This work is a compilation of three works of the Lutheran systematician Francis Pieper (1852–1931) on the atonement of Christ: 1) Pieper’s lecture notes on the pertinent section of Johann Wilhelm Baier’s (1647–1695) Compendium Theologiae Positivae, which Pieper himself had edited and published in 1879; 2) an address to the district convention of the Southeran Illinois District of the LCMS in 1916; and 3) the section on the high priestly office of Christ from Pieper’s Christliche Dogmatik of 1917. These three pieces are bookended on the one hand by a Foreword written by Jack D. Kilcrease, and two biographical sketches of Pieper by Theodore Graebner (1876–1950) and W.H.T. Dau (1864–1944), and on the other hand by bibliographies of mostly modern works on the atonement by others, as well as the works of Francis Pieper in general.
T.R. Halverson, the publisher, is to be commended for providing this helpful introduction to the life and work of Franz Pieper. Of note especially are Pieper’s lectures on Baier here made available for the first time in English. Interesting as well is the new translation of the section from Pieper’s Christliche Dogmatik—long available in English translation in the Christian Dogmatics (1950–53). Fresh translations never seem to disappoint, often bringing to the reader aspects of the original text missed by older translations.
While the biographical information is a reminder of Pieper’s stellar achievements and career (pastor, professor, seminary and synodical president, father of 13), it unwittingly, perhaps, historicizes him, allowing the reader to dismiss the theological content of the three writings included as an archaic approach to the topic at hand. A contextualization of Pieper’s work in view of current discussions and debates on the atonement— and not just a bibliography of the same—would have been helpful. Still, an extremely useful volume, providing important resources in a convenient and inexpensive format.
Paul Strawn
Pastor, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
Spring Lake Park, Minnesota