Finding a Language for Faith: Liturgy and Worship. Issue 2 (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lange, Dirk G.
• Is Part Of: Dialog. Volume 56:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 156
• Page End: 161
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Liturgy -- worship -- Reformation -- baptism -- Holy Communion; Theology -- Periodicals; 230.41
• DOI: 10.1111/dial.12318
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0012-2033

Abstract

Abstract: The sacramental and liturgical texts in The Annotated Luther series (volumes 1 and 3) reflect Luther's ongoing concern for the faith life of the people. They also give us an insight into Luther's own struggle to find words (and, of course, practices) that reflect the fundamental insight of the Reformation: justification by faith alone. Luther refused to abandon ritual or a strict liturgical order even though it can so easily become, in the minds and hearts of believers, a work they must do. The freedom of the gospel does not dispense us from a liturgical order or from participation; in fact, for Luther, that freedom compels us to worship! This tension can be found within these writings as Luther searches for new words and redefines and/or reorients other words to express a spirituality of justification.