The Lutheran Theology of the Holy Spirit

"""Far from the supposition that the Holy Spirit has no 'organic place' in Lutheran theology, Fred Hall demonstrates that in early Lutheran theology the Holy Spirit is the indispensable and efficacious agent who, through the word and sacraments, brings Christ to those desperate for the gospel and unites believers with Christ in his death and resurrection. This book is a welcome addition to Lutheran theology which to date has insufficiently reflected on the person and work of the Spirit."" --Mark Mattes, chair in theology, Grand View University ""Fred Hall has provided readers with an accessible and clarifying study of the theology of the Holy Spirit in Luther and early Lutheranism. Engaging the work of Regin Prenter, Oswald Bayer, and others, Hall's contribution is unique in that he traces the trajectory of Luther's confession of the unity of the Word and Spirit in Lutheran thinkers in the later part of the sixteenth century. Not only Reformation scholars, but also pastors and involved laity will appreciate this volume."" --John T. Pless, assistant professor of pastoral ministry and missions, Concordia Theological Seminary ""Lutheranism is known for its Christology, but it is often misinterpreted as having no significant pneumatology. The Lutheran Theology of the Holy Spirit clearly illustrates that this is the farthest from the truth. Beginning with the great reformer, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, to the framers of the Lutheran Formula of Concord, Fred Hall strikingly clarifies, through detailed research, the deep and faithful Lutheran doctrine of the Holy Spirit that originates from the inerrant and infallible word of God."" --Cary G. Larson, presiding pastor, American Association of Lutheran Churches ""Fred Hall's study of the Lutheran doctrine of the Holy Spirit fills a significant gap in the literature on early modern Lutheran theology. Hall contrasts Luther's teaching with Melanchthon's and shows a greater continuity between Luther's own thought and the doctrine of the Holy Spirit both in closer followers like Brenz, Rhegius, and Spangenberg and in the later formulators of the Concord, Andreae, Chemnitz, and Chytraeus. This is a significant addition to our understanding of patterns of Lutheran thought in the sixteenth century."" --Richard A. Muller, professor emeritus of historical theology, Calvin Theological Seminary"