Tuoma Mannermaa comes out of the Finnish Lutheran tradition, which has been heavily influenced by the Eastern Orthodox tradition because of Finland’s close proximity to Russia. In this book Mannermaa focuses on Luther’s distinction between Human love and God’s love.
Mannermaa often uses Luther’s own written material and then expounds on it. In the first chapter this one quote by Luther and further explanation provides an excellent example of this. Luther states, “God’s Love does not find, but creates, that which is lovable to it. Human Love comes into being through that which is lovable to it.” Mannermaa goes on to explain that “God’s Love is directed toward that which is empty and nothing, in order to create something of it and to make it exist in the first place…Human Love by contrast turns itself or is oriented toward that which already ‘is’ something in itself and as such is good and beautiful.” In other words God creates something out of nothing, and that nothing is found in weakness, hate, envy etc. God’s Love is oriented toward that which we find unlovable whereas we can only love that which is beautiful and good to us. On top of that we cannot create out of nothing.
One of the joys of reading this book is that Mannermaa provides a clear and concise explanation. He is not long winded and I found myself highlighting regularly. I always wonder about theologians who feel the need to write massive volumes in which there are only a few memorable quotes. This is not the case with Mannermaa. He gets right to the point in the opening pages and then expounds. It is no wonder that in the intro to this book it states that “It is quite appropriate to talk about a ‘Mannermaa school.’” His ability to explain difficult concepts has captured the attention of many scholars who wish to emulate such an excellent theologian.
If you are interested in a book that takes a look at Love through the lens of justification by faith through grace this is the book for you.
