Philosophy & Theology: A Lutheran Perspective

The relationship between philosophy and theology is a topic of perennial interest in the history of Christianity. The Lutheran tradition is often assumed to view these disciplines as antagonistic to each other, but this construal falls short of the truth. Confessional Lutheranism has always sought to preserve a truly catholic perspective on the role of philosophy, which means seeing it as a dutiful handmaid to theology. Drawing on Lutheran thinkers such as Philip Melanchthon, Johann Gerhard, and Robert Preus, this book restates this perspective by furnishing a compelling picture of the nature of these subjects and their interrelation.

“This guide should rightly replace all other books that treat philosophy for understanding theology.” -Benjamin T. Mayes, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana

“This book invites Lutherans and other Christians not to disdain philosophy but instead discern where and how it helps us better understand our faith and commend it to others.” -Mark Mattes, Lutheran Bible Institute Chair in Theology, Grand View University, Des Moines, Iowa