January 28, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS - This classic work of fiction by Bo Giertz features three novellas on the theme of spiritual regeneration. In them, we meet three Swedish pastors who learn the necessity of relying on God's grace the hard way-by failing. They fall short of their pastoral duties through public humiliation, self-doubt, inability to accept God's promises in their own lives, and divisions and quarreling among their parishioners. Ultimately each man rejects temptations and permits the Holy Spirit to work through him.

This new edition features the final chapter, never before published in English bringing the story of Pastor Gosta Torvik and his friend Gunnar Schenstedt to conclusion. It also includes a new introduction to the book, which provides more historical and theological background to deepen the reader's understanding of the stories.

Published in 2005 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the author's birth, this revised edition celebrates the contributions Bo Giertz has made as one of Sweden's most influential theologians of the twentieth century.

"At last the splendid concluding chapter of Bishop Bo Giertz's The Hammer of God is available for English readers, and the symbolic shape of this book is complete: three parts, each divided into three chapters. This powerful historical and theological novel, set in one parish in Sweden in the years around 1810, 1870 and 1941, examines convincingly the continuing struggle against those persistent forces that would undermine and destroy the authentic faith of the Church. . . . Large theological doctrines are here given a local habitation in memorable individuals, each with distinctive strengths and limitations. Read this book to learn theology, to be reminded of the strength of the historical Church, to be led more deeply into prayer and devotion." -Philip H. Hfatteicher, First Lutheran Church, Pittsburgh and Adjunct Professor of Sacred Music, Dusquesne University.

"Giertz is masterful in evoking place and time, the rigors and beauties of rural Sweden during all season of the year. He invites us into the piety and church life of Sweden early and later in the 19th century, and the challenges facing Swedish Christians at the outbreak of the Second World War." -Walter R. Bouman, Edward C. Fendt Emeritus Professor of Systematic Theology, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus, Ohio.

." . . In a culture dominated by the religious right, Bo Giertz provides the perfect antidote, illustrating the movement of faith from a self-centered religiosity to Christ Jesus." -James Arne Nestingen, Professor of Church History, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN.

Bo Giertz (1905-1998), a Christian theologian and author, was Bishop Emeritus of the diocese of Gothenburg, Sweden. An internationally respected clergy member, he published several books and numerous articles on the subject of religious doctrine and Christian Life. Among his works published in English are With My Own Eyes: A Life with Jesus (1960) and The Message of the Church in a Time of Crisis (1953).

ISBN: 0-8066-5130-X, Paperback, 352 pages, 5.5" x 8.5" - $17.99.

To order The Hammer of God please call Augsburg Fortress at 1-800-328-4648 or visit the web site at http://www.augsburgfortress.com/.

Augsburg Fortress Press