Lex Aeterna: A Defense of the Orthodox Lutheran Doctrine of God's Law and Critique of Gerhard Forde

Martin Luthers theological revolution depended in a significant part upon the distinction between law and gospel. Within the last hundred years several authors have reevaluated the reformers understanding of this paradigm in light of its development within the Lutheran orthodox tradition. Some authors have argued that the Lutheran scholastic view of Gods law departs from that of Luther. Specifically it is contended that the Lutheran orthodox contended for a definition of the law which defines it as Gods eternal will contradicts Luthers approach wherein the law is defined almost exclusively in negative terms as a temporal order to eventually be replaced and superseded by the gospel. In this work Jordan Cooper argues for the continued validity of the Lutheran orthodox definition of the law. Throughout this text he contrasts the perspective of Radical Lutheran theologians like Gerhard Forde with that of earlier Lutheran writers such as Martin Chemnitz and Johann Gerhard. It is argued that Fordes view is inadequate to address contemporary ethical and pastoral issues and that the Lutheran scholastic doctrine of the law as Gods eternal will remains a necessary concept for the contemporary church. With his usual crisp direct style Jordan Cooper marches through the material of his latest conquest tackling the place of the law within Lutheran teaching and practice--especially within the context of the pervasive influence of Gerhard Forde. The presentation of evidence is thorough and fair and while Coopers conclusions may not shock where specific theologians are aligned with regard to this debate may well provoke some surprise. I will be recommending this book often. --Joel Biermann MDiv PhD Professor of Systematic Theology Concordia Seminary St. Louis; author of A Case for Character and Wholly Citizens Cooper clearly contrasts the Law/Gospel theology of the confessional Lutheran tradition with that of Forde. Coopers compelling apologetic includes discussion of ordo salutis atonement theology Reformed theology antinomianism and much more. This biblically rooted and deeply confessional work contributes theological precision and practical application to the discussion of Gods eternal Law. --Curtis Leins Presiding Pastor American Association of Lutheran Churches What is the role of the Law in the life of a Christian? For Lutherans the Book of Concord is definitive demonstrated by Chemnitz Gerhard and Pieper. Following the work of Scaer Murray Biermann etc. Cooper shows that Forde challenged not only the Law (no 3rd use or Law as guide) but the atonement itself. Cooper provides a foundation for evaluating implications of such a position which are significant for Christian theology and living. --Richard Shields President American Lutheran Theological Seminary Jordan Cooper is the pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Watseka Illinois and professor of Systematic Theology at the American Lutheran Theological Seminary. Among his other publications is Hands of Faith: A Historical and Theological Study of the Two Kinds of Righteousness in Lutheran Thought.