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This volume is a unique interpretation of what Martin Luther contributes to renewed appreciation of Biblical diversity. The Church in the West is struggling. One reason behind this is that the prevailing models for Theology have imposed logical and modern ways of thinking about faith that renders theology academic, and therefore largely irrelevant for daily life. By letting the first Reformer speak for himself in this book, Mark Ellingsen shows how Martin Luther's theological approach can reform the Church's theology today. The real Luther-not the one taught by his various systematic interpreters-presents Christian faith in its entirety, with all its rough edges, in such a way as to direct on how and when to employ those dimensions of the Biblical witness most appropriate for the situation in which we find ourselves.
List of contents
1. Introduction: Luther The Reformer, Past and Present.- 2. Scripture and Theological Method.- 3. God and Trinity.- 4. Christology.- 5. The Holy Spirit.- 6. Creation and Providence.- 7. Human Nature, Sin, and Free Will.- 8. Atonement.- 9. Justification.- 10. The Christian Life (Sanctification).- 11. Church.- 12. Ministry.- 13. Sacraments.- 14. Eschatology.- 15. Social Ethics.- 16. Conclusion: How Luther Still Reforms Us.
About the author
Mark Ellingsen is a Professor of Church History at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. He is the author of 20 books and hundreds of published articles, many devoted to Luther and the Reformation heritage. His most important books on Luther are Sin Bravely and Reclaiming Our Roots: From Martin Luther to Martin Luther King, Jr.
Summary
This volume is a unique interpretation of what Martin Luther contributes to renewed appreciation of Biblical diversity. The Church in the West is struggling. One reason behind this is that the prevailing models for Theology have imposed logical and modern ways of thinking about faith that renders theology academic, and therefore largely irrelevant for daily life. By letting the first Reformer speak for himself in this book, Mark Ellingsen shows how Martin Luther’s theological approach can reform the Church’s theology today. The real Luther-not the one taught by his various systematic interpreters-presents Christian faith in its entirety, with all its rough edges, in such a way as to direct on how and when to employ those dimensions of the Biblical witness most appropriate for the situation in which we find ourselves.
Additional text
“Ellingsen is to be congratulated and thanked for this contribution to Luther in light of a pastoral-contextual paradigm. This book offers clear and straightforward arguments that make Luther reachable to a wide audience. In addition, the research and endnotes throughout this scholarly study are also a welcome addition and a treasure to behold by scholars, pastors, and students of theology in understanding Luther’s theology.” (Alberto L. García, Lutheran Forum, lutheranforum.com, August, 2018)
Report
"Ellingsen is to be congratulated and thanked for this contribution to Luther in light of a pastoral-contextual paradigm. This book offers clear and straightforward arguments that make Luther reachable to a wide audience. In addition, the research and endnotes throughout this scholarly study are also a welcome addition and a treasure to behold by scholars, pastors, and students of theology in understanding Luther's theology." (Alberto L. García, Lutheran Forum, lutheranforum.com, August, 2018)
