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Luther as a Spiritual Adviser
The Interface of Theology and Piety in Luther's Devotional Writings
by Dennis Ngien
Foreword by Timothy George
Series: Studies in Christian History and Thought
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
206 Pages, 6.38 x 9.50 x 0.41 in
- Paperback
- 9781556354816
- Published: June 2007
$28.00 / £23.00
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Most Luther scholars have focused largely on the polemical side of the Reformer, with occasional allusion to his Devotional Writings in volumes 42 and 43 of the American editions. The aim of this book is to unfold the pastoral, not the polemical, side of the reformer, drawing on the spiritual insights he offers to people of high and low estate. These writings are devotional and catechetical in shape and intent, yet not devoid of rich theological substance, the fruit of his rigorous reflections. They are the exercises of Luther's basic calling as a theologian-pastor, and are the concrete illustrations of the interface of theology and piety, the former being the abiding presupposition and logical cause of the latter. Through them, readers are informed not only of the Reformation theology of justification, but also introduced to a distinct expression of the Christian faith in which Christ and his cross occupy the centre stage. What is noticeable is the one single overarching theme--God's ways with people--that the Reformer, as a spiritual adviser, sought to relate to the events of his days such as evils, severe afflictions, the prevalent lay abuse of the Eucharist. He counseled how to meditate aright on Christ's passion, prepare to face the terror of death, advise the sick, rightly approach the sacrament of the altar, why and how to pray aright, what benefits could be gained from the Lord's Prayer, and how to live out a life of discipleship under the cross. Ngien's work reveals Luther as a true theologian, i.e., theologian of the cross at work in the pastoral context.
Dennis Ngien is Research Professor of Theology at Tyndale University College and Seminary, and founder of the Centre for Mentorship and Theological Reflection, Toronto, Canada. He is author of The Suffering of God According to Martin Luther's Theologia Crucis, and Apologetic for Filioque in Medieval Theology.
"Reformation theology, like most if not all theology prior to the birth of the university, was done in the church, by the church, for the church. As such, it could never be separated from the pastoral context in which most of its great proponents labored. This is above all true of the great Martin Luther, and Dr Ngien is to be thanked for an exciting and stimulating monograph on just this topic. It is my hope that this timely book will help to recover the pastoral theological importance of Luther for a new generation."
Carl R. Trueman, Professor of Historical Theology and Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia
"Dennis Ngien is the author of a fine book on Luther's understanding of the suffering of God. In this volume he extends his study of Luther's theologia crucis into Luther's pastoral and devotional writings . . . He shows us Luther up close and personal, Luther at the bedside of the sick, Luther kneeling to pray, Luther laughing at a wedding, Luther consoling the bereaved, Luther singing lustily in worship, Luther joyous at the table of communion."
Timothy George, from the Foreword
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