Category: Church History and Historical Theology

BOOKS

Brenda Llewellyn Ihssen They Who Give From Evil; the Response of the Eastern Church to Money-lending in the Early Christian Era., Wipf and Stock, K.C. Hansen Eugene: Wipf & Stock 1997

In addition to a historiography of usury scholarship, explanation of the economic and historical contexts of early Christian writings on usury and biblical and philosophical attitudes regarding usury and lending, this monograph considers the financial and salvific implications of usury in select sermons of fourth century Greek authors Basil the Great and his younger brother Gregory of Nyssa.

Kari Kloos Christ, Creation, and the Vision of God: Augustine’s Transformation of Early Christian Theophany Interpretation., Bible in Ancient Christianity 7 Leiden: Brill 2011

Explores the theological underpinnings of ancient Christian theophany interpretation regarding polemic and the formation of Christian identity, the relationship between vision and spiritual transformation, and theological claims about knowing God through creation. Argues that Augustine‘s challenge to traditional claims that Christ appeared in the Old Testament theophanies demonstrates the critical and creative capacity of early Christian authors to adapt and transform exegetical traditions.

Nancy Koester The History of Christianity in the United States: A Fortress Introduction., Minneapolis: Fortress Press 2034

This thorough and lively overview of Christian history in the United States, from colonial times to the present, is informed by both classical and recent scholarship and is written for the non-specialist. Unlike many histories, Koester offers ample coverage of Protestant, Evangelical, and Roman Catholic developments. Includes black & white illustrations, maps, glossary, and other study aids.

Transformative Lutheran Theologies: Feminist, Womanist, and Mujerista Perspectives., In Transformative Lutheran Theologies: Feminist, Womanist, and Mujerista Perspectives. ed. Mary J. Streufert. Minneapolis: Fortress Press 2010

The first of its kind, this volume is a collaborative presentation of feminist, womanist, mujerista, and queer Lutheran theologies. It is both systematic and constructive, for it addresses classical loci in theology and is relevant for preaching, teaching, and ethical considerations, both personal and institutional. The contributors from diverse experiences and contexts seek ongoing reformation of the church and the world.

Jeannine E. Olson Deacons and Deaconesses through the Centuries., St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House 1992

Award of Commendation, Concordia Historical Institute. Second edition, 2005.

Jeannine E. Olson Calvin and Social Welfare: Deacons and the Bourse française., Selinsgrove: Susquehanna University Press; London and Toronto: Associated University Presses 1989
Jeannine E. Olson Histoire de l’Église, vingt siècles et six continents., Editions CLE Yaoundé, Cameroun and Strasbourg, France: 1972
Kirsi Stjerna Reformaation Naiset., trans. Stjerna, Kirsi Helsinki: Kirjapaja. 2011

A new edition, in Finnish, of the textbook Women and the Reformation.

Kirsi Stjerna No Greater Jewel: Thinking of Baptism with Luther., Augsburg Fortress 2009

A study of Luther‘s theology of baptism, in light of historical, spiritual and ecumenical concerns, for a general audience, with study questions.

Kirsi Stjerna Women and the Reformation., Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell 2009

A textbook, introducing several women in their leadership roles and with their theological interests, as well as offering a look at women‘s gains and losses with the Reformations.