Customer Reviews (2)

Lutheran Book of Prayer Review
This compilation of prayers and other material is very useful to the clergy or lay leader who may not fell quite comfortable "praying as they go". This book has a number of thoughtful prayers for many occasions that can be a great comfort to people of all ages. I use this in my ministry to the home-bound and I may not use the prayer itself, but it reminds me of areas that might be covered in an ad hoc prayer. In fact while visiting one of our members, his son said he was piloting his plane later that day. Sure enough, their was a prayer for an aviator.

It is a welcome addition to anyone doing ministry.

Relavent
Just today, I spent a bit of time with my son reciting the Evening Prayer and the Easter Prayer.How wonderful to have a quick reference to guide me in earnest prayers.I do not like praying by rote, and this little book gives me enough to form my own thoughts and expand on the prayers, as well as explore the reasons Luther chose his words.For Lutherans, the whole book is great.For non-Lutheran Christians, 95% of the book will not contradict your doctrine.There are mentions of infant baptism and the presence of the true body and blood in communion.This should not in any way detract from the entirety of the book.I use books by Larkin and D. James Kennedy and can overlook doctrinal differences in order to benefit from their knowledge.Hopefully non-Lutherans can learn from arguably the most influential man in recent Church history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

disappointed
this is a recipe book; I had looked forward to reading some humor and was disappointed. I will return it

wonderful book
For a person who grew up Lutheran and has lots of relatives in Minnesota, I just loved the book.It is so true.

Lutheran Church Basement Women
I was raised as a midwestern methodist female with lutheran aunts, therefore I could identify with all the recipes and social strata this book cleverly describes.The generations of women represented are no longer with us it seems, and so we read of their generosity along with their viewpoints of how things are done right. Don't hesitate to use as a gift to your own church lady!

Pretty sloppy
As someone who has enjoyed many a pot-luck in the basement of a Lutheran church, I was pretty excited to get my hands on a copy of this. What a disappointment. This book is mostly recipes, which unfortunately don't come with very detailed instructions. As far as the jokes and (not terribly) funny stories, they are rife with spelling errors, confusing paragraphs ( I honestly had trouble telling if Lutherans eat fruitcake or not) and other indications that this book needed some serious editing. Finally, by "Lutheran" the authors apparently mean "Scandinavian" as there isn't much mention of German-Americans in the book. The best part of this book is the collection of vintage photographs, which don't have any captions.

Grab a kleenex you will laugh till you cry reading this book!
This book made the rounds among my sisters for years until a couple years ago when I treated each of them...5 in all with their own copies!! Growing up as a Lutheran in the midwest in the 50's-60's I could so relate to the comments written with the recipes!What a hoot, but even a non-Lutheran friend of mine who had no suchmemories laughed as hard as I did when sharingthis book with her. Since that time I have bought nearly every book from these authors!What great fun entertainment!! ... Read more

Product Description
This helpful handbook will help those dedicated to providing a reverent worship space that demonstrates love and respect for God and His people gathered in His name.This manual covers altar guild functions such as displaying, cleaning, and storing paraments and linens appropriately; caring for sacramental vessels and vestments; preparing for and cleaning up after worship services; ordering supplies; and more. This is an excellent reference book for any church library. ... Read more

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

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent
The book was exactly what I was looking for.The price was great and the condition of the book was excellent.It also arrived sooner that I expected.I had a great shopping experience. ... Read more

Product Description
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

Product Description
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

Product Description
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

Product Description
In this volume, nine leading Lutheran scholars examine the theological, historical and educational foundations of confirmation ministry in the ELCA. Confirmation: Engaging Lutheran Foundations and Practices arms leaders with the creativity and innovation to meet the challenges of confirmation ministry.This book identifies the key issues and concerns of today's confirmation ministry planners and deepens the educators' commitment to teaching the Lutheran faith to people of all ages—especially adolescents—in a way that is Gospel and grace-centered.New patterns have emerged in congregational practices of confirmation ministry, adolescent research has yielded new insights for teachers, several catechetical curricula have been published, and ecumenical conversations have progressed and demand attention. A new generation of teachers and leaders has arisen and is asking for an in-depth look at confirmation today. And here it is.This book is alive — alive with a vibrancy of excitement about ministry with youth and, above all, confirmation ministry. This is a book that is theoretical and practical, paying attention to the variety of contemporary practices in congregations and yet holding a solid continuity with the past heritage of the church. It answers questions such as:What's happening in congregational confirmation ministry today? Why do we have confirmation? What is it? How might we think about confirmation ministry in our own congregation? The spirit of lively energy that permeates the chapters will engage readers in reflecting on their own role in confirmation ministry. And if this encourages them to become more deeply involved and reinvigorates them in their teaching and pastoral ministry to youth, if it moves them to prayer and to action and to wonder at the confirming grace of God in the lives of the baptized, then this book will have done its work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

