Lex Aeterna: A Defense of the Orthodox Lutheran Doctrine of God's Law and Critique of Gerhard Forde

by Jordan B. Cooper

Martin Luther's theological revolution depended in a significant part upon the distinction between law and gospel. Within the last hundred years, several authors have reevaluated the reformer's understanding of this paradigm in light of its development within the Lutheran orthodox tradition. Some authors have argued that the Lutheran scholastic view of God's law departs from that of Luther. Specifically, it is contended that the Lutheran orthodox contended for a definition of the law which defines it as God's eternal will contradicts Luther's approach, wherein the law is defined almost exclusively in negative terms, as a temporal order to eventually be replaced and superseded by the gospel. In this work, Jordan Cooper argues for the continued validity of the Lutheran orthodox definition of the law. Throughout this text, he contrasts the perspective of Radical Lutheran theologians, like Gerhard Forde, with that of earlier Lutheran writers such as Martin Chemnitz and Johann Gerhard. It is argued that Forde's view is inadequate to address contemporary ethical and pastoral issues, and that the Lutheran scholastic doctrine of the law as God's eternal will remains a necessary concept for the contemporary church.

160 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2017

About the author

Dr. Jordan B Cooper is an ordained Lutheran pastor, an adjunct professor of Systematic Theology, and a Ministry Fellow with Christian Union at Cornell University. He has authored several books, as well as theological articles in a variety of publications. He hosts the Just and Sinner Podcast, and is a frequent guest on many other podcasts. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his wife Lisa and their two boys: Jacen, and Ben.

Reviews

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Guide for Navigating Radical Lutheranism



Very clear and thorough. It won't convince any Radical Lutherans, but it will be helpful for anyone who is curiously confused. When you hear folks talking from such a divergent set of definitions and assumptions, it's helpful to have a guide.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-star excellent -- it was written to provoke thoughtfulness and to explain at the layman level. Worth your time and $!

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is the role of the Law in the life of a Christian? For Lutherans, the Book of Concord is definitive, demonstrated by Chemnitz, Gerhard, and Pieper. Following the work of Scaer, Murray, Bierman, etc. Cooper shows that Forde challenged not only the Law (no 3rd use or Law as guide), but the atonement itself. Cooper provides a foundation for evaluating implications of such a position, which are significant for Christian theology and living.