By opening this review with the words “systematic theology,” I run the risk of losing half my audience. But while a topic-by-topic overview of theology sounds like dry academia, Martin Luther had much more than stuffy classrooms in mind when he nailed his theses to the church door.

In A Theology to Live By, Herman Preus demonstrates the practical applications of Luther’s theological insights. “Not for a moment does Luther pursue theology for the sake of theology alone.” Martin Luther’s objective stretched beyond the classroom and beyond the pulpit. The theology of Luther and the Reformation was a workable and livable system for everyday Christians.

The book is neatly divided into three sections. Part One deals with Luther’s foundational “Theology of the Cross,” which teaches that God is found where He has revealed Himself, namely in the cross. God is not found in speculation, mysticism, or even intellect. God revealed Himself through the crucified Christ. This understanding is eminently practical and presents a frame in which to view the rest of Luther’s theology.

Part Two answers the question, “What is Man?” and examines the original nature of man and the fallen nature of man. The essential doctrine of man’s inability to save himself is incredibly practical for everyday Christian living, and Preus does a fine job explaining Luther’s position that God not only makes salvation available to all men, but He also delivers it and applies it through His Word. This also establishes the distinctly Lutheran doctrine of “Sinner and Saint,” teaching that believers are completely justified before God while simultaneously retaining their sinful nature.

Finally, Part Three focuses on “The Christian Life,” discussing the cross and Sacraments in a practical manner. It is in this third portion that Preus reaches full stride in his attempt to unify systematic theology and day-to-day living. With the cross of Christ ever in our view, the Christian presses on in his life. “The Christian must carry on the good fight all his life. But this is his consolation, that he is carrying on a winning battle with Christ, who has triumphed over the enemy,” Preus writes. The enemy is strong, but our Christ is stronger.

Luther wrote in the sixteenth century, and Preus originally wrote this piece in the twentieth century, but it holds tremendous value for the Christian living in the twenty-first century. Theology isn’t just for pastors or teachers; a working knowledge of who God is and how He works is appropriate for any and every Christian. A Theology to Live By provides an excellent and readable primer on systematic theology.

Andrew Kneeland
AFLTS Student
Plymouth, MN

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