Examines the continuing relevance of the Lutheran Confessions.

Chinese contexts as influenced by the religious moral philosophy of New Confucianism are characterized by the idea of becoming a sage through self-cultivation. For Christian theology – with its emphasis on God’s grace rather than on self-cultivation – Confucian teaching in this matter may appear as a problem. Chinese Christian theology may ask: How can the Christian doctrine of justification by grace alone be contextualized in Chinese contexts which are characterized by the contradicting idea of self-cultivation? Another question may be equally interesting for Christian theology in all contexts: Which insights can be attained from an attempt at contextualizing the Christian doctrine of justification to contexts influenced by New Confucianism? In this book professor Arne Redse contributes to answering these questions.

Gassmann and Hendrix expertly present the historical context for the Reformation in its beginnings and development as background to the emergence and gathering of the Confessions. Core chapters then explore (1) the structure of faith (Scripture as norm law-gospel framework, the Trinity, and justification), (2) Christian community (the sacraments, ministry, the nature of the church), and (3) the Christian life (the two reigns sin, sanctification, eternal life). A final chapter examines the role the Confessions play in today's ecumenical, pluralistic environment.

"This book deals with Reformation theology in terms of its historical context and its relevance to the late 20th-century theological scene. A New Look at the Lutheran Confessions distinguishes and discusses the significant differences between Roman and Protestant views, particularly those differences pertinent to contemporary ecumenical encounters. The author also explores the relationship between the private writings of Luther and Melanchthon and the confessional writings that they produced between 1529 and 1537"--Http://www.cph.org/p-283-a-new-look-at-the-lutheran-confessions-1529-1537.aspx.

The Reformation of the 16th century was a complex and multifaceted political, social, cultural, and religious process. Most historians agree, however, that in the framework of this process it was the religious and theological efforts to reform and renew the late medieval church—decadent and irrelevant in many ways—that were the initiating forces that set a broad historical movement in motion. Among these reforming religious and theological forces, the Lutheran reform movement was the most important and influential one. It was the historical impact of the theological genius of the Wittenberg professor Martin Luther (1483-1546) that profoundly changed and shaped the face of Europe and beyond. Today, Lutheranism has become a worldwide communion of churches that stretches from Germany to Siberia, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, and Surinam. The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Lutheranism presents information on major theological issues, historical developments of Lutheranism worldwide, Lutheran ecumenical and missionary involvement and activities, worship and liturgy, spirituality, social ethics, inter-religious and Jewish relations, Lutheranism and the arts, theology, and important representatives of Lutheranism. This is done through a detailed chronology, an introductory essay, an appendix of Lutheran Churches, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Lutheranism.

This is one of the first systematic theologies written from a believer’s church—chiefly an Anabaptist-Mennonite—perspective. Dr. Finger develops his themes throughout the volume in careful dialogue with Reformed, Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and other historic approaches. The eschatological approach taken by Finger does not represent a fixation on future events. Rather, it represents a method of inquiry based on the early Christian conviction that the ‘last things’ had already occurred through Jesus, even though their effects were not yet fully realized. Chief among these were the resurrection of the dead, the outpouring of the Spirit, the coming of God’s kingdom, and the defeat of the powers of evil. After outlining this vantage point, Volume I considered eschatology, revelation, and the work of Christ in its light. Volume II begins with anthropology. Jesus’ human work provides the norm for authentic human being. Justification comes next and is considered as the eschatological revelation and actualization of God’s righteousness through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. After treating the dynamics of personal sanctification, Dr. Finger explores the context within which it is pursued: the church. His ecclesiology begins with mission, including its approach to non-Christian religions and the sociopolitical realm. Volume II ends where most systematic theologies begin: with God, including the humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. “Thomas N. Finger has undertaken an important task that is rarely attempted: the production of a constructive systematic theology informed by judicious dialogue with current biblical scholarship. Finger's methodological decision to adopt an ‘eschatological approach’ enables him to work formally as well as materially from within a perspective shaped by the NT writers; his innovative organization of the loci of Christian doctrine—with its emphasis on the church as a community of believers living out the tensions between Christ's resurrection and Parousia—is a direct result of taking the NT seriously. “Particularly noteworthy is his exposition of the doctrine of justification in the light of recent paradigm shifts in Pauline studies. Finger's book is a productive and edifying work for all who care about the ongoing conversation between Scripture and systematics.” —Richard Hays, Duke Divinity School “Thomas N. Finger has chosen an approach to the systematic presentation of Christian Theology which I also have taken since the publication of my Theology of Hope in 1964. He begins with the goal: with eschatology. With that goal in mind, a new light is cast on every single doctrine of Christian theology—the light of redemption—and the work of the theologian becomes a labor of hope. This is a “theology of the way.” With the kingdom of God kept steadily in view, it becomes an invitation to walk the way of Jesus. “Tom Finger’s theological prospectus makes a brilliant contribution to ecumenical theological dialogue from the Anabaptist tradition. He offers an eschatologically oriented theology for which I can only congratulate him.” —Jürgen Moltmann, Professor of Theology, University of Tübingen “This volume is not only a contribution to the contemporary discussions in systematic theology. It is also an important ecumenical breakthrough. The Anabaptist tradition stands as an important dialogue partner in the quest for a common ground in the Christian faith. Finger approaches the biblical faith from an eschatological viewpoint that is faithful to the Anabaptist tradition, but in dialogue with Roman Catholic, classical Protestant, and contemporary scholars in both of these traditions. He has begun a substantive conversation that will be important into the twenty-first century.” —Jeffrey Gros, Former Director of the Commission on Faith & Order, National Council of Christian Churches, USA

This bestselling reference tool has been a trusted resource for more than 25 years with over 165,000 copies sold. Now thoroughly updated and substantially revised to meet the needs of today's students and classrooms, it offers cutting-edge overviews of key theological topics. Readable and reliable, this work features new articles on topics of contemporary relevance to world Christianity and freshened articles on enduring theological subjects, providing comprehensive A-Z coverage for today's theology students. The author base reflects the increasing diversity of evangelical scholars. Advisory editors include D. Jeffrey Bingham, Cheryl Bridges Johns, John G. Stackhouse Jr., Tite Tiénou, and Kevin J. Vanhoozer.