Product Description
Lutheran churches in the United States have included multiple ethnic cultures since the colonial era and continue to wrestle with increasing internal variety as one component of their identity. By combining the concerns of social history with an awareness for theological themes, this volume explores the history of this family of Lutheran churches and traces the development from the colonial era through the formation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1988. An introduction details the origins of Lutheranism in the European Reformation and the practices significant to the group's life in the United States. Organized chronologically, subsequent chapters follow the churches' maturation as they form institutions, provide themselves with leaders, and expand their membership and geographic range. Attention is given throughout to the contributions of the laity and women within the context of the Lutherans' continued individual and corporate effort to be both authentically Lutheran and genuinely American. ... Read more

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There are over twenty essays in this volume, representing Lutheran churches throughout the world. The essays are divided into four sections: Biblical studies, historical studies, doctrinal studies and practical studies. "It is striking that in the ancient Near East, where female deities and priestesses were abundant, Israel was told to have only male priests. Similarly, in the Greco-Roman world, where female gods and priestesses flourished, the Church restricted the apostolic-pastoral office to men. This volume is to be commended for similarly resisting the prevailing cultural novelties by supporting, in a scholarly and churchly manner, the God-given order for the Church's ministry. Women as well as men are blessed when they hear and follow the living, healing voice of Jesus in the prophetic and apostolic Scripture." --Rev. Dr. Dean O Wenthe, President, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

21 Men
21 men wrote essays to demonstrate why women ought not be ordained pastors of the church.

Enough said.

Rev. Dr. Dena Williams

Vital Collection of Essays on Current Hot Theological Topic
CPH has again done Christianity and whoever else wants to openly explore this issue of Women Pastors a service by publishing this collection of twenty-one essays on the topic.

They are organized around the standard four-fold seminary disciplines of systematics, history, exegesis and practical.The essayists are worldwide theologians and handle their topics with care and knowledge of the varied responses to this topic.

The pressure to re-think if not outright dispense with the church's history of not ordaining any women into the pastoral office is hereby challenged on these four theological areas views. Permit me to highlight but a few from this collection. There is a most excellent presentation by Dr. Gieschen of 1 Tim. 2 wherein he proclaims correctly that Paul here is not just culturally conditioned to forbid women leading the Divine Service but that it is exegetically based as a continuance with unity with the order of creation both in the OT and in Christ.This careful handling of God's Word provides honor to women in the church, yet handles the the order of creation.

Historically Sidenvall from Sweden shows how the historical development that allowed women pastors there has in the forty-fifty years created that in the Lutheran Swedish church "it is impossible to proclaim any truth based on Scripture in our church."Political and cultural pressure started this slide, not good exegesis.

In a powerful systematic unfolding of the Trinity as it applies to this doctrinal dispute, Dr. Kleinig of Australia shows the correct flow of this Word of God from the Father to Christ to the Apostles to Pastors to the Royal Priesthood.So, to ordain women one must alter one's Trinitarian stance, i.e. one's view of God and His fatherhood and Son.Kleinig rightly argues that this obscures not only the order of creation but also the order of redemption.Also in this country which is considering seriously women ordination Dr. Greg Lockwood provides challenging response point by point to a church proposal.

So that there be no slighting of the practical, there is fine essay by ELCA Pastor Louis Smith who comments on how his view on this doctrine has changed once he considered all the evidence.This convinced him that the exegetical and historical rationale was not sound, and therefore he proposes with love and mercy how this unbiblical situation should be handled in his confessional body.

There is truly a great deal of fine thought on this hot topic to be digested and reflected on and used.This is a must have resource for those interested in the topic.Highly recommened.





