Luther on Vocation [Paperback]

Gustaf Wingren (Author), Carl C. Rasmussen (Editor)

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Publishers (January 31, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592445616
• ISBN-13: 978-1592445615
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #177,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( L ) > Luther, Martin
  • #42 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Protestantism > Lutheran

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview of Luther's doctrine of vocation, September 1, 2008

By 

Jordan B. Cooper "Semper Reformanda" (Westfield, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Luther on Vocation (Paperback)

Before the time of the reformation, entrance into the ministry was seen as a higher calling than that of the average man. The monk locked up in a cloister was more spiritual than the faithful baker. Ordination was referred to by some as a "second baptism." Luther's idea of vocation turned this idea on it's head.
God calls us, not to leave this world but to be a part of this world and effect it in a positive way. Our faith goes up to heaven toward God, and by that faith we are justified in God's sight. Now that our relationship with God has been restored, we have the duty to live in love toward our neighbor. Through our vocation we serve our neighbor. This vocation could be preaching, baking, working in the government, or any number of things. Not one vocation is more spiritual than another. What is important is that the Christian is serving his neighbor through that vocation. Wingren does an excellent and extensive job overviewing Luther's writings to piece together a systematic explanation of one of the major theme's of his writings. Chapter long sections devoted to this topic in other books simply do not do Luther justice. To understand Luther, this book is a must read.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A worthy addition, May 29, 2008

By 

Todd A. Peperkorn "Todd Peperkorn" (Rocklin, California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Luther on Vocation (Paperback)

This is a great book, and an important contribution to the field of vocation and the Christian Life. Wingren, a scandanavian pastor and bishop, was a brilliant writer. Most of his other books are out of print, but this one continues to breathe new life into Luther studies.