Red highlighting in Pieper column indicates possible missing section in Mueller. Green highlighting in Mueller column indicates possible added material over and above Pieper; Yellow highlighting indicates possible corresponding sections with differing heading names.
One notes significant sections with nearly identical headings and other portions of significant omissions by Mueller. I was a little surprised that several headings in the "Holy Scripture" section were not listed in Mueller, but it did not surprise me that Mueller abridged large sections from Pieper's "Doctrine of Christ" or Christology (volume 2) to defend against Reformed errors. Evidently further study would be required to make any final judgments.
Which is better?
To anyone who would desire to learn true Lutheran, i.e. true Christian, doctrine, I would encourage them go directly to Pieper's work instead of Mueller. Why? Because even though Pieper includes more use of Biblical and ecclesiastical languages (Greek, Hebrew and Latin), yet his narrative in English is so clear that one can still grasp his points even with no knowledge of these languages or of his references to dated works of theology. Pieper practiced what he taught others theologians to do – he spoke and wrote in a clear manner that does not confuse his hearers or readers. If a reader of this blog still is determined to get through the material in the shortest possible time, then Mueller may be used to good effect. — Of course the best comparison is to determine in detail what Mueller omitted and added to Pieper's content, a rather large project. It is hoped that the above chart will aid in determining these differences.
I should say that, due in no small part to this blog, I sought out and procured my own (used) 4-volume copy of Pieper's Christian Dogmatics some time ago. I am almost done with volume 3.
ReplyDeleteI must say, of all the theological texts I've read, Pieper's is the greatest, a master work. It should be studied and taught at the same level as the Confessions.
I only wish the English translation included all the italicized text that you've pointed out was omitted, along with unabridged footnotes.
Christian Dogmatics is a treasure and the LCMS should embrace it more fully and dearly!
jwskud:
DeleteI am especially sorry for not getting your comment of a year ago published before! Google had mysteriously stopped informing me of new comments coming in and I was unaware of this, so finally here it is. -- Glad you could benefit from this post. I have just now read this post again and remembered that I hoped that it would be of benefit to others… like you (and me). (2020-06-15)