Adolf Hoenecke and the Quartalschrift

Abstract

Martin O. Westerhaus’s essay, Adolf Hoenecke and the Quartalschrift (1980), commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly by examining its origins and Hoenecke’s foundational role as first editor (1904–1908). Westerhaus situates Hoenecke within Wisconsin Synod history as its leading theologian and dogmatician, whose influence extended from seminary leadership to pivotal doctrinal debates, notably the Election Controversy. The essay highlights Hoenecke’s editorial forewords, which defined the journal’s theological orientation: unwavering adherence to Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, rejection of compromise, and commitment to fostering unity through truth. Hoenecke envisioned the Quartalschrift as a vehicle for doctrinal clarity, homiletical guidance, and pastoral practice. His contributions included major theological articles on the nature of theology, scriptural proof in the Formula of Concord, and the authority of Scripture, as well as critiques of unionistic tendencies and defenses of confessional integrity. Westerhaus also notes Hoenecke’s extensive sermon outlines, reflecting his gift for clear, practical preaching, and his final unfinished book review, which underscores his lifelong concern for distinguishing law and gospel. The essay concludes that Hoenecke’s greatest legacy lies not in the quantity of his writings but in charting the journal’s enduring course of confessional orthodoxy amid shifting theological currents. His emphasis on sedes doctrinae and sola scriptura—later termed the “Wauwatosa Gospel”—remains a hallmark of Wisconsin Synod theology. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT‑4).