Thérèse and Martin - (Church of Sweden Research) by Karin Johannesson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Carmelite nun Therese of the Child Jesus (1873-1897) lived a contemplative monastic life. Through her writings, she continues to help people who live in completely different contexts to discover that God is always present in the middle of everyday life. Like Martin Luther (1483-1546), Therese clearly distances herself from the idea that we can earn our salvation from God. This book begins by highlighting the extensive similarities between Therese's teaching and Martin Luther's theology. With the help of the three Carmelite Doctors of the Church - Therese of the Child Jesus, Teresa of Avila (1515-1582) and John of the Cross (1542-1591) - the discussion develops further, and a receptive ecumenical study is carried out. The overall question is how the Carmelite tradition can enrich the Evangelical-Lutheran tradition in a way that contributes to the renewal of the church. It is argued that such a renewal is of vital importance if people today are to receive the spiritual guidance that they are longing for.

Review Quotes

"Karin Johannesson has given us a spiritual gift. In her interpretation of such crucial concepts as grace and justice, Johannesson tries new keys in old locks. Simply and naturally--and with rich results--she converses with her readers about the search for spiritual immersion from a perspective on life as a pilgrimage. . . . The different church traditions have a lot to learn from each other with a receptive approach--for example, through this book!"
--Gunnar Weman, archbishop emeritus, Church of Sweden

"It is a great gift to the whole church that Thérèse and Martin is now available in English translation. In this brilliant work of receptive ecumenism, Karin Johannesson demonstrates with theological acuity and pastoral sensitivity how the Carmelite Doctors of the Church, Teresa of Jesus, John of the Cross, and Thérèse of Lisieux can help the Reformation to continue to flourish in the contemporary world and beyond. Johannesson's lucid and compelling book will captivate Christians across the denominational spectrum."
--Michelle Jones, The Australian Institute of Theological Education

"In this immensely readable book, with examples from the life-and-death experiences of famous mountaineers, the author draws upon the wisdom of Martin Luther and the Carmelite saints (especially Thérèse, Teresa, and John of the Cross) to guide us 'on the steep slopes of the mountains of life.' While recognizing their differences, Bishop Karin Johannesson brings out their surprising complementarity, helping today's believers address the challenge of 'secularism from within' and live a more vibrant Christian faith."
--Steven Payne, OCD, professor of historical and systematic theology, Catholic University of America

"The superficial character of modern secular life is a problem that occupies Christians of various traditions. The Swedish Lutheran Bishop Karin Johannesson asks for help from the Carmelite tradition. Her book is a spiritual quest and an intellectual treatise, embracing Thérèse of Lisieux and Martin Luther as lights that lead to a deepened Christian vision."
--Risto Saarinen, professor of theology, University of Helsinki

"A pioneer in spiritual theology in Sweden, Karin Johannesson invites the reader on a spiritual mountaineering adventure with the Carmelite teachers and Martin Luther as the guides. Identifying the widespread experience of 'secularization from within' as a particular form of despair, or a demon for contemporary Christians to face, she draws from the wisdom of the desert mothers, the monastics, and the reformers of the church to imagine a way forward towards a healthy and holistic religiosity."
--Kirsi Stjerna, professor of Lutheran history and theology, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary

"This book shows us that Thérèse of Lisieux and Martin Luther have something very important in common: their longing for God's grace. Bishop Karin Johannesson looks not only at one Carmelite and her contribution to a more profound dialogue between Catholics and Lutherans. She also turns to Saint Teresa of Ávila and Saint John of the Cross. . . . This book is a typical fruit of the ecumenical situation in Sweden--but it has a message for Christians everywhere."
--Anders Cardinal Arborelius, OCD, bishop of Stockholm

"In this book, Bishop Karin Johannesson lucidly demonstrates the meaning of 'receptive ecumenism' by engaging in a dialogue between the theology of Martin Luther and the great Carmelite spiritual guides Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, and especially Thérèse of Lisieux. With stories about mountaineers as well as personal anec

About the Author

Karin Johannesson is bishop in the diocese of Uppsala and associate professor in philosophy of religion at Uppsala University. She is the author of the book God Pro Nobis (2007).