September 2014 Issue Index

​Editor's Introduction
   by James Kenneth Echols

In this issue of the journal, Jeff Olson Biebighauser and Bruce Wollenberg draw upon aspects of Martin Luther's theological perspectives in order to explore two distinct ethical matters. While Biebighauser critically examines and renders a judgment on the "Virtue Ethics" movement, Wollenberg establishes God's gift of temporal authority. In so doing, they treat dimensions of both personal and public ethics.

Announc​ements​

​​​ 

​

​

​

​

​ Aga​​inst Virtue Ethics
   by ​Jeff Biebighauser
​In light of increasing use and popularity of virtue ethics, Biebighauser looks for a uniquely Lutheran contribution to the conversation. He suggests that much of the ambiguity and imperialism of uplifting “universal” virtues can be remedied by Luther’s “Freedom of a Christian” and the commandment that we love our neighbors.  He also explores what loving and serving our neighbor means, asking what kind of action and attention is required of us as loving neighbors.

​ 

​

​

​​

​

Wielding the Word: Martin Luther on Temporal Authority​
    by Bruce Wollenberg
Through historical analysis, Wollenberg argues that Luther was not simply writing about faith and spirituality in a vacuum, but in a context where economics and social institutions greatly impacted people's day-to-day and spiritual lives, just as they do today. If Luther critiqued the oppressive economic systems of the sixteenth century, what should the ELCA be saying about similar institutions in the United States today?​

​

​

​​

​

​

​A Case for Character: Toward a Lutheran Virtue Ethics​​​ by Joel D. Biermann​​​​
    by Aaron Klink
Joel Biermann, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary in Saint Louis, argues that a focus on justification by faith in contemporary Lutheranism has led Lutherans to a neglect the practices of moral formation of individuals and the development of authoritative teachings about the shape of the Christian life. He acknowledges that focusing on “standards,” “formation,” and “virtue” will seem to some to constitute “works righteousness” but counters that a careful reading of Lutheran confessional documents shows a profound concern for formation, virtue, and commandment.  ​

​

​

​

​

​

​The New Testament and Ethics: A Book by Book Survey edited by Joel Green
    by Joe Wolf​
Joel B. Green offers a second distillation of his landmark Dictionary of Scripture and Ethics. The New Testament and Ethics comes on the heels of the Old Testament survey.  Green offers twenty six entries on the books and genres of the New Testament plus an assortment of articles on selected topics helpful for current discussions of hot button issues including a reflection on healthcare in scripture.​