Thoughts on the Visible/Invisible Church Distinction

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

In the pietistic tradition, the distinction between a visible and invisible church is highly emphasized. This doctrine made its way into the Waltherian school of Confessional Lutheranism; sometimes it is confessed that the church is purely invisible, though it has certain visible “signs” of its presence. There is some wisdom in separating true faith from external ecclesial structures, since faith is a matter of the heart, but ultimately I think this tradition misses the intimate connection between the physical and... Read more

Stop Being so Reactionary

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

“I don’t believe in progressive sanctification”“There is no experience of the Holy Spirit”“There is no such thing as ‘living the gospel'”“Prayer doesn’t change God, but only changes the Christian”These are some phrases I have heard from Lutheran Christians, and have heard with some regularity. The problem with such phrases (I could address each of these statements individually of course) is that they are purely reactionary.Lutherans have a tendency to identify themselves in opposition to other Christian traditions. Yes, Lutheranism does... Read more

Problems with Covenant Theology

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

If you have done any study of covenant theology, you are probably aware that the Hebrew term berith and the Greek term διαθηκη are translated as “covenant.” In Reformed theology, covenant is the primary hermeneutical grid whereby all of Scripture is understood. Thus, the relationship between Adam and God is a covenant (though never stated with the possible exception of Hosea 6:7), the relationships with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David are covenantal, as well as the New Covenant. It is... Read more

Infant Faith

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

One of the most contested aspects of Lutheran theology when talking to people tends to be the concept that infants have faith. Luther vigorously upheld the ancient practice of infant baptism against the anabaptist movement, and also sought to uphold baptismal efficacy. An objection which he often encountered was that since salvation is by faith alone, how can baptism save an infant, who does not yet have faith? Rather than answering the question in the way that Augustine does, wherein... Read more

Properly Understanding the Two Kingdoms

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

Lutheran hour ministries has recently put a series of videos on the distinction between church and state in America. I would advise watching them if you haven’t. It is particularly helpful in that the documentary seeks to approach the subject in a balanced way, affirming both the distinction between the two kingdoms, and the necessary interaction between them. I think this is particularly helpful when looking at some of the more extreme views of supposed two kingdom theology in Reformed churches. Look for... Read more

Is the God of the Bible Immoral?

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

I have been listening to many atheist/Christian debates recently, and one thing I continue to find striking is the continual atheist insistence upon the immorality of the Triune God. Atheists consistently point to the “immorality” of the Old Testament God. They will point to the conquering of Canaan and the allowance of evil in the world, etc. They also continue to point the immoral acts that Christians have committed in history such as the crusades, the inquisition, etc. (Which doesn’t prove... Read more

The Priority of Justification over Sanctification

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

The following is a section from my chapter “New Life in Christ: Sanctification and Vocation” in my upcoming book on Reformed and Lutheran theology, The primary reason why justification assumes a theological priority over sanctification is that it is a completed act. The work of justification establishes God’s eschatological verdict of “righteous” placed upon the sinner. As Romans 4:5 states, “And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted... Read more

Thoughts on Mercersburg Theology

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

I have recently been reading a lot on the “Mercersburg Theology” which arose from conservative Presbyterian theology in Pennsylvania in the mid 19th century. The two primary proponents were John Williamson Nevin, and the noted church historian Philip Schaff. The main thrust of Mercersburg theology was the quest for a reformed Catholicity. This was promoted through the use of historic liturgical practices and a recovery of the sacramental theology of John Calvin. The most important book written by Nevin titled... Read more

A Review of "The Baptized Body" by Peter Leithart

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

Peter J Leithart’s “The Baptized Body” is a fascinating read. Coming from the controversial “Federal Vision” movement, Leithart seeks to infuse a high sacramental theology into Reformed Christianity. His argument comes primarily through exegesis, though with a strong dose of Calvin references. Leithart argues that contemporary Reformed Christianity has deviated from both the Biblical and Calvin’s understanding of baptism. There are three main points that Leithart attempts to demonstrate in this text: “Baptism” is Baptism, “The Body of Christ” is... Read more

The Incoherence of Atheism

June 3, 2014 By Jordan Cooper

I think often about atheists, because they tend to be the most outspoken believers of any ideology which is prominent in contemporary culture, especially on the internet. Their extensive use of profanity, ad hominemargumentation, and ignorance of history and theology is often too absurd to even spend the time writing a response. I refer to those atheists who think Jesus never existed, and argue that the Bible was taken from pagan religions, etc. But sometimes the absurd bares responding to, simply because... Read more