Indispensable to understanding the advent and import of today's radically pluralistic scene, this unique historical anthology presents 37 signal readings from key theologians of this century. Outstanding interpreters of these figures and their generative ideas, Braaten and Jenson offer solid and sympathetic introductions and a clear scheme, a roadmap that makes sense of the fundamental and formative questions, concerns, "schools", and movements that have animated the theological enterprise in this explosive century, from 1900 right up to the threshold of contemporary currents.

Carl Braaten here issues an energetic call for a truly ecumenical church, including a Lutheran rationale for recovery of the historical episcopacy and papal primacy as servants of the gospel.

Quoting Augustine's dictum that "You cannot have God for your father unless you have the church for your mother, " Braaten writes of the church's place in the divine scheme of things and of the various modernisms that distort or hide the classical Christian tradition. Tracing his own ecumenical journey, he outlines an ecclesiology of communion and advances specific proposals for enhancing Christian unity in liturgy, spirituality, and church polity. The confessing movement named after Martin Luther he views in terms of its basic intent to reform and renew the church, not to start a new Christianity in a multiplicity of separate denominations.

Vigorous, provocative, well and clearly argued, Braaten's case is a formidable and timely contribution to the ecumenical debate.

First published in 1983, "Principles of Lutheran Theology" has guided students into theological reflection on the landmarks of Christian faith as understood in the Lutheran confessional heritage for a generation. The book sets forth the main principles of classical Lutheran theology but with an eschatological accent. Canon, confession, ecumenicity, Christ-centeredness, sacrament, law/gospel, and two kingdoms are all examined not only in terms of their original meaning and historical development but also in light of current reflections. In this new edition, Braaten takes stock of the research and reflection of the last twenty-five years and also adds a chapter on the distinctive, Archimedean Lutheran insight into the hiddenness of God as a fount or ground of all theologizing. This new edition, cross-referenced to key readings in Luther's "Works" and "The Book of Concord", will both equip and facilitate the search for a contemporary articulation of Christian identity in light of the church's historic commitments.

In Part I, Braaten assesses Luther's view of justification and its subsequent interpretation by orthodoxy, by Calvin, by Ritschl and Harnack, by Tillich, and by Barth. In Part II, the discussion turns to ecumenical dialogues on justification and the relation of the doctrine to evangelization, to the distinction between law and gospel, to pastoral care, and to the church's involvement in secular issues. Always lucid, often challenging, this book will stimulate thought and discussion beyond confessional lines.

Sin, death, and the devil, called "the unholy trinity" by Martin Luther, are the classic biblical tyrants. This volume, which takes its cue from John Paul II's description of Western society as a "culture of death," unveils the faces of sin, death, and the devil in modern culture. Far from being pessimistic, however, these engaging chapters by eight recognized theologians take care to affirm God's victory over the diabolical forces that oppress humanity--a victory continually realized through the proclamation of the gospel and the sacraments of the church. Contributors: Gary A. Anderson, Carl E. Braaten, Vigen Guroian, Stanley Hauerwas, Robert W. Jenson, Gilbert Meilaender, Richard John Neuhaus, and A. N. Williams.

The contributors to this volume argue forthrightly that neopaganism is not merely an objective threat from outside the walls of the church; in fact, gnostic forms of thought and spirituality permeate the church's inner life under such guises as "pluralism," "multiculturalism," "feminism," and "hospitality." Their essays are a direct attack on once-Bible-centered doctrine that is now being mingled with "alternatives" that are inherently hostile to the Christian faith. Contributors: Robert W. Jenson, Carl E. Braaten, Joseph-Augustine DiNoia, James R. Crumley, Robert L. Wilken, K. Paul Wesche, L. Gregory Jones