherans to the world of Finnish Luther interpretation....The reflective pastor will be able to recognize new angles for preaching and teaching that run counter to traditional conceptions. The Finns deserve praise for their efforts to provide a new entry point into the magnificent corpus of Luther's work.

Word & World