U. V. Koren's Works. Volume 4: Memoirs, Poems, Miscellaneous by Mark DeGarmeaux (review)

This final volume of translations of Norwegian-American pioneer pastor Ulrik Villem Koren (1826–1910) is an eclectic compilation of recollections, addresses, poems, letters, and church governance matters, as well as tributes to Koren from others. Additionally, the volume includes recently found letters of Koren written to family in Norway dating from the 1850s and 60s.

Theologically the most important work here is "An Accounting" (1884), of which Koren was the author and which was subscribed by 107 Norwegian Synod pastors. It set forth the Norwegian Synod's (or "Old Synod's) orthodox position on the doctrine of election in contrast to Pietistical Norwegians. In opposition to Missouri Synod leader C. F. W. Walther, Friedrich August Schmidt, like Koren a member of the "Old Synod," had taught that humans could assist the Holy Spirit in their conversion by means of their conduct. This stance created a fire storm between the followers of Schmidt and those of Walther, whose teachings Koren followed.

In response to the Pietistic charges that Walther's stance was Calvinistic, Koren maintained that it is the agency of the Holy Spirit who effectuates conversion (290, 292). Pietistic Norwegian-Americans at the time taught that God elects those who will be saved in view of their faith, the intuitufideidoctrine. The Old Synod rejected the intuitu fideiposition as inherently synergistic; they claimed that it implied that humans contribute some sort of good work which assists salvation. To this, the Pietistical rejoinder was that the Old Synod's position that humans offer nothing which would contribute to conversion leads to libertinism. To that accusation, An Accountingstates:

… since the only way to salvation along which God leads the elect is via repentance, faith, and sanctification, and accordingly he who would be saved must be found on that way, it is blasphemous to say that, since our conduct does not help us gain salvation, we can then behave however we wish—which is the ancient offense of the gospel.

(III.16 [p. 302])

Interestingly, An Accountingmakes heavy use of the Formula of Concord, article 11, even though the Book of Concordhad not been endorsed by the Church of Norway. However, due to Koren's urging, the Norwegian Synod would officially subscribe to the Book of Concord.

But this volume is not solely about that controversy. The opening essay is a beautiful recollection of Koren's theological education in Norway, his and his wife's passage to America, and his early ministry, including worship on the frontier. The anecdotes are delightful. An example: Koren was surprised that so few Norwegian Americans missed Norway, except one man once admitted that he missed lingonberries in autumn (31).

Many nineteenth-century Scandinavian theologians were poets; so was Koren. Poems here include two in honor of his and his wife's silver and golden wedding anniversaries, his well-known hymn, "Ye Lands to the Lord" (173), and a lengthy poem "Old House" describing the disagreements among Norwegian Americans over the election controversy from an Old Synod perspective. Likewise, there are several addresses given at Luther College (Decorah, Iowa), which he helped found, including a hagiographic rendering of Abraham Lincoln's life.

An interesting article is entitled, "Pastor's Wife," and takes for granted that the pastor's wife will be a "good example" for women of the congregation (160). The article also assumes the parsonage to be a far more public place for meetings and visits than what many contemporary pastors would approve. (This is no doubt due to the lack of central heating in nineteenth-century rural church buildings.) Even prior to the election controversy, Letter 153 (1867) indicates disagreement between Augustana Synod pastors and the Old Synod, since Koren notes that these pastors make faith to be a condition for the reception of the gospel (225). The book contains fascinating information about pioneer food, clothing, customs, and...