Divinizing the Community: Implications for Luther’s Social Ethics from the Finnish School of Luther Interpretation

Abstract

This article applies insights from the Finnish school of Luther interpretation to the issue of communal social ethics. After outlining the relevant points, the article contends that Luther’s theology of Christ present in faith can be translated into communal unification of Christ with the believing community. The article draws implications from this translation for communal action on behalf of social justice and transformation. Communal unification with Christ in faith provides a Lutheran theological warrant for action of the believing community toward systemic social reformation toward justice.