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Bradley Hanson lays a solid foundation for living thespiritual life, drawing on the insights and emphases of the Lutherantradition. He analyzes the current spiritual situation and thenidentifies seven theological themes for a healthy Christianspirituality:

Our Human Condition Trust in God's Merciful Grace Reliance on the Word of God Meeting God in Physical Symbols Christian Spirituality and the Church Church Traditions Service in Daily Life

Each chapter includes reflection questions and spiritual exercises forgroups and individuals. Written in a clear, readable style, this is anideal study resource for adult education, college, and seminaryclasses. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

For all Christians seeking spiritual development!
A wonderfully well written book on building your spiritual life and mending your soul through practice of Christian beliefs.While the title mentions Lutherans (of which I am one), all denominations will find insightin this easy to read book.Re-awaken the ember that glows within. ... Read more

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Comedy / Characters: 2m, 3f / Unit SetKosher Lutherans centers on Hanna and Franklyn, the seemingly perfect couple who desperately want to have a child of their own, but are unable to do so. As the couple begins to wonder if they'll ever become parents, they have a chance encounter with a God-fearing pregnant girl from Iowa who offers to let the couple adopt her out-of-wedlock baby.Just before the adoption papers are signed, Hanna and Franklyn discover the girl is unaware that they are Jewish. Knowing the revelation could throw a ratchet into the whole works, the couple poses as Lutherans to appeal to the girl's apparent Midwestern sensibilities. But how far are they willing to go to have a family? ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Publisher: Lutheran publication society, General council publication board; Publication date: 1918; Subjects: Religion / Institutions ... Read more

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English text with Spanish, German, and French translations. This volume presents the policy statement on ecumenical commitment of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America adopted in 1991 by the ELCA's second churchwide assembly. ... Read more

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Nearly 500 years ago, Martin Luther broke with the Church. In There We Stood, Here We Stand, 11 former Lutherans talk about what brought them back. Edited by Catholic writer, Tim Drake, with a foreword by Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, these provocative testimonies reveal just how far the Lutheran church has strayed from traditional Christian teaching. Their stories address the differences between Lutheranism and Catholicism - differences so profound that they have led many into the Catholic Church. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Excellent service
Excellent and rapid service. The description of the book was accurate. I would be delighted to use this seller again.

Not the best representation of the Lutheran positions...
This text proposes itself as a survey of Lutherans who have swum the Tiber, which is in fact a valid description.It makes no particular mention, however, of the type of Lutherans that are making this move... and what I notice from the selection of writers is they are a very poor representation of confessional Lutheran theology or practice.Without seeking to be overly negative, I think it fair to point out that the people represented in these short stories either have a woefully poor understanding of what confessional Lutheran theology states, have experienced abuse or mistreatment in their Lutheran communion (akin to that which is also found in the Roman communion,) or they were so significantly emotionally or theologically unbalanced to begin with, that they may have just as easily landed with Rev. Moon than with the Romans.

As a Lutheran, I have extremely high regard for Roman Catholic thought and practice, but I would not recommend this book as a reasonable reflection of either.While I enjoy the EWTN broadcasts from time to time, this book references that radio production in an almost fervent manner... and this book comes across as another one-sided apologetic for why Romans are perfect and every other Christian is horribly erring, without a lick of substantiation to very grandios and controverted claims.

I would much rather have read a work that seriously considered the positives and negatives of both Lutheran and Roman communions, and made even-handed analysis of the situations that lead well balanced, well informed Lutherans to Rome... or vice versa.This book struck me as blatant propaganda, and the editors as profiteering off the weakness of a few Lutherans who neither knew themselves nor their confessions.

I should have discerned this from the cover art, but I try not to judge a book by its cover... in this case, perhaps I should have.

Great for Lutherans Considering Catholicism
This book is a great resource for the Lutheran considering the Catholic faith.It is tailored for the Lutheran mind and experience.It would not be my first choice for non-Lutherans considering the Catholic faith.For non-Lutherans, I recommend Steve Ray or Scott Hahn.

The book is a series of conversion stories set forth in the first person.The contributors are from ELCA, Wisconsin and Missouri Synods.The experiences of each of the converts reflect the particular concerns engendered by their particular Lutheran persuasion.To that end, the book is a broad spectrum of experience.This is its strength.

This collection of conversion stories gives fair treatment to faith and doctrine.Religious experience is colored in as well.In all, this book is worth the purchase.If you are Lutheran or desire to understand concerns that Lutherans may have with the Catholic faith, this is a must read.

