About the Book

"This textbook explores the Lutheran theological tradition. Kirsi Stjerna looks at Lutheran sources, vocabulary and focal points through the lens of the Augsburg Confession and the Large Catechism, developing a distinctive Lutheran faith language that resonates with contemporary contexts and inquirers. Lutheran Theology gives readers the tools they need to understand Lutheran perspectives in the light of historical sources, to see the underlying motivations of past theological discourses and to apply this knowledge to current debates. Introducing the Book of Concord and Martin Luther's freedom theology, it shows them how to engage critically and constructively with key topics in theology and spirituality, such as freedom and confession. Stjerna pays particular attention to the contribution of women theologians, and empowers students to bring Lutheran theology in conversation with other faith languages and traditions. This textbook includes an extensive range of pedagogical features: - Sample quizzes and tests with questions tested by classroom use - A discussion guide for each chapter - Chapter-specific learning objectives - Key terms in bold, boxed text sections that identify central figures and points of debate, study questions, chapter summaries and a glossary"--

Book Synopsis

This textbook explores the Lutheran theological tradition. Kirsi Stjerna looks at Lutheran sources, vocabulary and focal points through the lens of the Augsburg Confession and the Large Catechism, developing a distinctive Lutheran faith language that resonates with contemporary contexts and inquirers.

Lutheran Theology gives students the tools they need to understand Lutheran perspectives in the light of historical sources, to see the underlying motivations of past theological discourses and to apply this knowledge to current debates. Introducing the Book of Concord and Martin Luther's freedom theology, it shows them how to engage critically and constructively with key topics in theology and spirituality, such as freedom and confession. Stjerna pays particular attention to the contribution of women theologians, and empowers students to bring Lutheran theology into conversation with other faith languages and traditions.

This textbook includes an extensive range of pedagogical features:
- A discussion guide for each chapter
- Chapter-specific learning objectives
- Key terms in bold, boxed text sections that identify points of debate, discussion of central topics, study questions and a glossary

Review Quotes

"In this engaging introduction to Lutheran theology by way of the Book of Concord, Kirsi Stjerna successfully shows how Lutheran theology is, at its heart, a freedom theology with ongoing relevance for Christians and communities of faith across the globe. Stjerna takes us back to the debates and tensions of 16th century Lutherans and deftly shows they influenced the formulations of the texts within the Book of Concord. At the same time, she helps readers understand the global reach and reception of a Lutheran theology of freedom and its ability to speak to contemporary challenges of ecological devastation and gender justice. A delightful, teachable text!" --14/10/2020

About the Author

Kirsi Stjerna is Professor of Lutheran History and Theology at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, of California Lutheran University, USA.