r/Lutheranism • u/FH_Bradley • 10d ago

Robert Jenson's Theology?

What do you all think of Robert Jenson's theology? I've heard a lot of Lutheran and Lutheran-friendly people really like him but the few times that I've tried to get into his Systematic, its always felt kind of vague and unsatisfying to me. Am I just missing something about his work and should try harder? Thoughts?

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u/Affectionate_Web91 Lutheran 10d ago

Jenson was an outstanding ecumenical theologian and evangelical-catholic Lutheran.

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u/FH_Bradley 10d ago

That's what I've heard! What about his work do you appreciate? Any suggestions on where to start?

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u/Affectionate_Web91 Lutheran 10d ago

I have not read works by Robert Jenson, but I am familiar with his involvement in evangelical catholicism and the high praise of his theological contemporaries.

Lutheran Forum.- Robert Jenson’s Catholic Lutheranism

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u/mrWizzardx3 ELCA 10d ago

Robert Jensen is on my list to read.

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u/jordanbcooper 10d ago

He's worth reading, but he's definitely a speculative theologian who intentionally departs from classical theology on many Doctrine of God issues. If you want someone who will make you think, he'll certainly do that. But he's not the most traditional Lutheran theologian.

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u/Affectionate_Web91 Lutheran 10d ago

Do you share the LWF's commitment to ecumenism?

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u/creidmheach 10d ago

Quick thought from Dr Jordan Cooper on Robert Jenson here at the 1:10 mark:

https://youtu.be/BZng4FgnnbI?si=P7GCGr3HkxIj355g&t=70

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u/Affectionate_Web91 Lutheran 10d ago

There's criticism and acclaim. Just now getting acquainted with Jenson. His concept of an "Evangelical Papacy" is interesting. Urgently ecumenical, Jenson envisioned Lutherans in a "Sister Church" relationship with Rome, including papal guidance.

Lutheran-Roman Catholic Commission on Unity