From Reformation to Rome
A few years back British Airways had an arresting ad slogan for travel to England: "Come home America, all is forgiven." Along with Pope John Paul II offering apologies on behalf of the Church, Rome has been echoing this slogan to the Reformation churches. In this book, eleven Lutherans tell why they took up the offer. This book differs somewhat from the general interest, dumbed-down sort of conversion story. Few of these writers would sum up with the line from "Amazing Grace," "I once was blind, but now I see." These stories are far more involved and candid than you would expect. They give interesting insights into the differences and commonalities in the various Lutheran bodies, and the book may be of interest to Catholics wondering how Protestants view their communion. Most of all, however, this book will be of interest to Protestants of various stripes who share a lively interest in spiritual things and will find echoes in these writers' accounts of their own life stories.

What they saw....
This book is one of many that are now available from former Protestants who have embraced Roman Catholicism.I especially enjoyed the stories of those woman pastors who had to be very brave to leave their vocation behind to embrace Roman Catholicism.I wonder, though, if liturgical reform and better cathechesis does not make itself known with Roman Catholicism if we might not see a similar book written by ex-Catholics? ... Read more

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Why are we here?How does what we do at Lutheran colleges and universities differ from other Christian institutions of higher learning or public universities?The Lutheran model of higher education affirms the importance of diversity and the need to dialogue with multiple points of view within a context of academic freedom and Christian presence.This means that all people are important and contribute to the character of a community of inquiry, including people of other faith traditions and a variety of disciplines.The great challenge for the future of Lutheran higher education is to keep the questions of faith and learning alive on our campuses.This book is intended to assist that process.it is not intended to determine its outcome. ... Read more

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I love this church and its liturgy and know that something very valuable is weekly unappreciated by millions of us. That ""something"" in the author's preface is the Lutheran liturgy.

Understanding that liturgy is ""the work of the people in worshiping God."" Dennis R. Fakes presents this volume that will assist lay people and clergy to understand and appreciate the powerful messages of the liturgy.

Uses for this book include:
Worship or new member classes
Worship and music committee workshops
A sermon series
A liturgy handbook for worship leaders

The guided reflections for each part of the service provide a gospel-centered focus to the purpose of liturgy as it enhances richness and meaning to one's understanding of God's presence and invitation in the worship service.
Paul R. Swanson, Bishop Oregon Synod, ELCA

Not only a book for serious students of liturgical life, but also for the new Christian. The author has taken the hard work out of reading liturgical books written for all Lutherans, it is sensitive to all traditions.
Eugene E. Schmidt, District President Kansas District-LC-MS

I can visualize this book being utilized to not only introduce persons to the Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Liturgy but also to enable a far greater appreciation of the liturgy by those who may have been Lutherans for decades.
Robert H. Studtmann, Bishop The Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod, ELCA

Dennis R. Fakes, pastor at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lindsborg, Kansas, received undergraduate degrees from St. John's College, Winfield, Kansas, and Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Indiana. He holds a master's of theology degree from Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago. This is his third CSS book.
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Customer Reviews (1)

Simply and plainly explains it
This is a good, simple book that will help any reader become more familiar with the Lutheran liturgy.It is written in general terms, and differences between the ELCA and LC-MS are noted when appropriate.The book is useful to any synod.

As the title suggests, it explains the Lutheran Liturgy.The first chapter describes the physical layout of the church building, why the minisiter wears the colors s/he does when, and the church year.

The second chapter covers the invocation and the confession; the third chapter the entrance hymn, greeting, kyrie, and hymn of praise, and so on through the chapters, with the eighth containing the Lamb Of God, Dismissal, Post-Communion Canticle, Prayer, and The Blessing.There is a good bibliography in the back.The table of contents resembles what is listed in the Bulletin during Sunday worship services.

The tone of the book is very casual, and the author explains some things like what the X in XMAS stands for and what IHS means.He briefly discusses the different ways of receiving communion; for example, why we sometimes stand for communion, why we sometimes sit for communion, and who may receive communion in the Lutheran Church.