What I wanted.
Book is what I wanted.
I want to reveiw my Confirmation from when I was a kid. ... Read more

Product Description
For decades, Lutherans have been accused of a passivistic response to Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich. In this careful analysis of original documents and the personal reflections of those involved in the church struggle under Hitler, Green seeks to set history straight. He identifies how Confessional Lutherans faced Nazi threats and survived to uphold the faith of Luther in the country of his birth. Green addresses both the successful statements against Hitler-s regime, such as the Bethel Confession, and the divisive documents, such as the Barmen Declaration, that sundered any hope of a coordinated Lutheran, and indeed Christian, resistance to the Nazis. Readers also will discover the stories of courageous church leaders who prevented the Nazis from absorbing Lutheran Churches into the Reich Church. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An untold story told
Green as well as other scholars were students of Werner Elert during their student days at Erlangen University, Bavaria.The author's testimonies as well as researched history give a balanced nuance to both the cultural andreligious environment during the Third Reich.This work is an attempt to show to the public the complexity of the ethical milieu out of which both the Landeskirche and the Confessing churches operated.Hopefully this additional history will continue to sharpen the necessary "new" perspective on that era.

Not quite what I expected
Green has an impressive command of all sorts of minute details.He writes from a personal acquaintance with many of the principal characters in his narrative.

I expected a book relating the activities of Lutheran Christians who worked against the tyranny of the Third Reich at great personal risk and often paid a terrible price.There are some accounts of this type in the chapter "Opposition to the Aryan Paragraph and Oppression of Jewish People" and in the chapter "The Struggle of the Intact Lutheran Land Churches."

The rest of the book is a detailed examination of various doctrinal differences between different groups of Lutherans, and also with the Reformed.The Third Reich gets little mention in parts of the book dealing with theological differences.

Other things I have read make Paul Althaus and Werner Elert appear to have been sympathetic to National Socialism.Green does a good job of showing that they were opposed to it within the confines of what they were able to do and what they knew at the time.Green mentions several times that people did not catch on to the true character and intents of Hitler until later.

Martin Niemoeller is often portrayed as a hero in other literature.Green adds an interesting story about his indiscrete and unnecessary gossip concerning Hitler in a phone call that was recorded and used against him and his co-workers so that they lost any position of influence to modify Hitler's actions against the church.This happened hours before an important meeting with Hitler.

There are glimpses of what life was like in a totalitarian state and how everyone was being watched so the least infraction could be reported to the Gestapo.That is something contemporary critics of the churches under the Third Reich do not understand when they wonder why the church did not do more.

Martin Sasse gets brief mention as a German-Christian bishop in Thuringia.Although a member of Hitler's German-Christians, he was nominally the Lutheran bishop.Today German language Neo-Nazi web sites are fond of quoting his reaction to Kristallnacht (the night of broken glass).He said the Jews only got what Martin Luther had predicted for them hundreds of years earlier.But, Martin Sasse's installation was heavily attended by the Brown Shirts (Sturm Abteilung).When he died eight years later, Ludwig Mueller, Hitler's hand-picked head of the German-Christians, preached the sermon.Although this was, perhaps, not within the scope of Green's intent for his book, some further discussion of who Martin Sasse was and was not would have been useful for countering historical revisionist critics of the church today.

There are some German language quotations given without translation or complete explanation.While these are mostly in footnotes, they could be a problem for readers not conversant in that language.

As Green notes, there have been many, many articles and books published on The Church Struggle.No one volume can do everything.This book does not serve as an introductory history of The Church Struggle, but is for the person who wants to read about more intricate distinctions on the theological landscape of the 1930s in Germany.It does show that those Christians and church groups that knew what they believed through a close affiliation with the Bible and the Lutheran Confessions did not so easily fall prey to Hitler's machinations, while members of the Union churches and others not well grounded capitulated quickly.

I would suggest reading some other works on The Church Struggle before reading this volume.Some college and public libraries may have an entire shelf on Hitler and the churches.

