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Loci Theologici

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This book is a required text in a Systematic Theology class at Concordia Theological Seminary taught by Dr. William Weinrich called "God and Creation". Chemnitz's loci on the Trinity is expounded with much credit to the Church Fathers, especially Augustine and John of Damascus. It is for this section alone that makes it worth your purchase. Please also note that this is not a full translation of the Latin Loci (e.g. the Lord's Supper is not included; buy Preus' translation of Chemnitz's "The Lord's Supper" to read a wonderful exposition on the Lutheran understanding of the Eucharist with much support from the Fathers as well as Blessed Martin Luther). This book is a must-buy for any man who desires the holy preaching office or a lay person who wishes to understand orthodox Lutheran dogma.

Martin Chemnitz was one of Melanchthon's most gifted students and his table guest. In the 1550s Chemnitz began to lecture on Melanchthon's "Theological Commonplaces" at Melanchthon's behest. Those lectures were recorded and later revised by Chemnitz. The "Loci Theologici" (Theological Topics) are the result.

Chemnitz's Loci are a very helpful introduction to basic theological questions such as the trinity and justification by faith. The Loci are free of theological and philosophical terminology so a precocious layman or a first year seminarian will benefit from his crystal clear explanations. If you are fond of the church fathers you will rejoice, for all of Chemnitz's writings are filled with ample, but not lengthy, patristic citations.

This work became something of a standard for orthodox Lutherans until the dawn of the Enlightenment.