Justification and the Churches
- Theology
- Publisher: Baker Academic (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
In Justification and the Churches, Gerald Hiestand reveals the pastoral and soteriological logic shaping the doctrine of justification across the Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. As Hiestand explores each tradition's distinct pastoral questions, he reveals how the respective answers shape their doctrinal conclusions. Through a careful historical, biblical, and theological analysis, he invites readers to learn from each perspective, showing that "different answers to different questions" fosters unity rather than division. Ideal for professors, students, and pastors, this book illuminates varying approaches to the doctrine of justification, offering fresh insights into how these traditions enrich one another.
Endorsements (4)
“Gerald Hiestand is the consummate pastor theologian, and Justification and the Churches is an ideal example of what he calls 'ecclesial theology'—theology done from and for the church. Those of us who long for the unity of the church will appreciate and make good use of this book. It makes controversial claims, but it does so thoughtfully and with an abundance of divine wisdom and love. I hope it inspires many other budding pastor theologians to assume responsibility for leading God's people in serious discipleship.”
“In Justification and the Churches, Gerald Hiestand offers a careful and pastorally framed exploration of how Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox traditions articulate the mystery of salvation. I am grateful for his attentive and respectful reading of Eastern Orthodoxy, even where differences of emphasis remain. By showing how each tradition's distinct diagnostic lens yields distinct doctrinal expressions, Hiestand advances a conversation marked by charity and theological seriousness without flattening real differences. This is a valuable and hopeful contribution to contemporary theology.”
“Hiestand shows that Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox have different things in view when it comes to justification—extrinsic acquittal, interior healing, and glorification. Brilliantly, he shows that these things are compatible and, indeed, are firmly grounded both biblically and in the Church Fathers. He sympathetically depicts all three perspectives, demonstrating profound acquaintance with the sources. This marvelous (and entertaining) book is a major breakthrough. God be praised for Hiestand's achievement.”
“In this careful and historically sensitive book, Hiestand offers us a rich serving of ecclesial theology. This is systematic theology invited to a feast by a host of pastoral questions. Hiestand's framing of the ways three traditions attempt to digest the main course of justification provides a unique opportunity for Christians from these traditions to join around the ecumenical table.”
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