It is an easy read and I strongly recommend the book for anyone attending Lutheran Church services; it answer the questions of "why is the pastor doing that?" and "why is the pastor wearing purple today?"




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Customer Reviews (2)

Synergy in Salvation, Sanctification and Theosis

"Here the concepts of the church as the eucharistic community extending through time and space, salvation as forgiveness and newness of life, and the authority of revelation as enacting the salvation event are mutually integral." Paul R. Hinlicky, Toward integrating theosis and justification by faith



Temporal Vs. Eternal Salvation:
"One of the greatest semantic misunderstandings concerns the way in which the terms 'salvation','atonement', and 'redemption' are used by Roman Catholics. Protestants have a distinctive and narrowly focused set of meanings for these terms. When they read Catholic documents that use these terms in larger senses, it appears to them that Catholics are stating teachings that deny the sufficiency of Christ's cross; reading a Catholic book one encounters the expression that one may atone for one's iniquity by faithfulness and love, and would have an attack of apoplexy. "No one can atone for own sins!" they would exclaim, "That is a denial of the sufficiency of the cross. Only Christ atone for us!"
"Since it is true that only Christ can atone for our sins in one sense, we must therefore conclude that Proverbs 16:6, "By love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil," is speaking of atonement in a different sense. And since only Christ can atone for the eternal effects of our sins, we must conclude that Proverbs 16 speaks of love and faithfulness resulting in a non-eternal atoning for sin; in other words, a temporal atonement rather than an eternal one.(James Akin, Temporal and Eternal Salvation,(c)1996)

Synergy in Salvation:
Both Lutherans and Orthodox teach that divine grace operates universally and that God freely grants grace to all human beings. God's saving grace does not operate by necessity or in an irresistible manner, since human beings can reject it. Regarding the way in which salvation is appropriated by the believers, Lutherans, by teaching that justification and salvation are by grace alone through faith (sola gratia, sola fide), stress the absolute priority of divine grace in salvation. ...The Orthodox also affirm the absolute priority of divine grace. They underline that it is God's grace which enables our human will to conform to the divine will (Phil 2:13) in the steps of Jesus praying, "not as I will but as You will" (Matt. 26:39), so that we may work out our salvation in fear and trembling ( Phil. 2:12). This is what the Orthodox mean by "synergy" (working together) of divine grace and the human will of the believer in the appropriation of the divine life in Christ.
The understanding of synergy in salvation is helped by the fact that the human will in the one person of Christ was not abolished when the human nature was united in Him with the divine nature,... While Lutherans do not use the concept of synergy, they recognize the personal responsibility of the human being in the acceptance or refusal of divine grace through faith, and in the growth of faith and obedience to God. Lutherans and Orthodox both understand good works as the fruits and manifestations of the believer's faith and not as a means of salvation. (9th Plenary of the Lutheran-Orthodox Joint Commission)

Theological Anthropology in Dialogue:
Please watch Paul Hinlicky trying to uncover the salvation-history presuppositions of the Lutheran doctrine of justification and its implications, in dialogue with Orthodox understanding of the human vocation, "In a view in which the encounter with Christ and communion with him by the Spirit is the text, and justification by faith the commentary on it, however, there must be an answer to the question, What is the human person? The classical answer is, in words that are familiar from the Orthodox theological tradition: To be human is to become divine. To miss this calling is to fall short of humanity, as God wills humanity to be. Sin is a radical alienation from the human vocation, whose consequence is the equally radical fate of death. Apart from some such theological anthropology as this, justification by faith loses it claim to magnify the redemption in Christ and becomes mere anthropology; so reduced, it is, in fact, in danger of becoming an ideology of secularization with a happy consciousness. In order to avoid this ironical fate, Lutheran theology will have to recognize that its relation to Orthodox theology is one of an asymmetrical dependence on the classical tradition of the ancient and undivided church, of which living Orthodoxy claims to be the representative."

