Avery Dulles on Luther and Lutheranism

Abstract

This chapter assesses how Avery Dulles both inherited and contributed to an emerging appreciation within the Roman Catholic tradition for Martin Luther as a theologian and a reformer by critically evaluating Luther's historical context and ongoing influence. Though direct references to Luther are rare in Dulles's writings, his reflections on Luther and Lutheranism reveal a direct engagement with Luther research throughout his career. Moreover, Lutherans and Roman Catholics began to appreciate what their respective traditions share in common and to see a recovery of Luther's theological insights as a living voice for the future of both traditions and the possibility of a fellowship between them. The chapter first describes the development of Roman Catholic Luther research in the twentieth century. It then examines the direct comments on Luther and the Lutheran tradition by Dulles in light of this context.