Principles of Lutheran Theology

by Carl E. Braaten

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.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christian

180 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1983

Reviews

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a challenging book to read. It is written in an academic style, which I normally do not read. For the content I would give this book 5 stars, it is obvious that the writer has a very high degree of knowledge on the subject matter. I marked it down a star for two reasons....one is that it is not a very approachable book from the standpoint of a church layman, and if that is the target, the writer misses it. I suspect, however, that the target is academic and in that case it is probably spot on. The second critique is that the book does not seem to flow well. It reads as a series of academic papers that were cobbled together in order to sell them as a book. Perhaps that reflects more poorly on me as a reader than on the ability of the writer, so be it.

[Ivo Roderts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our favorite books aren't usually the ones we categorically disagree with, nor are they books that simply repeat everything we already know.
Our favorite books are those that put into words ideas that have vibrated in our minds for months or years or decades, those that reconcile seemingly unrelated parts of knowledge, giving us a clear idea of what was vague and confusing.
This is one of those cases...

[Christopher Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broke my teeth on Braaten's Evangelical Catholic project. Glad to see this is still being printed.