Salvation in Christ; A Lutheran-Orthodox Dialogue:
Many topics under the broad issue of 'salvation' are treated in this compilation of ecumenical studies, edited by John Meyendorff, and Robert Tobias, including useful comparative essays on the similarities and differences between Orthodox doctrine and those emerging from the Lutheran Reformation. Major in depth exploration of the central subject through scholarly papers by outstanding theologians of both churches, including John breck and Robert Wilken.
"The revelation of God, even as contained in Scripture, transcends all verbal expressions. It is hidden from all creatures, especially from sinful man (Greek: the 'old man'). Its true meaning is revealed only through the Holy Spirit in the living experience of salvation, which is accomplished in the church through the Christian life. This catholic experience of salvation in the church is at the same time the only authentic expression of the true understanding of the Word of God."

Comment & Book Review:
"It is arguable today that the historical-critical task of the convergence method in ecumenical studies is largely accomplished and that we are in a stage of reception, the results of which are not yet fully clear."
"The North American bilateral volume, Salvation in Christ: A Lutheran-Orthodox Dialogue, brims with new theological possibilities for the construction of an evangelical and orthodox theological witness in a post-Constantinian world." (Paul Hinlicky)

Lutheran-Orthodox convergence and divergence
Edited by two respected theologians, this collection of essays examines Christ "for us" and "in us," representing two approaches to soteriology. Topics include: Anthropology in Christ, Orthodox Soteriology, Slavation as Justification and Theosis, Divine Initiative and the necessity of grace, Free will and original sin, free will and the two natures of Christ, the image of God in Lutheranism, Election from the Lutheran view, Election: the Biblical/Orthodox View and finally, predestination and divine foreknowledge.

This is a very handy book for serious ecumenists or Lutherans seeking to better understand their Eastern brothers in Christ (and vice versa). ... Read more

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Catholic and Lutheran thought are differently structured, embodying divergent conceptions of self and God. Roman/Lutheran ecumenism, culminating in the 1999 "Joint Declaration," attempts to reconcile incompatible systems based on different philosophical presuppositions. Drawing on a wealth of material, the author considers these structural questions within a historical context. Kierkegaard is shown, in a complex model, to hold together strengths which historically have been exemplified by the two traditions. This is an important work in systematic theology which considers questions quite fundamental to Western religion. It should interest theologians of all backgrounds and church historians. ... Read more

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Carl Braaten’s memoirs tell the story of his life as a theologian, from his early years as a missionary kid in Madagascar to his years of study at the universities of Paris, Harvard, Heidelberg, and Oxford to his decades of teaching. Throughout the book, he delves into the many theological movements, controversies, and personalities that shaped his thinking and writing. / Braaten’s fight for the faith is reflected in his theological work — spoken and written — that tangles with the “isms” of the surrounding culture of American religion. Because of Christ is more than simply a biography; it is a chronicle of the chief theological conflicts of the twentieth century that put the integrity of the gospel to the test. ... Read more

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This indispensable volume offers a fundamental rationale or 'case' for Lutheran engagement in social services by highlighting the biblical warrants, panoramic historical expressions, and deep theological underpinnings of such Christian corporate social engagement.

In an age characterized by economic transformation, governmental devolution, religious pluralism, and heightened disparity between rich and poor, a key need is for Lutheran Christians, and especially professionals in social ministries, to appreciate and take ownership of the historic commitment Lutherans have made to this work early in the Reformation and to this day. Equally important, however, is the developing vision of how that distinctive heritage can inform and enliven social services today and in the future. Social Ministry in the Lutheran Tradition gathers the insights of historians, theologians, and organizational leaders to address this task. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

"Social Ministry" - Perhaps a Term that Needs Rethinking
Social ministry has always been about serving the disadvantaged, whether economic disadvantage and/or social disadvantage. This has always been interpreted within local contexts, but with ever increasing and deepening globalization, the context of social ministry has broadened.

This book overviews social ministry primarily within the context of the American Lutheran tradition. It begins with some introductory articles on the biblical context of social ministry -- McCurley's article focuses on both Old and New Testament biblical source for social ministry -- from God's delivery of people from affliction to the provision of law through various codes in the Old Testament to the ministry of Christ in his favoruing of the poor and disrespected. Torvend's article underscores the experience of early Christian communities, noting the "harsh and brutal" nature of early Christian urban life.

