EDITOR'S NOTE

Welcome to our twelfth issue of SIMUL, the journal of St. Paul Lutheran Seminary. This edition delves into the historical roots of Lutheranism with several insightful articles about pre-Reformation theologians.

This edition delves into the historical roots of Lutheranism with several insightful articles about pre-Reformation theologians.

In this volume, Mark Menacher begin our study with a well-researched article on the life and work of John Wycliffe. Menacher examines the similarities and differences between Wycliffe’s theology and later Lutheran thought, while also lamenting his acceptance of the prevailing justification theology of his day.

Former SPLS student and pastor Leah Krotz offers a beautifully written essay on the work of 15th Century Czech theologian Jan Hus. Krotz explains how Hus’ courageous search for the truth of scripture still resonates today.

Mark Ryman takes a somewhat broader approach to the topic, exploring how Hus’ and Wycliffe’s works personally influenced Luther, especially in the formulation of the Reformation doctrines of Sola Scriptura and Semper Reformanda. Ryman also contributes a beautiful hymn entitled “Wyclyf,” sung to the tune of the 1887 hymn “Wycliff,” written by John Stainer.

And I finish out this issue with a book review on Lauro Martinez’s history (that reads like a novel), entitled Fire in the City: Savonarola and the Struggle for the Soul of Renaissance Florence published by Oxford University Press (2007). What can this little monk from Ferrara teach us about having the courage to stand up against corruptions that might arise in the Church?

What’s Ahead?

Upcoming Issues - Our Fall 2024 issue will tackle the topic of Free Will vs. Bondage of the Will.

SPLS now offers the Th.D. – We are excited to announce that St. Paul Lutheran Seminary is partnering with Kairos University in Sioux Falls, SD to establish an accredited Doctorate in Theology (Th.D.). The Th.D. is a research degree, preparing candidates for deep theological reflection, discussion, writing, leadership in the church and service towards the community. The goal of the program is to develop leaders in the Lutheran church who are qualified to teach in institutions across the globe, to engage in theological and biblical research to further the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to respond with faithfulness to any calling within the church. Those who are accepted into and complete the program will receive all instruction from SPLS professors and will receive an accredited (ATS) degree from Kairos University.

The general area of study of the Th.D. program is in systematic theology. Specializations offered within the degree include, but are not limited to: Reformation studies, evangelical homiletics, and law and gospel dialectics. The sub-disciplines within the areas of specialization are dependent upon the interest of the student provided they have a qualified and approved mentor. Other general areas of study, such as biblical studies, will be forthcoming. For the full description of the program, go to https://semlc.org/academic-programs/ If you are interested in supporting our effort to produce faithful teachers of Christ’s church, contact Jon Jensen jjensen@semlc.org. All prospective student inquiries can be directed to Dr. Marney Fritts mfritts@semlc.org.

Giving - Please consider making a generous contribution to St. Paul Lutheran Seminary at: https://semlc.org/support-st-paul-lutheran-seminary/.

I hope you enjoy this issue of SIMUL! If you have any questions about the journal or about St. Paul Lutheran Seminary, please shoot me an email at dennisdimauro@yahoo.com