This important volume provides a contemporary reassessment of the Pauline doctrine of justification from both Protestant and Roman Catholic perspectives. The essays represent the culmination of a new ecumenical spirit and several decades of conversation between Lutheran and Roman Catholic representatives, a process that culminated in a Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification that was signed in 1999.

Following an introduction by David G. Truemper, these biblical, historical, and theological chapters balance Protestant and Roman Catholic perspectives. The collection will be of great interest to biblical scholars, theologians, and historians of doctrine who are concerned with the interpretation of Paul, the division of the Western church, and the continuing ecumenical conversation.

Contributors include David G. Truemper; Susan K. Wood; Michael Root; Joseph A. Fitzmyer, S.J.; Richard E. DeMaris; John Reumann; Margaret M. Mitchell; David M. Rylaarsdam; Randall C. Zachman; and David E. Aune.

I began reading this book with the intent to skim but was quickly drawn into full engagement with its dialogue. The exchange is vigorous and thoughtful, arising out of deep commitments to ecumenism and to Paul. Those who share these commitments will surely find these essays stimulating.–Jouette M. Bassler, professor of New Testament, Perkins School of Theology