Several articles overview the infrastructural nature of American Lutheran social ministry, with its antecedents in European social ministry infrastructures. This includes various organizations created by American Lutheran church bodies focusing on various aspects of social ministry such as medical facilities and retirement communities. The penultimate essay by McCurley is a compilation of ideas postulating the future of social ministry stemming from a panel discussion from "the Future's Group" - "an informal gathering of cheif executive officers of Lutheran social ministry organizations (SMOs), including Lutheran Services in America (LSA) and the ELCA's Division for Church in Society" that was originally organized in 1980. The prevailing emphasis is on maintaining Lutheran identity in the provision of social ministry within SMOs.

The strongest essay in the book is that of Carter Lindberg, "No Greater Serbice to God Than Christian Love: Insights from Martin Luther". Lindberg correctly and insightfully demonstrates how Luther's theology serves as a basis for social ministry -- notably, the nature of diakonia (service) as an extension of liturgy. Most interestingly, Lindberg noted that "people looked to Luther for guidance on economic reform and welfare issues". Luther supported community chests, and proscribed usury in several proclamations. Lindberg notes that "in spite of the fact that Luther's writings on economics were important to his contemporaries, these writings today are largely ignored" while also pointing out that some have never been translated from German. (Note: Luther's theology in the context of economicsis further detailed in a recently published book by Samuel Torvend entitled Luther and the Hungry Poor: Gathered Fragments (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2008)

This is quite interesting because clearly global economics are impacting everyday life, with deepening globalization increasing the chasm between haves and have nots. While social ministry still needs to maintain those traditional notions of service delivery, preaching and advocating for the poor and disadvantaged, and teaching the poor and disadvantaged skills for sustenance in n increasingly global economy. As a professional student aid administrator, with interests in diakonia and church administration, I see financial literacy as a key component of 21st century social ministry. Although there is discussion about the notion of community chests in the book, the only sustained focus on service delivery mentioned pertains to like retirement communities.
Providing financial literacy -- from teaching skills for understanding basics of money and banking and finance to promoting the social and economic utility of higher education -- should be an emerging focus of social ministry today. The mortgage and student loan crises in the United States are perfect examples of this exigent need. The church is uniquely poised to provide successful interventions for such need to bring humanity to the sometimes inhumane nature of capitalism.

The beauty of the series of readings is that it does highlight the ecumenical nature of social ministry. This is one aspect of ministry where agreement is nearly uniform, and despite organizational splits in the United States, the major Lutheran bodes, the ELCA and LCMS, both have been active in the same.

This is a series of very cogent, extremely thoughtful essays that should form the basis for thinking strategically about social ministry in the 21st century, within a Lutheran theological context, and within the prevailing social and economic context of deepening globalization.
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"Living by faith" is much more than a general Christian precept; it is the fundamental posture of believers in a world rife with suffering and injustice. In this penetrating reflection on the meaning of "justification," Oswald Bayer shows how this key religious term provides a comprehensive horizon for discussing every aspect of Christian theology, from creation to the end times.

Inspired by and interacting with Martin Luther, the great Christian thinker who grappled most intensely with the concept of justification, Bayer explores anew the full range of traditional dogmatics (sin, redemption, eschatology, and others), placing otherwise complex theological terms squarely within their proper milieu — everyday life. In the course of his discussion, Bayer touches on such deep questions as the hidden nature of God, the hope for universal justice, the problem of evil, and — one of the book's most engaging motifs — Job's daring lawsuit with God. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Passive Righteousness of Faith
The justification of self is the continual pursuit of fallen humanity.Indeed, the very questions of "whom am I" and "what am I here for?" are the perennial questions of this age.Oswald Bayer, in Living by Faith, seeks to answer these questions through the Biblical doctrine of justification by faith.He argues that the justifying work of God turns humanity's self-ward gaze toward the gospel of Christ.While sinners are consumed with self-justification as they grope helplessly in this world the gospel of God offers them the gift of self-forgetfulness.It is in the gospel where one looses self and discovers God in Christ.

