The Majoristic Controversy (1551-1562): As Addressed by Article IV of the Formula of Concord (Of Good Works)

Abstract

Pastor David Kipfmiller, in his essay for the 2002 Southeast Michigan Pastoral Conference, gives a detailed overview of the Majoristic controversy leading up to the writing of the Formula of Concord (especially article IV “Of Good Works”). He places the controversy in its historical setting by examining the Augsburg and Leipzig interims. He presents the major characters—such as George Major and Nikolaus von Amsdorf—and he carefully explains both the errors of saying, “Good works are necessary for salvation,” and “Good works are injurious to salvation.” Overall, the essay is a well-balanced treatment of all the major issues in the Majoristic controversy.