Book of Harmony. Spirit and Service in the Lutheran Confessions by Martin J. Lohrmann (review)

Abstract

Mattes (197–219) highlights the differences between a Reformed covenantal theology and a Lutheran distinction between law and gospel. He concludes, however, that “Both traditions would be wise to acknowledge where the other has an edge in the contemporary world” (218). The Reformed vision of a life led to the glory of God can be a bracing antidote to the sense of purposelessness that enervates a society of “unencumbered selves.” Lutherans, on the other hand, can offer “a healthy dosage of mercy” to those broken souls who have been burdened by a religion of rules. Vanhoozer (220–238) provides a Reformed perspective by noting that “the Reformed tend to focus on salvation history that begins with humans as creatures (i.e., Genesis) and hence under a law that expresses God’s will as a “perfect rule for righteousness.” Conversely, Lutherans tend to focus on salvation history that begins with humans as sinners (i.e., Galatians), and hence under the law that kills and condemns” (223f). He then draws implications for other theological issues and proposes further dialogue. “It may take two or more theological frameworks to do justice to the truth of Scripture’s testimony, just as it took four gospels to tell the one story of Jesus Christ” (237). Although Thomas Cranmer’s summit meeting of Reformation leaders never took place, the content of this book reveals how productive that project would have been. Green Valley, Arizona H. George Anderson