Well Researched Inquiry into Lutheran Resistance to Hitler
Green writes this historical inquiry because he believes that this story has not been told fairly nor completely, that of the Confessional Lutheran resistance to Hitler.As a student at Erlangen, he firsthand experienced the inaccuracies.

Many histories can be mundane and non-engaging or they can be enlightening and bring history to life.This nearly 400 page work is the latter for most of its pages.It got a little tiring at the end, but that could be discounted due to reviewer's desire to get to that next read.

Confessional Lutherans distinguish themselves from those who call themselves "Lutheran" due to the former's unswerving allegiance to the theology of Luther and his subsequent confessors of the Book of Concord.Others feel need to progress away from this historic theology and modify, change and reprogram, but still feeling they are loyal to their theological identifier.

This difference played out signficantly in the time from Luther on, culminating for this historical look in pre-WWI days with the territorial churches being changed into Land Churches and strong handedness of the Prussian Union.The outside influence and interference by Calvinist and Reformed elements with leader of this period being non-German in Karl Barth had major impact on resistance to Nazism.This division in Protestant ability to collectively resist Hitler played prominent role in Hitler's rise to power.

This trail of contention and division over theological confession is chronicled by Green to show that the Confessional Lutherans desired unity and resistance to Hitler, but not at the sake of denying their confession and practice of God's Word.Very carefully he dissects the Barmen Declaration and the less known Bethel Confession.

He documents the Confessional Lutherans movements and efforts to be loyal to their doctrine and practice thereof yet participate in church/state relationships.When revealed true agenda of Hitler, they progressed to resistance both individually and collectively as they could.

One senses quickly in this read (and this was major asset for my reading) that Hitler truly capitalized on the non-Confessional Lutherans demands for the Confessional Lutherans to forego their theology for the sake of unified resistance to slowly, methodically, and demonically to seize control of the Protestant church, then the RC, and thus the country.

The historic context is thematic in this historical investigation: the threat of Communistic Stahlin in nearby Russia; the lack of historic German national government/people unity; the history of government intervention against religious freedom especially of the Prussian Union veign; the localized Jewish behaviors in Germany which unfortunately colored some to generalize this hostility towards all Jews.These all led to the eventual reign of terror and bloodshed.

As this historical inquiry outlines so well, this whole development and playing out is not simplistic, but as most things, very complex.Previous historic attempts to simply blame anyone with name Lutheran as culprits along with inaccurate ploy to lay blame on Luther's shouders with the Shirer myth, are here exposed to the light of more accurate unfolding of the complex interactions between competing theological groups which are unable eventually to stand up to Nazi violent takeover.

The stories of such as Bosch and Klepper as well as Erlangen faculty and their resistance to the Aryan Paragraph are salient historical evidence at their attempts to resist this brutality and affront to human rights.Barth's intervening influence in discouraging any discussion of two governances/kingdoms and correct use of Law and Gospel made impossible a united front towards Hitler's attack on the Prostetant arm with a certain "thus says the Lord" impossible.

This work will document for those who will examine it openly that the story of these untold Lutherans (not the likes of Neimoller and Bonhoeffer of fame) but the Elert's and Sasse's and Bosch's and Klepper's needs to be told and left for historical examination.

Vital and engaging historical read.

... Read more

Product Description
Despite their near-scriptural status, the Lutheran Confessions are not widely used in Lutheran circles because of their presentation has been too heavy and forbidding. Geared specifically for today's classroom and parish use, this accessible introductory text incorporates the latest historical research and includes sections on contemporary Lutheranism and discussion questions.

Hendrix and Gassmann present the historical context for the reformation in its beginning and development as a background to the emergence and gathering of the Confessions. Core chapters then explore (1) the structure of faith (scripture as norm, law-gospel framework, the Trinity, and justification), (2) Christian community (the sacraments, ministry, nature of the church), and (3) the Christian life (the two reigns, sin, sanctification, eternal life). A final chapter explores the role Confessions play in Lutheran identity in today's pluralistic, ecumenical environment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good for an interested college student
This introduction was one of the class texts for my graduate-level Lutheran Confessions class.It gives good background information, and is readable, if a little dry.The historical information included is useful to put the documents into a context.I really appreciated having this as a secondary source for the Confessions.

This isn't light reading, though- that isn't what it set out to do.It's a good college- or graduate-level textbook, but should be fine for reading on your own as well.

OK, but some concerns
First of all, I may be afraid that I am being too critical when I only give this book three stars, but that is how it came out for me.

