A Redaction-critical Analysis of the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Dogmatics Notes

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to examine and evaluate the historical influences that have effected alterations and additions of content and diction in the Dogmatics notes of the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in the span of 70 years. Two editions of the Dogmatics notes have been analyzed – the edition with which J.P. Meyer began teaching in 1935, and the current edition, which was revised in 2005. In view of the mass amount of material contained in the Dogmatics notes, three specific headings have been isolated: Christian Marriage and the Family, the Lord’s Supper, and the Ministerial Office. Within the first two headings the focus has been narrowed further to isolate Family Planning and Reproductive Technology, as well as the Moment of Presence. Each focal point is introduced, overviewed historically, analyzed according to the alterations in Dogmatics notes, and conclusions are drawn therefrom. This thesis concludes with an encouragement to continue to carefully craft further alterations to the Dogmatics notes in view of external influences while maintaining a faithful biblical foundation.