The world poses various questions to humanity, which are inescapable.We are put on trial for our very existence. These questions penetrate down into the depths of human existence.Who are you?Why have you done this?What were you thinking about?These questions and many others haunt fallen humanity and cry out for the necessity of justification.Bayer writes, "To be recognized and justified; to cause ourselves to be justified or to justify ourselves in attitude, thought, word, and action; to need to justify our being; or simply to be allowed to exist without needing to justify our being - all this makes for our happiness or unhappiness and is an essential part of our humanity" (2).With this thinking there also arises the necessity of justifying God.Why is God who he is?Why has he allowed this condition, which oppresses humanity?How can God be justified in light of evil and suffering?For Bayer all these questions find their answer in the doctrine of justification.

Justification is not just one theme but it embraces the totality of all of reality (9).The questions of our lives are questions about justification and while humanity has removed God from the equation he is the one who is capable of providing that justification which is necessary.Until we are justified by Christ, the pursuit of self-justification is our law.There is no ultimate justification through this pursuit but nonetheless we struggle endlessly under it.We then become pilgrims kicked out of paradise and lacking a home.

Bayer argues that the answer to this needed justification is found in God's justification of sinners through the person and work of Christ.More specifically, "This justification and righteousness which cannot be attained and won by us is the righteousness of faith.It is neither a justifying thinking nor justifying acting, neither contemplative nor active righteousness.It is a passive righteousness" (19).It is when we allow God alone to work in us and therefore there is nothing accomplished through our own powers or achievements.Our justification then becomes solely a work of God.Our faith is God's work, our justification is God's work and indeed our very salvation is the work of God to his glory.

Bayer's thesis offers humanity a profound hope in God, which no other vain pursuit can offer.Fallen humanity does struggle in seeking to attain self-justification and it is only through the actual justification of God through Christ whereby one may be redeemed from this vain worldly pursuit and then may have their worldview changed toward being God-ward focused.This is the ever present need of humanity and the answer to that need in God's gracious gift.

The problem of justifications while primarily philosophical in nature actually flows out of the radical fallenness of humanity.This does prove that the only adequate and sufficient answer to this problem is to be found in the reconciling work of Christ.Bayer correctly argues that the doctrine of justification touches much more then individual sinners but effects the entirety of creation.Since all of creation is fallen all of creation groans for its recreation by God in the eschaton.This groaning of creation is seen in humanity's pursuit of self-fulfillment and self-justification.The only answer is the biblical doctrine of justification.

If this is true then it follows that preaching and proclamation of the Word of God must be central to the task of believers and the church.For it is only through preaching whereby one will be set free from the law of self-justification and become a slave to Christ through the passive righteousness of faith.This preaching must be distinctly law and gospel preaching.The preaching of the law will point to the continual human pursuit of self-justification, which is bound to failure while the preaching of the gospel will declare the remedy to that problem in the justifying work of Christ.

Bayer's Living by Faith offers a helpful and needed antidote to the failed human attempt of self-justification.This way is only the law, which offers no hope of salvation but only further damnation.It is then only through the passive righteousness of faith obtained as a gift from God through the hearing of his Word whereby one will be saved.It is the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone that serves as the remedy to human attempts at self-justification.The passive righteousness of faith frees us to live captive to Christ. ... Read more

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This volume examines the process by which the teaching and method of Luther and Melanchton was carried forward during the transition from "Reformation" to the settled forms of church life called "Protestant Orthodoxy". It shows how Luther's and Melanchton's students strove to convey the insights of their mentors to their own age, within the academic and political context in which they lived; and how the method and teaching of the two Wittenberg reformers shaped the thought and ecclesiastical life of following generations. ... Read more

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This exciting new Bible features the NRSV translation as well as introductions, notes, and articles written by over sixty Lutheran pastors and teaching theologians. This resource is designed to invite readers to experience the Bible and its message through solid background material, unique Lutheran insights, and opportunities for faith reflection. Reader-friendly, inviting, and engaging, this is the perfect study Bible for youth and adults. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Lutheran Study Bible
The book arrived in good time and was in excellant condidion.I have purchased several other books and am very pleased with them all.Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible, Bad Girls of the Bible and Really Bad Girls of the Bible are written with humor as well as good stories from the Bible to help one learn more about and understand the stories about the ladies in the Bible.

