Lutheran Authors

[Qoheleth]

I would like to know how the writings and such of Jaroslav Pelikan are considered amongst the Lutheran tradition.

Is he well thought of?

Is he considered to be 'orthodox' in his writings as a Lutheran?

What Im looking for is, is his writings consistent with Lutheran theology??

[ByzantineDixie]

I would like to know how the writings and such of Jaroslav Pelikan are considered amongst the Lutheran tradition.

Is he well thought of?

Is he considered to be 'orthodox' in his writings as a Lutheran?

What Im looking for is, is his writings consistent with Lutheran theology??
I have read mixed reviews but have no first hand knowledge--other than my "Luther Works" CD! Some folks think his 4 volume The Christian Tradition work is a must read. Others have problems with it. He is no longer Lutheran however. In 1996 he converted to Eastern Orthodox.

What are you reading or considering reading?-----R

[Qoheleth]

Well, I have read certain parts of Luthers' sermons and some other authors that have written about Luthers' "mystical/spiritual writings and somehow feel that the Lutheran church may be missing out on 'other' Lutheran tradition or spirituality not normally associated with the Lutheran faith.

In fact, I was almost startled to read what Luther had to say about Mary. He was very, for lack of another expression, "Eastern Orthodox" about his beliefs concerning Mary.

Which in a round about way lead me to Jaroslav Pelikan.



You see, I am very relieved that the Lutheran Church holds the beliefs about the Liturgy, Baptism and the Lords Supper as they do (Real Presence, forgiveness of sins etc..) amongst other doctrines is very accurate to the Bible and early Christian writings.

I do though sometimes feel that the Lutheran church neglects the deeper Christian meanings of community, spirituality, and tradition, as a denomination, that are found to very alive in the Eastern Orthodox and RC churches.

So I was naturally wondering what the theological content of Pelikans writings were and then how and why he was lead to the Orthodox faith.

[SPALATIN]

Well, I have read certain parts of Luthers' sermons and some other authors that have written about Luthers' "mystical/spiritual writings and somehow feel that the Lutheran church may be missing out on 'other' Lutheran tradition or spirituality not normally associated with the Lutheran faith.

In fact, I was almost startled to read what Luther had to say about Mary. He was very, for lack of another expression, "Eastern Orthodox" about his beliefs concerning Mary.

Which in a round about way lead me to Jaroslav Pelikan.



You see, I am very relieved that the Lutheran Church holds the beliefs about the Liturgy, Baptism and the Lords Supper as they do (Real Presence, forgiveness of sins etc..) amongst other doctrines is very accurate to the Bible and early Christian writings.

I do though sometimes feel that the Lutheran church neglects the deeper Christian meanings of community, spirituality, and tradition, as a denomination, that are found to very alive in the Eastern Orthodox and RC churches.

So I was naturally wondering what the theological content of Pelikans writings were and then how and why he was lead to the Orthodox faith.
I don't know that we neglect tradition so much as we just don't put as much emphasis on it and certainly not above that of Holy Scripture. As for community that seems to be a thing of the past in the secular world as well. I don't know half my neighbors and the ones I have met are very aloof and don't say much except wave and say Hello if you happen to be outside with them. As for church community it depends on the congregation and their willingness to socialize outside the confines of Sundays and Wednesdays.

As for Jaroslav Pelikan, I haven't read his stuff but I have heard some comments here and there some good and some negative. I won't make a judgment call on him as I don't know what he writes about.

[Breetai]

I do though sometimes feel that the Lutheran church neglects the deeper Christian meanings of community, spirituality, and tradition, as a denomination, that are found to very alive in the Eastern Orthodox and RC churches.

I find that we are closer to the Eastern Orthodox and RCC then to anyone else(aside from obvious ones like the Anglicans).