Issues, Etc. Explaining Lutheranism to Non-Lutherans, Part 3 – Dr. Jordan Cooper, 3/6/26 (0651)
Mar 6, 2026
Dr. Jordan Cooper, executive director of Just and Sinner and professor of systematic theology, outlines Lutheran spirituality and its roots. He discusses the Spirit initiating spiritual life, the mystical union with Christ, sacraments as daily means, the role of art and liturgy, key Reformation and post‑Reformation figures, and how to find confessional Lutheran worship.
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Gods Love Is The Root Of Christian Transformation
- Love is central to Lutheran spirituality because God himself is love and the triune life is a relation of love that we enter by union with Christ.
- Cooper stresses it's God's love that redeems and transforms us, not our imperfect love as its cause.
Threefold Love Structures Christian Practice
- Hans Martensen's threefold schema (contemplative, mystical, active love) organizes Lutheran spiritual practice into meditation, prayer, and neighbor-serving vocation.
- Cooper uses the analogy of savoring a Michelin-star meal to urge contemplative reading of Scripture.
Make Sacraments Central In Daily Piety
- Treat sacraments as central, tangible means of grace that shape daily Christian life rather than mere symbols.
- Cooper recommends baptismal reminders (fonts, sign of the cross) and regular Communion preparation to grasp forgiveness concretely.
