Theology
delay in publishing this review.
I understand that it is past due, compared to best practices.
While I am not a full-time book reviewer, my extensive experience and consistent record of high-quality reviews demonstrate my professionalism and expertise in this area.
For many of our readers, the authors presented in this review have unfamiliar names. These two publications may help make the unfamiliar more familiar.
A classic study now available in English
First appearing in 1885, Schlatter’s Der Glaube im Neuen Testament (Faith in the New Testament) is a thorough analysis of the concept of faith. Taking into account Old Testament, rabbinic, and key first-century writings, Schlatter provides an exhaustive study on the meaning and implications of faith in the New Testament. It is a philological masterpiece, making its translation into English a great contribution to New Testament theological studies. This fresh translation of Faith in the New Testament retains the substance and style of his original work, giving a new audience direct access to Schlatter’s work. Schlatter’s rigorous thought remains invaluable today.
(Publisher's website)
Like names, prepositions can be confusing, too.
This isn't a book about why we should trust/have faith in the New Testament, but a book-length study of the concept of faith as presented by the New Testament.
The author, Adolf Schlatter, was known for his opposition to theological liberalism and his commitment to a high view of Scripture, making this work significant for both its historical and theological insights.
Schlatter is considered a conservative, born to a pietistic preacher. He had a close working relationship with Gerhard Kittel. He scathingly criticized Dietrich Bonhoeffer's draft of the Barmen Declaration. There appears to be a growing interest in his writings, as evidenced by more mentions online and a lecture series at a PCA seminary in St. Louis. I have yet to meet a Lutheran in my circles that has heard of him.
What can you expect to find in the book?
- Schlatter's book delves into the meaning and implications of faith across the New Testament, considering not only Christian texts but also Old Testament, Rabbinic, and first-century writings to give a full picture of faith's evolution and understanding. The study is noted for its philological depth, examining the Greek word "pistis" (faith) and its related terms in various contexts.
- The book is structured over twelve chapters, covering:
- Faith Before Jesus: Discussing how faith was understood in the Palestinian synagogue and among Greeks and in the Greek synagogue before the Christian era.
- Faith in the Words of Jesus: Analyzing how Jesus' teachings and actions relate to faith, including the role of John the Baptist.
- Pauline Theology: Schlatter provides an extensive analysis of Paul's concept of faith, exploring its nuances in different epistles, especially in relation to justification and the faith of Christ.
- Other Apostolic Writings: Faith in the writings of other New Testament authors like James, Peter, and John, showing the diverse yet consistent theme of faith across the apostolic tradition.
- Key Insights:
- Schlatter emphasizes that faith is not merely an intellectual assent but involves moral transformation and a vital connection between the believer and God.
- He argues that faith mediates salvation and righteousness from God, being both a gift and a response to Jesus Christ.
- The work is seen as a critique of modern debates on faith, providing both academic and devotional insights by connecting faith with obedience and love.
We now turn to an extension of a series by Northwestern Publishing House.
Like the three volumes before it, The Wauwatosa Theology, Volume IV is a comprehensive offering of the literary work of three significant Wisconsin Synod theologians during the first 30 years of the 20th century: J. P. Koehler, August Pieper, and John Schaller. This collection features essays written in German and translated for publication:
- Six translated essays by Koehler originally appeared in Faith-Life.
- One of Pieper's essays was previously translated and published in Wisconsin Quarterly.
- The rest of the essays are appearing in print for the first time in this volume.
Please note: The cover of this volume is slightly different in color compared to the previous three.
(Publisher's website)
Rather than an essay-by-essay approach, in this review I hope to give my readers to a more systematic approach to the theology presented in this four-volume set upon the occasion of the publication of volume four.
As I have come to understand it from various sources, The Wauwatosa Theology refers to a distinctive approach to Lutheran theology developed in the early 20th century by three key theologians of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS): John Philip Koehler, August Pieper, and John Schaller, who taught at the WELS seminary in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.
I'm not an expert in the theological work of a cousin Lutheran church body. If my presentation is in error, I am option to correction to properly present the teaching and practices of others.
Here are some core aspects of this theological approach:
- Emphasis on Scriptural Authority: The Wauwatosa theologians advocated for a return to the authority of Scripture over dogmatic tradition or the theological formulations of past Lutheran figures. They criticized what they saw as "authority-theology," where adherence to the works of earlier theologians like Luther or Walther was prioritized over direct engagement with the Bible. They believed in promoting Scripture above all else to serve the church better.
- Biblical Exegesis: There was a strong emphasis on rigorous, original biblical exegesis, which means interpreting the Bible based on its historical and literary context rather than through the lens of pre-established doctrines. This approach was meant to keep Lutheranism faithful to the Scriptures, avoiding blind dogmatism.
- Critique of Repristination: The Wauwatosa theologians opposed the repristination movement, which sought to restore Lutheran theology to its 16th-century purity by simply repeating the teachings of early reformers without fresh Scriptural study. They argued that this could lead to a narrow-mindedness and intolerance in theological discussions.
- Historical and Cultural Context: They integrated the study of church history with broader cultural history, advocating for an understanding of theology in relation to the total history of culture. This was part of their effort to bridge the gap between sacred and secular, ensuring theology was not isolated from the human experience.
- Practical Theology: Their work was not just theoretical; they aimed to apply theological principles in practical ways, addressing contemporary issues within the church and society. They were prolific writers, contributing significantly to theological journals like the Theologische Quartalschrift, which became a platform for disseminating their views.
