Embodying Confident Agency: Luther's "Three Estates" as a Resource for Virtue Theory. Issue 4 (4th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Herman, Stewart W.
• Is Part Of: Dialog. Volume 56:Issue 4(2017)
• Page Start: 428
• Page End: 440
• Publication Date: 2017-12-04
• Subjects: virtue theory -- Martin Luther -- three estates -- human agency -- moral agency -- Reformation ethics; Theology -- Periodicals; 230.41
• DOI: 10.1111/dial.12362
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0012-2033

Abstract

Abstract: Martin Luther's social writings (volumes 44–47 in the American edition) provide a robust account of human agency that might help Lutheran social ethics address contemporary crises of confidence. When Luther addresses concrete moral issues, he enriches his two‐kingdoms frame with a focus on particular social roles such as ruler, merchant, soldier, parent, etc. This (often tacit) "three‐estates" approach creates room for a distinctly Lutheran contribution to contemporary virtue theory by focusing on the functions served by particular social roles more than on individual self‐chosen pathways of moral improvement. It also supports a prophetic affirmation of vocation against the contemporary breakdown of expectations and confidence in social roles.