Grace and Reason: A Study in the Theology of Luther

by Brian A. Gerrish

Publisher:

Wipf and Stock

, 2005

Overview

In this volume, author B.A. Gerrish examines Luther’s thoughts on human reason—reason before the Fall, reason after the Fall, and reason as it operates in a believer, the concept of ratio, and much more. Gerrish’s thorough exploration sheds light on Luther’s position regarding both the importance and limitations of human reason.

In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Explores the role of human reason in theology
• Helps explain the mystery of grace within the context of human experience
• Defines the limits of reason before and after the Fall

Contents

• Luther’s Attitude Toward Reason
• Luther’s Attitude towards Philosophy
• Luther and Scholasticism
• Luther’s Commentary on Galatians
• The Limits of Reason
• Reason and Law
• Reason and Religion
• Luther against Scholasticism
• Reason and the Task of the Scholar
• Humanism and Scholasticism

Top Highlights

“For the problem of human reason, according to Luther, is that it cannot comprehend the Gospel’s message of free forgiveness by grace alone.” (Page 9)

“Our main concern in this essay will be with Luther’s actual utterances on the worth (or worthlessness) of reason” (Page 4)

“Not all a believer’s doings call for some special prompting of the Spirit” (Page 16)

“It is the writer’s firm persuasion that the subject of ‘grace and reason’ in Luther’s theology will be of concern, not only to specialist scholars, but to all who have an interest in the Protestant Reformation, since our theme proves to be by no means peripheral, but brings us to the heart of the Protestant case against the medieval Church of Rome. It is to be hoped, therefore, that our essay will not only help to show the groundlessness of many accusations of ‘irrationalism’ levelled against Luther, but may also do something towards clarifying the basic significance of Evangelical Protestantism.” (Page viii)

“The last sermon preached by Luther in Wittenberg before his death (in 1546)¹ has acquired the status of locus classicus for his invective on reason. Here (by no means for the first time in Luther’s utterances) ‘Reason’ appears personified as ‘the Devil’s Whore’, and Luther’s animosity towards it is expressed in violent, indeed coarse and vulgar, abuse, which many of his critics are too genteel to reproduce or, at least, to translate.” (Page 1)

Product Details

• Title: Grace and Reason: A Study in the Theology of Luther
• Author: Brian A. Gerrish
• Publisher: Wipf and Stock
• Print Publication Date: 2005
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 200
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Luther, Martin, 1483-1546; Reason
• ISBNs: 9781597520980, 1597520985, 9780226288680, 0226288684
• Resource ID: LLS:GRCRSNSTTHLTHR
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T00:21:21Z

About Brian A. Gerrish

Michael S. Whiting is John Nuveen Professor Emeritus and professor of historical theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School..

Sample Pages from Grace and Reason: A Study in the Theology of Luther