- Controversy and Impact: The Wauwatosa Theology led to significant controversy within the WELS, culminating in the suspension of some of its proponents, including J.P. Koehler, due to disagreements over theological methodology and church governance. However, their influence has been seen as a golden age in WELS history for fostering a more open, Scripturally-rooted theology.
- Legacy: The legacy of the Wauwatosa theologians includes a renewed emphasis on careful biblical study, self-criticism in theology, and a more dynamic engagement with Scripture, which has influenced Lutheran theological education and practice beyond their immediate time and place.
This theological movement is notable for its attempt to rekindle an original Lutheran spirit of Scriptural primacy and for its impact on Lutheran theological discourse in America.
I write reviews as a pastor in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Comparing the Wauwatosa Theology, primarily associated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), to the theology articulated by C.F.W. Walther and the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS), we can highlight several key differences and similarities:
Scriptural Authority:
- Wauwatosa Theology: There was a strong push back against what they called "authority-theology," where the writings of Luther or other confessional documents were sometimes valued above the direct study of Scripture. They emphasized returning to the Bible as the primary source for theology, advocating for original exegesis.
- LCMS/Walther: Walther also upheld the authority of Scripture but balanced this with a deep respect for the Lutheran Confessions as correct expositions of Scripture. He was instrumental in promoting the authority of the Book of Concord, which he saw as a faithful interpretation of the Bible, thus creating a more confessional approach.
Approach to Biblical Exegesis:
- Wauwatosa: The Wauwatosa theologians emphasized historical-grammatical methods of exegesis to understand the Bible in its original context.
- LCMS/Walther: Walther and the early LCMS also practiced careful exegesis with a strong adherence to the Lutheran tradition's interpretive methods and a similar emphasis on historical-grammatical methods of exegesis. Walther's work was more about applying established Lutheran doctrine to contemporary issues rather than reinterpreting Scripture.
Theological Method:
- Wauwatosa: Their method was more open to revisiting and questioning traditional interpretations based on new Scriptural insights or historical research. This sometimes led to a more dynamic and less dogmatic stance on certain issues.
- LCMS/Walther: Walther's approach was to use the Lutheran Confessions as a guide for interpreting Scripture. His "Thesis on the Church and Ministry" and other works established a framework where confessional purity was paramount. This could lead to a more conservative stance on theological matters, focusing on continuity with the Reformation's theological insights.
Interaction with Culture and History:
- Wauwatosa: They sought to understand theology within the broader context of culture and history, believing this enriched the church's understanding of the Gospel's application to contemporary life.
- LCMS/Walther: While not opposed to cultural engagement, Walther was more focused on ensuring the church remained distinct from societal trends that could compromise confessional Lutheranism. His approach was to apply timeless Lutheran theology to address the challenges of the day rather than adapting theology to culture.
Practical Implications:
- Wauwatosa: Their theology often led to practical changes in how ministry was conducted, especially in education and the role of laity in the church, with a more egalitarian approach to church governance.
- LCMS/Walther: Walther's impact included a structured church polity with clear roles for clergy and laity, emphasizing the Office of the Ministry. His influence led to a more clerical-led church structure, though he also promoted lay involvement in church life.
Controversy and Reception:
- Wauwatosa: Their theology was controversial within WELS, leading to suspensions and debates. However, it also left a legacy of encouraging independent Scriptural study and theological thought.
- LCMS/Walther: Walther's theological positions have been foundational for LCMS, though not without their controversies, especially concerning church fellowship and the role of the church in society. His work has generally been seen as stabilizing and defining for the synod's identity.
In summary, while both Wauwatosa Theology and Walther's theology share a commitment to Lutheran doctrine and the authority of Scripture, they diverge in their methods, emphases, and applications, with Wauwatosa advocating for a more open, exegetically-driven approach, and Walther focusing on confessional integrity and a structured application of Lutheran theology.
The essay on Ecclesiastical Union caught my attention as the LCMS has regularly met informally with the WELS and ELS during the presidency of Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison. I do pray for a return of the Evangelical Lutheran Synodical Conference of North America. If it happens, it will take a unified confession of all bodies in the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, respect for the authority of Scripture, and careful exegesis of Scripture regarding controverted matters. More formal fellowship discussions would profit by reviewing where we were united when we were in fellowship, how changes led to a break, and what changes since are helpful or unhelpful.
Thanks for reading!
Rev. Paul J Cain is Senior Pastor of Immanuel, Sheridan, Wyoming, Headmaster of Martin Luther Grammar School and Immanuel Academy, a permanent member of the Board of Directors of the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education, First Vice-President of the Wyoming District of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and Chairman of its Board of Directors, Rhetoric Teacher for Wittenberg Academy, a founding regent for Luther Classical College, a Director for Steadfast Lutherans and Associate Editor of Curriculum for Steadfast Press, a Director for Views on Learning, and Editor of Lutheran Book Review. He has served as an LCMS Circuit Visitor, District Worship Chairman, District Evangelism Chairman, District Education Chairman/NLSA Commissioner, and District Secretary. A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Rev. Cain is a contributor to Lutheran Service Book, Lutheranism 101, the LSB Hymnal Companion hymn and liturgy volumes and the LSB Devotional Edition, is the author of 5 Things You Can Do to Make Our Congregation a Caring Church and articles in Concordia Pulpit Resources and The Lutheran Witness. He is a regular presenter at conferences of the CCLE and is an occasional guest on KFUO radio. He has previously served Emmanuel, Green River, WY and Trinity, Morrill, NE. Rev. Cain is married to Ann and loves reading and listening to, composing, teaching, and making music.