Probably not the "Lutheran" study bible you are looking for
This is the Augsburg Fortress ECLA version. It is very likely you are looking for the Concordia Publishing version. I initially thought this was just a different (softcover) version. Not true. From my research the ECLA is very off course.

Excellent
I think this as an excellent Lutheran study bible. I love the translation and study notes. There's also a calendar to help you organize your study time. I'm very pleased. God bless.

Great layout--just want more!
This is one of my favorite Bibles because it is NRSV, which is a very faithful translation, and has some of good Lutheran background--I just wish there was more.The study notes are great but is a bit too brief.It's also great at meeting people on all levels--from beginners to life-long Bible studiers (which is very important according to Luther).

Appalling, terrible, dreadful, just plan awful.
I was very disappointed in the Augsburg Fortress edition of the Lutheran Study Bible. I own several resources from Augsburg Fortress that I have been pleased with in the past. This however will probably hit the trash can before it's over with. ... Read more

Product Description
Reclaiming the "L" Word is a book about renewing congregations by recognizing and living out the core teachings of the Lutheran faith. In the introduction, the author states:

"I hope that people of every denomination will find this book helpful as they wrestle with these important issues within their own traditions. But this little book is primarily written for those who call themselves Lutheran and, specifically, those who are members of ELCA congregations, and it is intended to help us answer central questions: Who are we? What DOES it mean to be a Lutheran today, anyway? And, why does it matter?"

Inspirational, engaging, and challenging, this book is a must-read for pastors and congregational leaders! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Millstones
As I read the book I thought about the rich young ruler who thought he was leading a good life.Christ asked him to give up his riches.He couldn't or wouldn't and the suggested outcome was not eternal life.I believe Scripture plainly states that one cannot be a practicing homosexual and obtain eternal life.This book wants one to believe otherwise.There was an excerpt where she told of a father who removed his children from the church where homosexuality was condoned.She saw that as a weakness on his part.I thought of the passage about millstones around the neck of those who would lead children astray.Everyone should be welcome in Lutheran Churches because we are all sinners and need salvation.However, we must remember that Christ welcomed sinners who realized that is what they were.He always said, "Your faith has made you well.GO AND SIN NO MORE."No excuses.

Lutheran Theology for the Person in the Pew
This book was written for those without theological education.It is easy to read yet substantial.It's an excellent book for readers who are curious about what Lutheranism stands for, as well as for those who have forgotten what the "non-negotiables" of Lutheran Protestantism are.

Wonderful book for all Lutherans
Pastor Fryer speaks to you in plain language with a wonderful sense of humor.I think every confirmation class should read it.Our adult Sunday class did, and it was a refreshing change of pace from bible passage discussions.The basic principles she suggests are a solid foundation for any congregation and ones we used during a troubled time in ours.This is a great summary/refresher of what it means to be Lutheran.

If you are looking for dry, over-educated theology, this is not the book for you.This is a book for everyday Lutherans, young & old, who are looking for some basic insight on their chosen religion or non-Lutherans who want to know a little more about how we think.

Insightful, thought-provoking and funnry
Pastor Fryer's take on Lutheranism is enlighening and humerous.She touches aspects of the church community that certainly
relate to both small (rural) and large (urban) congregations. All can surely learn from her insights.It's touching to see a little bit (or a lot) of ourselves and our former (and present?) congregations in her stories of her own congregation and church life. This is a must-read for pastors, church staff, both paid and volunteer, including Sunday school teachers, secretarial staff, choir directors, council members, and the like.After all, as Fryer reminds us as the book concludes, Luther asked us all to be pastors.

Depth in plain language
This is an outstanding work, combining solid theological insight and practical application to the everyday life of a parish, with simple, readable language.Fryer writes well about something she knows a lot about.The result is excellent.If I had the resources I would buy a copy for every member of the Lutheran Church of Australia! ... Read more