The Doctrine of Divine Love

In this enduring classic of Christian ethics, Ernst Sartorius masterfully ties together theology and the moral life under the unifying theme of divine love. Rejecting the perception that theology is a purely intellectual pursuit, Sartorius insists that true knowledge of God arises from a life lived in communion with Him. It is within this vital union, grounded in love, that the intrinsic bond between doctrine and ethics is manifest.

Theology, in Sartorius’s vision, articulates the nature of divine love as it unfolds in creation and redemption. Ethics, in turn, explores how this same love shapes Christian character and motivates the believer to extend that love toward others. This integration is not merely theoretical; it is lived.

Drawing from the rich theological wells of St. Augustine, Johann Gerhard, and the Lutheran Confessions, Sartorius offers both a survey of the major loci of dogmatics and a compelling vision of the Christian moral life. This work stands as a testament to the inseparability of faith and love, of belief and practice—a vision as relevant today as it was in Sartorius’s own time.