Rev. Dr. Mark Mattes

Title: Professor of Theology and Philosophy
Dept.: Philosophy, Theology
Office: Cowles Center 101
Phone: (515) 263-2903
Email: mmattes @ grandview.edu

Mark Mattes serves as Chair of the Department of Theology at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa. Prior to this call, he served parishes in Gardner, Illinois and Antigo, Wisconsin. He holds a Ph.D. from The University of Chicago, the M.Div. from Luther Seminary, and earned his B.A. from St. Olaf College, where he was also elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

Mark has authored several books, including Luther's Theology of Beauty: A Reappraisal (Baker Academic, 2017) and The Role of Justification in Contemporary Theology. He has also co-edited Gerhard Forde's theological essays, A More Radical Gospel and The Preached God and has co-translated works of Oswald Bayer, Theology the Lutheran Way and A Contemporary in Dissent and Klaus Schwarzwäller, Cross and Resurrection. Additionally he has authored numerous essays and reviews for peer-reviewed journals and serves as an associate editor for Lutheran Quarterly. He also serves on the Continuation Committee of the International Luther Congress.

Academic History

  • A.A., Waldorf College
  • B.A., St. Olaf College
  • M.Div., Luther Seminary
  • Ph.D., The University of Chicago

Start Date at Grand View

  • August 1995

Areas of Expertise

  • Systematic Theology
  • Philosophical Theology
  • Hermeneutics
  • Luther Research

Research / Accomplishments

  • Associate Editor for Lutheran Quarterly and Lutheran Quarterly Books 
  • Mark has authored several books, including Luther's Theology of Beauty: A Reappraisal (Baker Academic, 2017) and The Role of Justification in Contemporary Theology.
  • He has also co-edited Gerhard Forde's theological essays, A More Radical Gospel and The Preached God and has co-translated works of Oswald Bayer, Theology the Lutheran Way and A Contemporary in Dissent and Klaus Schwarzwäller, Cross and Resurrection.
  • Additionally he has authored numerous essays and reviews for peer-reviewed journals and serves as an associate editor for Lutheran Quarterly.
  • He also serves on the Continuation Committee of the International Luther Congress.

Questions & Answers

What makes Grand View unique among other universities?

Grand View is committed to the task of helping students gain skills for employment but also have a sense of vocation or purpose in life, a commitment not only to work but also family and community. Grand View helps students integrate their faith with life.
What is your favorite part about working at Grand View?
I enjoy collaborating with the Campus Ministry on numerous projects. I also enjoy the friendliness and eagerness to learn that Grand View students have.
Dr. Mark Mattes