Promising Faith for a Ruptured Age
An English-Speaking Appreciation of Oswald Bayer
Edited by John T. Pless, Roland Ziegler and Joshua C. Miller
Foreword by Oliver K. Olson
Imprint: Pickwick Publications
Combining his deep knowledge of Luther with a passion to speak the promising word of the gospel with clarity and integrity in our age, Oswald Bayer has emerged as a leading Lutheran theologian. The chapters in this Festschrift demonstrate the wide scope of Bayer's interest: Martin Luther, Johann Georg Hamann, the doctrine of justification, ethics, hermeneutics, theological method, sacraments, and the theology of lament. These essays, written by scholars from North America and Australia who have been influenced by Bayer's pioneering work, demonstrate the resources that his work has for not only Reformation studies and systematic theology but also for preaching, liturgical theology, pastoral care, and apologetics. For those who are not yet acquainted with the contributions of this Tubingen theologian, Promising Faith for a Ruptured Age: An English-Speaking Appreciation of Oswald Bayer will serve as a guide to and commentary on Bayer's multifaceted approach to theology. Those familiar with Bayer's work as a systematic theologian and Luther scholar will discover new applications of fundamental themes for in interdisciplinary research, ecumenical conversation, and church life.
John T. Pless is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is the author of numerous articles and books, including Praying Luther’s Small Catechism (2018) and Martin Luther: Preacher of the Cross (2013).
Roland Ziegler is the Robert D. Preus Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Confessional Lutheran Studies at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Joshua C. Miller is Instructor in Religion at Augsburg University in Minneapolis and author of Hanging by a Promise (Pickwick, 2015).
“This celebratory volume for Oswald Bayer on the occasion of his eightieth birthday is nothing other than a garden, fragrant and rich with flowers that have grown up in the reception of Bayer’s work. It is a true celebration of Lutheran theology in engagement with contemporary questions. Anyone searching for the leading edge of Lutheran thought will find it remarkably well represented here. This book is not just for Lutherans. Take up and read!”
—Mark A. Seifrid, Professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary
“These sparkling essays which pay tribute to the profound, theological scholarship of Oswald Bayer on his eightieth birthday give eloquent testimony to his extensive influence on many Lutheran scholars in the USA and Australia. They reflect his passion for the ongoing relevance of Luther as a wise guide for the church in a broken, confusing world.”
—John W. Kleinig, Professor Emeritus, Australian Lutheran College, University of Divinity
“This is a worthwhile read for people who want to learn more about the thought of Bayer, but also for those who want to grow in their appreciation for the importance of the preached word, the promises of God as central to faith, and the Christian life as a product of God’s justifying word, and thus as gift.”
—Wade Johnston, Assistant Professor of Theology, Wisconsin Lutheran College