Luther’s Theology
A Translation of Hans Joachim Iwand’s Posthumous Works
- Theology
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
This book highlights the writings of the young (or early) Martin Luther, which separates it from other books on Martin Luther's theology. The book sets Luther in radical, at times almost shocking, contrast with theological and philosophical modernity. Reinforced by hundreds of quotations from Luther, what emerges for readers is a revision of age-old and current ideas of Christian faith, into which they are invited. Thus, Catholicism, medieval and modern; Protestantism (according to Iwand, a stimulus to Nazi ideology); Lutheranism, particularly with its staid doctrine of the "Two Kingdoms"; Liberalism, with its personalism and ethics of intention; Pietism, likewise vulnerable to political mishandling; the "Quest of the Historical Jesus" and Existentialism, nourished by Nietzsche and Freud--all are subject to confrontation, and in all this readers are directly engaged as if by Luther himself. In the transfer from classroom lecture to the edited and published book, nothing is lost of the original encounter of a master interpreter and student of Luther.
Endorsements (4)
“Iwand’s theology was shaped by the experience of two world wars. He was also influenced by the renaissance of Luther scholarship. In this context, Iwand interprets Luther’s admonition—‘Let God be God’—as a prime witness to the illusion of human control. Christ on the cross embraces the desperation of existence and imparts divine forgiveness through faith. A powerful work in a fine translation.”
“I highly recommend this engaging translation of Hans Iwand’s posthumous works. As one of the most penetrating interpreters of Luther’s writings, Iwand not only gives us insight into the radicality of Luther’s theology—especially with regard to Luther’s realistic understanding of God’s promises in Jesus Christ—but he also helps us understand the profound relevance of Luther’s call to faith for our own time.”
“Theologian Hans Joachim Iwand influenced many throughout Europe in the mid to late twentieth century, and his Luther’s Theology anchored that influence. In this way Iwand influenced two theologians who have themselves made notable impacts on theology within the United States, though in different ways and for different audiences: the German and Reformed Jurgen Moltmann and the American and Lutheran Gerhard Forde. The translators of this important work by Iwand, Roy A. Harrisville and Randi Lundell, have furnished the English-speaking theological world with a fluent and, yes, eloquent work of love. What a gift to read!”
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