Over the last several decades, perceptive observers of Western civilization have documented what virtually everyone has perceived: as the old foundations of society have toppled, morality and personal character have been set adrift and often vanished altogether. How can character be cultivated when it seems no one is willing or able to provide a definitive description of character to which humans should aspire? While the reasons for this are many and complicated, one of the more potent singular factors is actually theological, says Biermann. Contemporary Lutheranism, in particular, has struggled with the appropriate place of morality and character formation, as these pursuits often have been perceived as being at odds with the central Christian doctrine of justification.
A Case for Character explores this problem and argues that Christian doctrine, specifically as articulated within a Lutheran framework, is altogether capable of encouraging a robust pursuit of character formation while maintaining a faithful expression of justification by grace alone through faith alone.
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2.2-Introduction To Hauerwas
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann introduces Stanley Hauerwas and his influence on ethics.
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2.3-Introduction to Meilander
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann introduces Gilbert Meilander and his influence on ethics.
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3.1-Law And Gospel Reductionism Defined
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann briefly explains Law and Gospel Reductionism.
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4-Introduction To Aristotle
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann briefly explains the ideas of Aristotle in the training of character.
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5.1-The Problem Of Motivation
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann briefly explains the purposes of motivation and its role in character development.
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5.2-Two Kinds Of Righteousness Defined
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann briefly explains the two kinds of righteousness.
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5.3-Three Kinds Of Righteousness Presented
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann briefly explains the three kinds of righteousness.
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6.1-The Telos Of Man
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains what the telos of man means for us as Christians and immatators of Christ.
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7.1-The Creedal Frame
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains what creedal frame prepares us to go into the world and carry out God's will and plan he has for us.
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7.2-Normal Nihilism
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains how Nihilism can be an opportunity for Christians to witness to people who have no hope.
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7.3-Problem Solved: A Way Forward
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains how teaching God's will for people and training your children and students is what you should do to fulfill God's will.
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Bible Study Session-1: Character Defined
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains how David is an example of character even with his failings and flaws.
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Bible Study Session-2: Justification and Christian Character
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains how the two righteousness are used to create our character in response to God's will for the fulfilling of God's will.
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Bible Study Session-3: More than Law and Gospel
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains a third kind of righteousness and how it makes Christians different from the rest of humanity.
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Bible Study Session-4: The Formation of Character
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann discusses how many forces are trying to shape our character and what the church has done and needs to continue to do to shape the character of believers.
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Bible Study Session-5: The Reason for Character
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann discusses how the Fall of Adam broke creation and the life, death and resurrection of Christ frees us to live out the vocations God has for us in this world until his second coming.
