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Gerhard’s Theological Commonplaces

“The greatest doctrinal text in the entire history of Lutheranism.”

The Theological Commonplaces series is the most significant doctrinal Lutheran work following the Reformation. Today, it remains a classic of Lutheran theology. With skill and precision, Johann Gerhard presents the Christian faith from Scripture in dialogue with the Church Fathers, medieval theology, Luther, and a multitude of contemporary theologians.

Each hardback volume features:

  • The English translation of Gerhard’s Loci Theologici (originally published 1610–25).
  • Glossary of key theological, rhetorical, and philosophical terms.
  • Name and Scripture indexes.
  • Carefully researched list of works cited, which presents guidance for deciphering the numerous abbreviations of the other titles from which Gerhard quotes.

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Latest Release

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Browse the Entire Series
Latest Release: On Eternal Life

On December 3, 1610, Gerhard held a disputation on the “four last things of man” these include death, resurrection, judgment, and then either hell or heaven. 1 Pet. 1:9 says that “the end of our faith” is “the salvation of our souls.” The translation of this verse has three different meanings that change the view of faith when Christians encounter mysteries not revealed in this lifetime. Each and every one of these meanings has its place in the apostolic text for a distinct reason. Gerhard makes a systematic attempt to answer these questions biblically and give advice on using this theology.

Release Schedule

On Death, Part One Fall 2023
On Death, Part Two Fall 2024
“Gerhard’s Loci is the greatest doctrinal text in the entire history of Lutheranism. By putting these splendid volumes in the English language, CPH ensures access to the solid teaching of the orthodox Lutheran Church in one of its greatest expressions ever penned. And CPH is virtually the only Lutheran publishing house in the world with the capacity, fidelity, and will to produce such gems!”

—Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

“Among the strengths of Gerhard are his clear definitions of terms, his abundant use of Scripture, his thorough knowledge of the Church Fathers, and the clarity of his outline and arguments. The notion that the Lutheran dogmaticians were philosophical debaters rather than careful exegetes of Scriptures is quickly disproved . . . . [It is] the outstanding work of Lutheran (i.e., biblical) dogmatics.”

—John F. Brug, Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly

“The thoroughness and detail of Gerhard’s discussion is impressive. Moreover, Gerhard assembles a remarkable diversity of sources throughout and approaches them in both a constructive and critical manner. He also continues the tradition, well-established in Lutheran circles, of showing the continuity of evangelical theology, particularly its commitment to the authority of Scripture, with the Early Church Fathers.”

—Carl Beckwith, Beeson Divinity School, Birmingham, Alabama

“Orthodox fathers of the seventeenth century have been rejected and ignored for too long. The publication of Johann Gerhard’s massive ‘Theological Commonplaces’ by Concordia Publishing House offers an opportunity to re-examine the Orthodox and their important contributions to theology and their relevance for theology today. Gerhard offers a safe and sane approach to the doctrine of God, one that is both wholly evangelical and wholly catholic.”

—Mark C. Mattes, Grand View University, Des Moines, Iowa

“Gerhard’s writings are always theologically engaging. They prove highly inaccurate the claims of Pietism and Liberalism that Lutheran orthodoxy was ‘dead orthodoxy.’ What is most delightful about Gerhard’s work is its sense of evangelical-catholicity. He is consistently focused on a close reading of the Bible with special attention to rectilinear prophecy and typological interpretation of the Old Testament.”

—Jack Kilcrease, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“Lutheran professors should seriously consider using Gerhard as a required text. Lutheran pastors will find that this book of Gerhard defends their office against all threats. Any Lutheran pastor who cares about his job should buy this book and read it with care. He will find many comforts and consolations, not the least of which is that his work is God’s work.”

—Martin R. Noland, Pastor, Trinity Lutheran Church, Evansville, Indiana, in Concordia Theological Quarterly

About Johann Gerhard

Johann Gerhard (October 17, 1582–August 17, 1637) is remembered as the “Archtheologian of Lutheranism.” Gerhard was the most influential of the seventeenth-century Lutheran theologians. He decisively influenced Protestant theologians to study the evangelical (i.e., Gospel-centered) character of the pre-Reformation Christianity.
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