Between Wittenberg and Geneva: Lutheran and Reformed Theology in Conversation Paperback – October 17, 2017

I've been studying about the interactions of Calvin and Luther and comparing their writings but this is a great resource to document all the different interactions between Geneva and Wittenberg. Great book.

An excellent work by 2 accomplished scholars who understand the similarities as well as the differences between Reformed and Lutheran theology and present their topic in a non-technical yet thorough manner.

"Between Wittenberg and Geneva" is meant to be a conversation regarding Lutheran and Reformed theology. First, the authors chosen for this book were, I believe, great choices as they represent fairly accurately the conservation of historical Lutheran and Reformed theologies, the topic of which I will get more into in a second.While the book was helpful in comparing these two systems of theology, I did not feel that the book was much of a "conversation." If anything, it seemed like more of a introduction to these systems than a conversation between the two. Eight topics are covered from "Scripture and Interpretation" to Worship" with each contributor laying out the historical/confessional position of their given camp. Not much conversation is had which is what really disappointed me.Kolb does a great job giving the reader insight into Luther's theology, with a bit of information on his followers, which proved to be helpful for me as a Reformed type. His use of Luther's catechism is especially helpful. However, while differences are mentioned, the authors do not go very far beyond presenting their position. What may have been helpful, though it would have doubtless made the book longer, would be a presentation of the respective position followed by a reflection/response from the other side. Instead it seems the reader merely gets an introduction to each system which could have been found elsehwere.It is interesting to see the role that Luther plays for Lutherans in their theology vis-à-vis the Reformed system of doctrine. Kolb almost exclusively speaks of what Lutheran taught and compares it to some of what came after him. On the other hand, Trueman uses a number of resources from Calvin to the Westminster Standards to Bavinck.The interesting part about conversations between these two camps is that, in the end, in order to accomplish unity in doctrine one side is going to have to humbly admit the fault of their confessions/history - something that neither is willing to do. This makes one wonder if visible, ecclesiastical unity is ever to be had. If I am to be honest, I don't think it will since the moment one drops their history/confession they cease to be Reformed or Lutheran and simply move to the other side. Where I do believe unity will be seen is in how the ecclesiastical bodies of these systems recognize and work with each eachother in the future while maintaining their doctrinal differences.Overall, I would heartily recommend this books to some from a broad evangelical background who is trying to understand the Lutheran and Reformed faiths. What is presented is clear, informative, and helpful for getting a grasp on both sides.

If you want to learn about the Reformation and the Reform movements this is the book to start with. Great insights into the personalities involved.

I really like Carl Trueman. This the second book by him that I have read. Plus the topic was one I am very interested in.

October 31st, 2017 was the 500th anniversary of the initiation of the Protestant Reformation. When Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses on the doors of Wittenberg. Since then a large group has formed the Protestant church. Due to Luther’s shot heard round the world, Protestantism’s break from Catholicism sent ripples to all corners of the world. Yet after Luther made his historic break there were many who agreed with Luther in principle to break from the Catholic Church yet or in disagreement with him on theological issues. One of the most pronounced has become the chasm between Lutheran and reformed theology.Is there fitting to have such a book come out during this historic celebration of the Reformation. The book I am referencing is Between Wittenberg and Geneva: Lutheran and Reformed Theology in Conversation by Robert Kolb and Carl R. Truman. Both of these men are respected Scholars in their own historical theological view. Kolb is the Systematic Theology professor at Concordia Seminary while Truman is the professor of historical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary.Each of these men have a healthy respect for one another and for the theological position the other holds. It is therefore out of this mutual respect that this book is formed. In between Wittenberg and Geneva the authors discuss eight points of contention between Lutheran and reformed theology. In every chapter each theological position is presented and descended and then contrasted with the other. Each argument and counter-argument are thorough and scholarly yet are accessible enough to the Layman.If you are in either theological tradition you will find a plethora of information detailing the theological viewpoint as well as some questions regarding it. As a minister in the reformed tradition I found this work exhilarating and profound in challenging my viewpoints yet at the same time confirming them to be true. I came away with a greater appreciation for Lutheran Theology and for Luther himself, for that matter. From this work a person can come to a a greater understanding of the church as a whole, from understanding the theological roots of their specific tradition. I therefore recommend this work to anyone and everyone who seeks to have a greater understanding of either Lutheran and reformed theology in a form that is both respectful yet sperm in their personal convictions to said theological position. This is a book that you will want to have in your possession, for it truly informs in a way few books, on theology, to this point ever have.Between Wittenberg and Geneva: Lutheran and Reformed Theology in Conversation© 2017 by Robert Kolb and Carl R. TrumanPublisher: Baker AcademicPage Count: 272 PagesISBN: 978-0801049811