In this bestselling novel, three pastors learn the necessity of relying on God's grace. They fall short of their pastoral duties through public humiliation, self-doubt, inability to accept God's promises in their own lives, and divisions and quarreling among their parishioners. Ultimately each man rejects temptations and permits the Holy Spirit to work through him. This revised edition includes the final chapter, never before published in English. The new introduction provides historical and theological background to deepen the reader's understanding of the stories.
Hammer of God
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About the Author
Bo Giertz, a Christian theologian and author, is Bishop Emeritus of the diocese of Gothenburg, Sweden. An internationally respected clergyman, he has published several books and numerous articles on the subject of religious doctrine and Christian life.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
51 of 51 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
"Hammer of God" is set in Sweden, when the Swedish Lutheran Church was struggling for its identity. There were many who felt that the "rigid/dead orthodoxy" no longer served a purpose in people's lives. Naturally, nature abhors a vacuum. In place of orthodoxy came two schools of thought: rationalism (scientific thought) and pietism. This masterful volume follows three recent seminary graduates serving their first parishes. Obviously, their mentors are of the "dead orthodoxy" bent. The young pastors feel that the people should be more scientific or live more perfect lives. Needless to say, the new approaches do not work out. Touching is the old soldier, in the throes of senility, barking out fighting orders and using profanity. The young pastor soon realizes that it is by God's grace that we are saved, not in building a better life to become more perfect. This book was required reading at a small Lutheran seminary I attended in Mankato, MN (as was Walther's "The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel."). I will forever be indebted to the professor who required us to read this book. It was very enlightening and graphically displayed Christian faith in action in everyday life.
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
By junioR
Format:Paperback
("The Fight" by John White is the best.) The previous reviews have explained the content, so I won't go into that... I just want to add a personal note; that in the last 30 years, since the age of fifteen, I've read The Hammer of God in my native Norwegian version at least five times, and every time it has made me cry. (And not many books are able to make 45-year-old men cry...) This is one of the top Christian books of all time, recommended for any and all Christians, regardless of background and denomination. Great as a gift, perfect as a Confirmation gift.
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By Extollager
Format:Paperback
I am about through my third reading within less than ten years of this novel. Aside from themes mentioned by previous commentators, the recreation of rural Sweden should commend this book to some readers. THE HAMMER makes me want to learn more about Swedish history.
The translation reads very well, as if the book had been written in English.
I have thousands of books. If I had to dispose of all but 200 of them, I'm sure I would keep this one. I would like to get extra copies to give away.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
THe Hammer of God
I found this well written book an amazing read. It offered insights into theological questions often asked by students of traditional denominations. Read more
Published 2 months ago by G. D. Tourniaire
5.0 out of 5 stars
Makes me think
This was a very good read. I wasn't enthusiastic about reading it when my son recommended it, but I bought and read it anyway. Read more
Published 2 months ago by MALCOLM W ROE
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent novel...
Why, why, why are there not more books like this? An aesthetically fine work of literature from a theologically orthodox Christian perspective centering on the life of three... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Andrew J. Kuiper
5.0 out of 5 stars
A celebration of Revival and Grace, an inspring story of Faith and...
These novels set in 1810, 1880 and 1940 tell us of God's Grace at work in a small Swedish community over generations. The truths they reveal are fully applicable to us today.
Published 3 months ago by Triton501
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
I first heard of Giertz's book through Leland Ryken, who cited it as an unknown gem of Christian literature. I was not at all disappointed. Read more
Published 4 months ago by John Biegel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Recommended for Annual Reading
Hammer of God provides valuable insights not only into the formation of pastors, a continuous task, but also for the layperson desiring to live out his or her baptismal life. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Rev GME
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding
A very good book at a very reasonable price. I also received it two days later. Packaging was also excellant, i.e., the book was not damaged by the U.S. Mail in any way.
Published 6 months ago by B. L. Carpenter
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the greats!
There is probably no better book for Lutherans to read than the Hammer of God. It really puts the understanding of Law and Gospel into a practical way that both laity and clergy... Read more
Published 6 months ago by DIRK JENSEN
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christian fiction as it ought to be
This novel, translated from the original Swedish (in which language it was published seventy years ago), follows the stories of three separate pastors who pastor in the same... Read more
Published 7 months ago by David
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Hammer of God
Great novel, well written with great theological depth. The novel is set in one geographic region in Sweden during three different time periods, 1810, 1880 and 1940 and shares the... Read more
Published 8 months ago by R. Beaman
