Union with Christ: The New Finnish Interpretation of Luther

This book introduces the English-speaking world to the new Finnish
interpretation of the theology of Martin Luther, initiated by the
writings of Tuomo Mannermaa of Helsinki University. At the heart of the
Finnish breakthrough in Luther research lies the theme of salvation.
Luther found his answer to the mystery of salvation in the justifying
work of Christ received through faith alone. But Protestant theology has
never enjoyed a consensus on how to interpret the Reformation doctrine
of justification by faith. In opposition to the traditional forensic
understanding of justification, Mannermaa argues that for Luther "Christ
is really present in faith itself." Mannermaa's interpretation of
Luther's view of justification is thus more ontological and mystical
than ethical and juridical. As such, his work challenges a century of
scholarly opinion concerning a foundational doctrine of Protestant
theology.