Justification: The Article by which the Church Stands or Falls

by Carl E. Braaten

In Part I, Braaten assesses Luther's view of justification and its subsequent interpretation by orthodoxy, by Calvin, by Ritschl and Harnack, by Tillich, and by Barth. In Part II, the discussion turns to ecumenical dialogues on justification and the relation of the doctrine to evangelization, to the distinction between law and gospel, to pastoral care, and to the church's involvement in secular issues. Always lucid, often challenging, this book will stimulate thought and discussion beyond confessional lines.

Genres: Theology

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Andrew Klynsmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Braaten serves us well with a treatment of the centrality of the doctrine of justification (by grace, through faith, on account of Christ alone) for all Christian theology and practice. The book falls into two parts: an historical survey of the doctrine, from Luther onwards; and then a discussion of various issues to which the doctrine relates (world evangelization; counselling, dialogue with other Christian denominations; the doctrine of the two kingdoms). The strength is in the insistence of the theological priority of this doctrine.

[Gordon Hultberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the recommendation of Thomas Nibbe I am reading this treatment of the most important subject in Christian faith, as it addresses what Christ accomplished through his death and resurrection. So far, it is excellent!