Lutheran theology calls for the destruction of all that is good, right, and beautiful in human life, explains Paulson (systematic theology, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota), for the end of virtue, morality, and progress toward happiness; for the apocalyptic end of righteousness in this world so that only Christ remains. That said, he offers perspectives on such aspects as life without a preacher, faith and promise, baptism's freedom from sin, the state of the promise, temporal authority and its limits, and the preacher's sacrifice. T&T Clark is an imprint of Continuum. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)