Common Places in Christian Theology - by Mark C Mattes (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Common Places in Christian Theology invites readers to discover the rich and complex world of Christian theology. Sponsored by the journal Lutheran Quarterly and written by some of the finest contemporary Lutheran theologians, this collection of essays helps Christian teachers understand and explain the grammar and inner logic of faith.

Exploring everything from scriptural authority to salvation and justification and the last things, these writers provide a unique and compelling introduction to Lutheran theology. As you receive the essentials of each topic, you will also consider contemporary concerns, whether in theology, or from the natural sciences, social sciences, political theories, or hermeneutics.

Whether you are a seasoned preacher looking to sharpen your understanding of faith or a curious Christian seeking to better articulate your relationship with God, Common Places in Christian Theology will challenge and inspire you to think through your faith and share it with others.

Review Quotes

It is time to rethink Lutheran theology, and this book is an excellent guide on this journey. Shaped by Melanchthon's masterpiece "Common places", it faces contemporary challenges of theology and society. Contributions by outstanding authors form a treasure of theological insight for dogmatics, preaching and teaching. Volker Leppin Horace Tracy Pitkin Professor for Historical Theology Yale Divinity School

The ancient concept of commonplace means both "a core issue" and "what speaker and hearer have in common". Following the Reformation models, the present volume also covers both meanings. Its chapters investigate, articulate and explain Lutheran theology in a manner that allows a communicative exchange of the core issues of Christian faith. Risto Saarinen Professor of Ecumenics University of Helsinki

This stellar collection offers up-to-date presentations of most major doctrines by learned, traditional, engaging Lutheran scholars. It deserves careful study by everyone who serves as a teacher of the church and by those who want to know what the Lutherans are saying these days about the main themes conveyed in the Scriptures. Douglas A. Sweeney Dean, Beeson Divinity School Samford University

About the Author

Mark Mattes serves as the Lutheran Bible Institute Chair in Bible and Theology at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. He has authored several books, including Luther's Theology of Beauty: A Reappraisal (Baker Academic, 2017), The Role of Justification in Contemporary Theology (Eerdmans, 2004), and Law and Gospel in Action: Foundations, Ethics, Church (New Reformation Press, 2019), and edited numerous other books. He serves as an Associate Editor for Lutheran Quarterly and on the Continuation Committee of the International Luther Congress.