Forty years of in-depth research on Martin Luther's theology has left Oswald Bayer uniquely qualified to present this comprehensive study. He does so with clarity and care; simply enough for nontheologians to access. This remarkable book offers the basics of Luther's understanding of theology; discussing his response to the philosophy of science tradition; the formula by which he studied theology; and the basic philosophy that informed him. Bayer then takes Luther's stance on Christian dogmatics and ethics and applies it to our own theological understanding in the modern age. With such a complete Lutheran dogmatic concept -- the first of its kind offered -- the stunning inner consistency of Luther's theology and its ease of application to contemporary studies become unmistakably clear. Martin Luther's Theology is a valuable tool for students and teachers of theology and for those looking for a guide into the mind and heart of Luther -- a theologian for today.
#343050 in Books Moody Publishing 2010-10-01 2010-10-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x .63 x 5.25l; .75 #File Name: 0802458572144 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Short; important and valuable book.By Fitness CelebrityThis short book is important reading for all Christians who feel the need to engage in political discussion; but at the same time are afraid of alienating an increasingly secular; irreligious culture. Michael Gerson and Peter Wehner will sober up evangelicals who feel that America is slipping away from them; but they propose a better; more civil way for religious people to behave in the public square. Not as cultural scolds; or with fire and brimstone denunciations of secular people; but by coming alongside them in grace and truth.For progressives; especially those who talk of removing Christianity from politics; this book is equally helpful in explaining why that's neither possible nor desirable. They may also learn a greater respect and appreciation for Christians who engage in politics with the right spirit; and spot the difference from those who don't.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Motivation for religious involvement in public policyBy Tim LubinusGerson and Wehner; who served in the George W. Bush White House; offer City of Man as a beginner's guide to sorting out religiously motivated involvement in public policy. They rightly reject the demand of some secularists to disqualify any religiously based input in a policy discussion. They point out to the secularist that his foundation for human rights and the dignity of man can not be sustained logically. My beef with the authors is that they put too much stock in natural law as universal foundation for sound public policy debates. If natural law is so clear; it seems like we should have much more agreement on its content.For Christians who want to opt out of political involvement because it is somehow dirty or out of bounds for godly people or because they are embarrassed by Christians who have been wrong in the past; the authors rightly point out that the neat separation of spiritual from worldly affairs is illogical and unbiblical. Christians who are fully practicing their faith can not ignore involvement in this key component of Christian ethics that includes speaking into civil government and public policy.Gerson and Wehner caution Christians against confusing ethical content in the scripture intended for individuals with the content intended for the state. Similarly they warn against confusing instruction for churches with instruction for individual believers. These problems have derailed Christians in the past. Christians also need to understand that any mention of ancient Israel in the Bible can not be blindly applied to any civil government today.In addition to the message of public policy the authors address the method of public discourse. The recommended approach is Tim Keller's: non-abrasive; culturally sophisticated; theologically conservative; in search of common ground where possible. Interacting respectfully with others will gain more influence than delivering a monologue of black and white statements.City of Man invites Christians to be active in the public policy discussion but offers little guidance for the actual content of the discussion. I'm going to continue looking for a better book to introduce this critical topic.20 of 21 people found the following review helpful. How Should Christians Engage Today's Political World?By William D. CurnuttGerson and Wehner are two former White House staff members under the presidency of George W. Bush. These men were staff writers who helped to craft policy and the statements to the public about those policies. They are both conservative and they are both Evangelical Christians.Their book is unapologetically Evangelical and Conservative. Their goal is to give Evangelical Christians a wake up call to their need to become involved in the political and moral life of the communities and the country that they live in.In their conclusion of the book they state that they hope they have providing three broad propositions to the Evangelical Christian Community. Those are;1. Politics is the realm of necessity2. Politics is the realm of hope and possibility3. Politics can be the realm of nobilityIt is their premise that Christians should be decided vocal about politics and become more involved in helping form and shape the political landscape of our country.Chapter 1 of the book takes us on an exploration of Religion and Politics and whether they are friends or enemies. I think they do a good job of addressing the Biblical aspects of why we need governments and that God is not opposed to the formation of governments. They explore also how governments ought not be formed with an absence of religious thought; but should give consideration to the moral values that religion brings to society.Chapter 2 gives a history of the Religious Right and does a good job; I think; of showing the good and the bad inherent in what happened with the Religious Right. The movement wasn't bad; but it did birth some individuals who tended to take more pleasure in their power than what was prudent; Biblical or necessary. But the movement itself was not poor.Chapter 3 gives their view of what "A New Approach" ought to be now that the Religious Right has had it's moment in the sun.The final chapters are very good in regards to Human Rights; Morality and the Role and Purpose of the State. I specifically enjoyed Chapter 5. I felt it had the most nuggets of gold for what I was looking for. The following quote was my favorite from the book; "A wise government; constructed around a true view of human nature; thus creates the conditions necessary to allow the great mass of the people to live well and to flourish; the enjoy both order and liberty; to live under the protection of the state without being suffocated by it."This book gave a good introduction to the need for us to be aware of our politic culture and able to articulate our beliefs and disagreements.I think a good reference tool for Christians looking for a Biblical answer to the social questions and political questions we face today will be found in Wayne Grudem's book on "Politics".But I think thoughtful Evangelicals will enjoy this book for the concepts that it promotes for us.Enjoy.
