The Forgotten Luther III
Reclaiming a Vision of Global Community
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2021
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Publisher's Description
This study book, the third in the Forgotten Luther series, invites congregations, with the help of five prominent church leaders and Luther scholars, to consider the new shape of global mission in today's world. Against the growing disparity in wealth and the rising tide of economic refugees throughout the world, this book reflects on Luther's largely forgotten social and economic reforms (to overcome poverty, lack of health care, illiteracy, and old-age insecurity) that flowed from the central doctrine of justification by grace through faith. The book is also a call for informed engagement with partner churches in a critical area of ministry that is frequently neglected. This study book draws global implications from Luther's reforms and from the theology that shaped them. It is informed by ways in which churches in the Global South have moved beyond world-denying forms of pietism to address the systemic causes of hunger, poverty, and injustice. It is addressed to the whole church at a critical time in history as vast threats to the natural world converge with acute economic hardship for hundreds of millions of people. Accompanied by videos of lectures and interviews, this study is designed to provide guidance for congregations who want to be actively engaged in the global mission of the church, including ways in which they can both accompany others and be accompanied by others on a common journey.
Endorsements (6)
“This book is a call to action to be taken seriously within Lutheran traditions as well as ecumenical and interfaith circles worldwide.”
“As a white male from North America, I give thanks to the contributors of The Forgotten Luther III, particularly our Lutheran siblings from the Southern hemisphere, who draw upon both their acute theological training and their lived experience to articulate Martin Luther's clear denunciation of social, economic and institutional evils.”
“The Forgotten Luther III will start lively conversations about the life and purpose of congregations in our time. To get beyond pandemic and politics, the church needs to wrestle with its identity and mission. These authors will help bring Luther, and congregations that carry his legacy, into step with the global reality of the church today.”
“This small, powerful book continues a vital mission: reintroducing Luther to the Lutherans. The writing is thoughtful and persuasive. In the midst of our present messes, the message is that Christian hope can bear fruit both for the churches and for the common good.”
“The Forgotten Luther series retrieves prophetic dimensions of Luther's life work to advocate for socio-economic justice. This volume locates Luther's inextricable connection between justification and justice within a global horizon through analysis by leading theologians from diverse contexts. The Spirit is active to radicalize the Reformation through contemporary engagement with these provocative dimensions of the Lutheran legacy.”
“Prickly, earthy, and contentious as he often was, the 'domestication' of Martin Luther by subsequent generations of pious Lutherans has been an odd kind of achievement. This book continues the re-discovery of 'the forgotten Luther,' and restores some of his fiery critique of false images and ideas of godliness and systems that oppressed ordinary people.”
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