Christian Dogmatics, Vol. 1

by Francis Pieper, Theodore Engelder (Translator), T. Engelder (Translator)

A translation of Christliche Dogmatik, Volume 1 the nature and character of theology; the Holy Scripture; the doctrine of God; Creation; divine providence; angelology; doctrine of man; sin and evil; and more.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Religion

1028 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1957

Reviews

[Kendall Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pieper's dogmatics rightfully occupies its seminal place in North American Confessional Lutheranism. It's influence on Missouri in particular is immeasurable. In volume 1 I found that Pieper engages thoroughly and critically with the then-contemporary theological conversation. While Pieper might be criticized for his repetitive rejection of his opponents, the historical situatedness of his dogmatics is highly commendable. Despite some first impressions Pieper is under no pretensions of composing an exhaustive and timeless account of Christian teaching. This volume is well-aware of being situated in a particular historical moment and he ensures that his own articulation and translation of timeless Christian truth speaks directly and distinctly to his own time and theological context. Much of the difficulty with reading Pieper in the present is this historical distance, but I don't believe that's the fault of the author.

This volume however displays some critical weaknesses in my estimation. The polemical tone seems to crowd out deeper theological reflection at times. Pieper in general seems to be more interested in presenting fine distinctions and clear categories (all with Latin names!) than in engaging in deeper reflection and nuanced thinking. I believe this was particularly evident in his discussion of the doctrine of God, the doctrine of Scripture, and the doctrine of Sin.

In terms of methodology Pieper's engagement with the scriptures is best described as ham-fisted prooftexting. He routinely will reject certain ideas because they, according to him, have no basis in scripture, yet will turn around and make bold assertions with no real scriptural backing.

Pieper's opening section on prolegommena is unnecessarily bloated. I'm mystified why he feels it necessary to go on at such a repetitive length regarding the task of theology, yet deals with things like the Doctrine of God so quickly. This struck as hopelessly out of balance in terms of focus.

Pieper's lengthy section on the doctrine of Scripture is maddening. He routinely demonstrates that he has no idea how exegetical theology actually works. His reliance on an overextended doctrine of perspicuity is perhaps his single greatest flaw in this area. His modernist assumptions unfortunately choke the life out of the task of interpretation. Of course, Pieper seems to be convinced that much of the scripture is so clear that it is in no need of interpretation at all! The idea that one can read and understand a text without interpreting it is so patently absurd I'm legitimately shocked that such a well-read theologian and churchman would not be too ashamed to utter such ignorant and small-minded hogwash. He also routinely projects his own cultural assumptions onto the biblical authors without a second thought. For example, when discussing why NT quotations of the OT don't always match exactly he seems incapable of entertaining the notion that the NT authors wouldn't be as interested in maintaining verbatim quotations as a matter of course as turn of the century Germans. He laughably asserts that Paul could have just looked up any OT quotations he wanted at any moment as if Paul would've been walking around with a pocket Septuagint. His ignorance is stunning.

At the same time, I believe Pieper is to be commended for his rightly ordered piety regarding the majesty and authority of God. He refuses to let Christian doctrine be driven by the theologizing subject rather than God himself as he works through his word. In his discussion of the doctrine of God he constantly maintains the ineffability of God and humbly offers his discussion with a humble perspective to merely speak back what God has spoken to us through the scriptures. In all places Pieper refuses to cede any ground to competing authorities whether this be the present state of academic theology, philosophy, history, science, etc. One might criticize him on this regard here and there, but I believe the fundamental orientation is good, right, and to be emulated.

I look forward to reading the remaining two volumes.

[FORCED2WIPE · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Pieper. Enough said.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the three volumes in 1981 prior to attending seminary. I still go back and review on selected topics. The style of writing is early 20th century, but the truths show through the text.

[Jordan Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite systematic theology book already. I ordered it last month as of when I wrote this review. I look forward to unlocking some new Lutheran theological knowledge as I’m the founder of The 1st Inspiration Ministries which is an LCMS ministry dedicated to sound doctrine and Christian living.

[Justin Hilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Pieper Pt. 1, you will certainly think twice before ever denying that Scripture is the Word of God OR denying the satisfactio vicaria OR replacing the authority of Scripture with the pious self-consciousness of the theologizing subject.

[Kylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decided not to finish at this time (I want to go through it more slowly rather than rushing through it), but the parts I did read were excellent.

[Joseph Greenmyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dense but absolutely worthwhile read. This is probably the first systematic book that I've read and I really enjoyed it. It fills in gaps of theological understanding really nicely.