The Alien + the Proper : 1517 Publishing : 9781956658170 : 1956658173 : 24 Jan 2023 : In his Galatians commentary of 1535, Martin Luther insists that "our theology" relies on the proper distinction of two kinds of righteousness: Alien and Proper. In relation to our Creator, we freely receive our "alien" righteousness from Christ who has obtained it for us through his death and resurrection. In relation to humanity and God's created order, we practice a "proper" righteousness by actively fulfilling God's commands that set down the form and pattern for good human living. The Alien and the Proper "helps us to appropriate Luther's theology as our theology as well."- Mark Mattes, Lutheran Bible Institute Chair of Theology, Grand View University Luther posited that this distinction was the key to understanding our humanity. His regular use of this anthropological principle, particularly when applied to justification by faith, the nature of sin, and the proper practice of God's gift of huma