Date of Award

5-1-1981

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Sacred Theology (STM)

Department

Systematic Theology

First Advisor

John Johnson

Scripture References in this Resource

John 3:8; 2 Corinthians 3:6b; 1 Corinthians 3:7; Mark 1:15; John 1:14a; Acts 16:14; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Romans 11:29; 2 Peter 1:21; 1 Corinthians 14:1; Galatians 3:15-4:7, 21-31; Galatians 1:8; Psalm 119:105

Abstract

A critical analysis of any theology can be presumptuous at worst; unnecessary at best. This study was undertaken a number of years ago as the writer struggled to determine the critical area where the charismatic movement touches Lutheran theology most sensitively. To start with a premise that the Lutheran charismatic movement is heretical (as a few writers have assumed) did not seem scholarly or fair. To impose Lutheran terminology on charismatic and nee-Pentecostal concepts seemed equally unsound. After observing the growing pains of the Lutheran charismatic movement, the writer became aware that a study of one area--the mediation of the Holy Spirit through the Word--would be most helpful. The theology of a confessional Lutheran charismatic theologian, Dr. Theodore R. Jungkuntz, finally determined the parameters for this work.

This study opens some specific areas of critical analysis. However, its scope does not go beyond the studies done by the Commission on Theology and Church Relations of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in the area of charismatic theology. The methodology undertaken, using Jungkuntz as a foil, was to isolate two key areas of his theology. A comparison was then made with the Lutheran Confessions in these two areas. The two most pertinent areas where the Lutheran Confessions and charismatic theology interface are the Word and prayer. Thus the scope of this study is again limited. Using Jungkuntz' response to a report by the Commission on Theology and Church Relations of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod on the charismatic movement1 as a basis for analysis, this study incorporates other writings and ourlines of Jungkuntz as well as of other Lutheran and non-Lutheran charismatics. This is done so that the milieu in which Jungkuntz writes is better reflected and understood. The Lutheran confessional documents, presented in the Book of Concord of 15~0, contain the basic elements establishing the standard for what is Lutheran. The Smalcald Articles and the Formula of Concord in its Epitome and Solid or Thorough Declaration will be used extensively. Luther's two catechisms, the Augsburg Confession and Apology will also be cited.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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