Union with Christ: The New Finnish Interpretation of Luther

by Carl E. Braaten (editor), Robert W. Jenson (Editor)

This book introduces the English-speaking world to the new Finnish interpretation of the theology of Martin Luther, initiated by the writings of Tuomo Mannermaa of Helsinki University. At the heart of the Finnish breakthrough in Luther research lies the theme of salvation. Luther found his answer to the mystery of salvation in the justifying work of Christ received through faith alone. But Protestant theology has never enjoyed a consensus on how to interpret the Reformation doctrine of justification by faith. In opposition to the traditional forensic understanding of justification, Mannermaa argues that for Luther "Christ is really present in faith itself." Mannermaa's interpretation of Luther's view of justification is thus more ontological and mystical than ethical and juridical. As such, his work challenges a century of scholarly opinion concerning a foundational doctrine of Protestant theology.

Genres: Theology

191 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Ryan Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talks about many categories that I think are missing from lots of protestant discussions today, I think we have a lot to learn from the Finnish interpretation, agree or disagree.

[Jonathan Platter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an extremely helpful book, both in exploring non-traditional approaches to Luther (especially on justification, theosis, and metaphysics) and in making constructive proposals for those topics for future Lutheran theology. It is an ecumenical volume, though it is written exclusively by Lutherans, because its impetus is to search Luther's writings for points of connection with Eastern/Russian Orthodox understandings of salvation (especially under the rubric of theosis, divinization, or participation).

There are four central contributors, one is Tuomo Mannermaa, the instigator of the "New Finnish" interpretation, and the other three are (former) students of his and collaborators in this new interpretation. This new approach argues, among other things, that the forensic aspect of justification has been over-emphasized in Luther-studies, to the neglect of the theme of union with and participation in Christ.

Along with each of these main essays, a different American Lutheran theologian responds, usually appreciatively. The one exception is Bielfeldt's response to Juntunen's essay on Luther and metaphysics. Bliefeldt expresses some reservations about what he believes is too hasty an identification of Luther's language of the presence of Christ in the believer with theosis.

This is an excellent volume, which has helped make Luther "interesting again," as Mannermaa puts it. It's a quick read and is very helpful in thinking about new options on justification.

[Isaiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Union with Christ is a landmark volume in Luther research. The New Finnish Interpretation is one that serves a myriad of new questions & avenues for intellectual stimulation whilst also providing solutions to age old problems—whether they be regarding the "legal fiction" of justification or ecumenical disagreements, Union with Christ & the works within it will serve many profitably. My personal favorite papers were:

- Justification & Theosis in Lutheran-Orthodox Perspective by Dr. Tuomo Mannermaa

- Christ as Favor & Gift: The Challenge of Luther's Understanding of Justification by Dr. Simo Peura

- Luther & Metaphysics: What is the Structure of Being according to Luther? by Sammeli Juntunen

My biggest contention with this volume is the lack of engagement with the Book of Concord on the notion of Christ's presence & how it relates to Osianderism & the Formula of Concord. However, Dr. Jordan Cooper as well as Dr. Kurt Marquart have works that deal with this.

Have assurance dear Christian, for Christ is present in faith itself.

[Andrew Klynsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of essays by a few Finnish authors (with responses from other English speakers) looking at Luther's understanding of justification. They argue it is more than forensic in its character: justification also includes being brought into a participation in the righteousness of Jesus the risen Lord. I'm convinced.

[Ryan Barkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read, Robert Jenson in his response to Mannermaa was interesting: "leading scholars have distorted Luther's theology by presuming he must have been a proper Kantian like themselves....As a systematician, I have found I can do very little with Luther as usually interpreted." And concludes saying "to hear Christ's word in the church is to become one being with Christ..an ontological identification with the Son's inner-trinitarian obedience to the Father is what Luther means by 'becoming righteous,' being 'justified.' Luther's is indeed a doctrine more accessible to Orthodoxy than to any Lutheranism most of us know."

[John Roberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short collection of essays from representatives of the so-called Finnish Interpretation of Luther, with responses from non-Finnish scholars. Tuomo Mannermaa & co. argue that Luther's theology uses union with Christ rather than justification as its central point. It's tough to find this stuff in English, so the anthology format is welcome.