God So Loved the World: A Study of Christian Doctrine

by Lyle W. Lange

Devoted entirely to Christian doctrine, this book emphasizes the gospel to show that Jesus and the salvation he won for all people are at the center of all Bible teachings. Readers are reminded that every biblical doctrine relates to Scripture's central teaching that God sent his Son to save lost sinners. Author Lyle Lange writes about the Bible's basic and more difficult teachings with special emphasis on Jesus so that readers, in turn, will be strengthened in their beliefs and be led to boldly share the gospel news with others. Seven sections--Introduction to the Study of Christian Doctrine, Theology, Anthropology, Christology, Soteriology, Eschatology, and Temporal Estates--cover topics such as the Trinity, angels, creation, Christ's threefold office, faith, conversion, justification, sanctification, election, the Antichrist, and marriage. Includes Scripture, Lutheran Confessions, and subject indices. (From http://www.nph.net)

729 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jonathan Ammon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear and cogent and often excellent this Lutheran Systematic Theology was an excellent look into Lutheranism. Lange’s explanation of Election is excellent, and his clear writing is both explanatory and persuasive. He also does an excellent job of interacting with current issues and contrasting Lutheran beliefs with evangelicalism, reformed theology as well as Wesleyan, Catholic and Eastern Orthodox beliefs. His critiques of evangelicalism and reformed theology were fascinating and worth hearing. I immensely appreciate Lutheranisms refusal to use reason to make conclusions beyond Scripture’s revelations.

While I have read and discussed Lutheran beliefs this was the first time I was able to grasp the Lutheran emphasis on “means of grace” as well as understand the nuances of their views on baptism and the Lords Supper. This book may have changed my view of baptism forever.

I do have some criticisms. Lange is very conservative and at times borders on being dismissive of views he considers more liberal. Lutherans are not evangelicals and do not have the same tolerance for a variety of beliefs on nonessentials. Any belief that differs from Lutheran doctrine is considered heresy and false teaching. This is jarring and can be grieving to those who are used to graciousness in handling diverse theological views. There was a section explaining the splits between various Lutheran synods and movements and articulating who Lutherans could and could not fellowship with. This section included stories of Lutheran missionaries being pulled off the field because of praying with non-Lutheran Christians. This kind of story fills me with anger and grieves me. If this section had been at the beginning of the book instead of the end, it may have been a stumbling block to receiving the more excellent teaching in other areas of this systematic. A clear and easy to read Lutheran systematic that is often truly excellent in spite of some blemishes.

[Jeremiah Gumm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good basic doctrine book that's more in depth than Koehler's "Summary of Christian Doctrine", but not as deep as Pieper's or Hoenecke's Dogmatics. (Reminded me a little of Muellers "Christian Dogmatics".)

Worked out a reading schedule with it that takes roughly 117 days for devotional purposes and could share that if you're interested. Not the easiest book to just read through leisurely for good reason, but a great resource to have available on your shelf. Used @ Martin Luther College for the teacher-track doctrine courses.