It is interesting to note that, in addition to the many LCMS theologians endorsing Rev. Engelbrecht’s forthcoming new book, Friends of the Law: Luther’s Use of the Law for the Christian Life, we have received words of encouragment and endorsement from eleven ELCA theologians. Here is what Ed shared on his blog today:

I am excited that theologians in the ELCA welcome my latest book and I am hopeful that it will stir further discussion on the proper distinction between Law and Gospel. The book, I believe, illustrates what an important role historical theology has in guiding the exegetical, dogmatic, and practical disciplines of theology. Sound historical theology is one of the greatest tests for the reliability of doctrine and practice since assumptions and “rules of thumb” can easily spin out of control and lead to unfaithfulness. The book gives a concrete example of how this happens and offers a basis for re-evaluating what we believe, teach, and confess.

In Christ,
EE

Praise for Friends of the Law:

In this tour de force Engelbrecht leaves no stone unturned as he shows that Luther maintained a third use of the law, even if he did not always use that specific phrase. For Luther, the law not only provides order and accuses sinners but also instructs us in Christian life and witness. Those familiar with the literature on antinomianism will discover new material here, while first-timers entering the debate on the role of law will find an accessible overview of the discussion. Advancing on previous studies, this book situates Luther’s thinking within previous apostolic and medieval traditions. Engelbrecht offers a fine scholarly contribution with significant ramifications for pastoral ministry.

—Mark Mattes, Ph.D.
Professor of Religion and Philosophy
Grand View University, Des Moines, IA

The book is excellent. First, there is the attention that Engelbrecht gives to the history of the problem. I dare any contemporary interested in the issue of the third use of the law to come up with a better genealogy in the record of Western theology going back to the early church. Second, the references to Luther regarding third use are so many and so concentrated, I don’t see how anyone who cares about Luther could continue to claim that Luther taught only two uses of the law. Third, the book is timely. The unmistakable tendency in mainline Protestantism today is to equate the gospel with subjective freedom and personal desire. Engelbrecht forces the reader to face the fact that this destructive tendency has been aided and abetted, however unintentionally, by a modernist confessional theology that dismisses the law as oppressive.

—Walter Sundberg, Ph.D.
Professor of Church History
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN

Swimming against the mainstream of contemporary Luther scholarship, Engelbrecht presents a plausible interpretation of an aspect of Luther’s thought that does not receive the attention it deserves. His identification of medieval sources that had an impact on Luther is a particular strength of the book. Thoroughly researched and written in a style that will make it accessible to a wide range of readers, Friends of the Law will be of interest to Luther scholars, parish pastors, and parishioners. The book will be an excellent addition to church libraries, as well as to seminary and university libraries.

—Daniel E. Lee, Ph.D.
Professor of Ethics
Director, Augustana Center for the Study of Ethics
Augustana College

Friends of the Law is a clearly written, thorough, and comprehensive treatment of the functions of the Law in Christian history and theology. Engelbrecht’s systematic examination of the uses and usefulness of God’s Law is a tremendous resource for those who would understand this essential aspect of Christian theology, and especially its role in the Lutheran Church. A corrective to often unbalanced understandings of Law and Gospel, Engelbrecht has done a great service to the Church with the publication of this book.

—Jeffrey K. Mann, Ph.D.
Department Head, Philosophy and Religion
Associate Professor of Religion
Susquehanna University
Author, Shall We Sin? Responding to the Antinomian
Question in Lutheran Theology

This book is an important contribution to the longstanding debate about whether Luther taught a third use of the Law. It can serve as an accessible introduction to the topic for those who are not deeply familiar with prior argumentation, but also presents a sophisticated rebuttal to the interpretation that has dominated scholarship for the past sixty years. Engelbrecht draws attention to the fact that Luther was not the first theologian to discuss various functions of the law. In addition to offering extensive background about the development of thought about this issue, he backs up his analysis of Luther’s perspective with a rich array of quotes from the reformer’s writings.

—Eric Lund, Ph.D.
Professor of Religion
St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
Editor of Documents from the History
of Lutheranism, 1517–1750

Engelbrecht has presented us with a comprehensive and compelling challenge to the conventional wisdom that Luther employed no Third Use of the Law in his construal of the Christian life.

—Robert Benne, Ph.D.
Author, Ordinary Saints: An Introduction to the Christian Life
Director, Roanoke College Center for Religion and Society

All interpreters of Luther agree that in the Reformer’s eye, the law has two uses. All further agree that the law restrains sinners and exposes sin. But has it only two functions? Can it only bring death? Might it not have a third use—the purpose of instruction for life? In this far-reaching, compendious text, Edward Engelbrecht—in great detail and in grand scope—offers a persuasive case for finding truth in the “at least three uses” camp. Students, pastors and scholars alike will find reliable guidance and provocative suggestion in these pages.

—Rev. Derek R. Nelson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Religion
Co-Director of Thiel Global Institute
Thiel College, Greenville, PA

EngelbrechtFriends of the Law introduces us to a Luther whose nuanced understanding of the moral life surpasses many a Lutheran. This book will be a thorn in the flesh of all who insist Luther had no use for a “third use of the law.”

—H. David Baer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy
Department Chair
Texas Lutheran University

With aplomb that is brazen yet respectful, Pastor Engelbrecht takes on the establishment of contemporary Luther interpreters in arguing for Luther’s sustained affirmation of three uses of the law. Even those who might disagree with some of his claims will learn from his wide-reaching consideration of the use of law in the long history of Christian theology and in the lives of Christians today.

—Rev. Curtis L. Thompson, Ph.D.
Professor of Religion
Thiel College, Greenville, PA
A member of the clergy of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The mid 20th century consensus that Luther—and thus Lutheran theology—has no third use of the law has been seriously and carefully challenged! This monograph should create earthquakes in historical theology circles. Edward Engelbrecht traces the early church’s problematic use of “new law,” as well as the medieval church’s introduction of “third use” language. Engelbrecht has set forth clear third use affirmations in Luther’s writings. These are found before, during, and after the antinomian controversies. Luther’s references to “uses” of the law in the life of the Christian are many (though not always with the “third use” term.)

—Ralph W. Quere, Ph.D.
Professor emeritus
History and Theology
Wartburg Theological Seminary
Dubuque, IA

This book provides a well-researched argument for a more nuanced interpretation of Luther’s teaching on the law. Even those who disagree with its conclusions will benefit from its comprehensive case for why the law is not only an accusing force but also the means the Holy Spirit uses to enable us as forgiven sinners to praise God and to live righteous lives in joyous service to others.

—Lois Malcolm, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology
Review Editor, Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics
Luther Seminary