About a dozen years ago I was introducted to the Lutheran Confessions using the Gritsch and Jenson text as a guide and it was an earth-shattering experience for me to hear the Gospel screamed in our confessions.Since then I have read and studied the Book of Concord a fair amount, but am hardly an expert.I ordered this book to see what was new.

It lost a star right away from the fact that Book of Concord references are often to page number of the Tappert edition.Page numbers are convenient, but the problem is that standard editions change, and Tappert has now been replaced by Kolb/Wengert.Now, I certainly have both texts and can sort it out, it is now a drawback.

This text has good solid information on World Lutheranism and Ecumenicism, but it seems to lack the pastoral focus which is behind our confessions, and reason for rightly dividing Law and Gospel generally.It seems to talk _about_ the Gospel instead of saying the Gospel, and this detachment seems to me to be exactly what we Lutherans were rejecting when we insist that historical knowledge is NOT faith.

Again, I may be too harsh.The authors give a good overview of both history and of important themes.It just didn't deliver the goods to this reader.

A good basic resource
For those interested in the study of Lutheran Confessional documents, this text is a good one. It gives the reader a short orientation to each of the writings in the Book of Concord, and then addresses theological concerns topically. Perhaps its most redeeming merit is the fact that each section that addresses a theological issue has a nice concluding summary that states briefly what each of the documents has to say about the topic.

This is a good book for introductory study, which is what the authors set out to provide. It is a good resource for beginning theological students, laypeople, or as a refresher for those already in ministry. However, it is most useful when read with a copy of the Book of Concord close at hand. ... Read more

Product Description
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

Customer Reviews (3)

A HYMNAL FOR THE AGE
Our WELS pastor clued us in on what was coming with this hymnal in 1986.
Given the power of certain seminary professors, and the shakey hold WELS and its Wauwautosa theology have on Lutheran orthodoxy, it is not surprising that Christian Worship makes obeisance to just about everything coming down the pike these days, from its Church Growth title, to the treacle of Fanny Crosby ("Take the World, But Give Me Jesus"), to the feminist "inclusive" language (Hark the Herald Angels Sing now has "born that WE [not man] no more may die," O God Our Help in Ages Past has "soon bears US ALL [not her sons] away," etc., etc., etc.) and, of course, they sliced anthropos (men) off the Nicene Creed!No wonder the ELS quit its participation in the production of this hymnal and - with only 20,000 members - turned out a far better one. What a sad commentary on the naivete and poor judgment of these well-meaning Midwesterners. And the numbers of the WELS continue to decline.

Best in Class
This innocuous, maroon-covered charmer was published specifically to meet the needs of the Milwaukee-headquartered Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), a smallish denomination only about five percent the membership of the two largest American Lutheran affiliations combined. It doesn't pass the politically-correct acid-test of other 1990s hymnals (Did it omit "Onward, Christian Soldiers"? Did it include "Spirit Song"?).

No, it doesn't have "Spirit Song." Not even "How Great Thou Art," which seems pretty shocking for a hymn which was translated from Swedish in the Fifties and has been showing up, translated, into all kinds of American hymnals since then--especially those with a heavy German/Scandinavian heritage close kin to the WELS denomination's *Christian Worship.*

But really--that's beside the point. To this reviewer it isn't a matter of what it lacks; there are plenty of middle-of-the-road hymnals out there but this one is relevant and appropriate to WELS members and clergy. The volume contains catechisms, confessions, creeds and service liturgies like the Eucharist. It's chock-full of hymns from Northern Germany and Scandinavia and considered as a bearer of heritage is certainly no more provincial than the current (1982) Episcopal hymnal, which bears even fewer of the best-known American hymns in favor of multiple versions of English tunes.

And for the rest of us, the more I look at the Hymnal, the more intriguing it can be. *Christian Worship* is a non-compromiser in its stance on its specifically Lutheran viewpoint on theology. By means such as fresher (and frequently more contemporary and accurate) translations from the German or minor alternative phrasing to text, the reader/singer will encounter subtle nuances more in accord with Martin Luther's doctrine of "Salvation Through Grace by Faith" specifcally that demonstrate that the process of salvation is, under Lutheran doctrine, less automatic and autonomous ("cheap grace" is the slur term) than were often seen to be the case in later Wesleyan/Methodist interpretations of salvation.

For example, the last line of verse one of "Rock of Ages" ends in most mainline hymnals with "Be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure." The WELS version leaves no doubt that salvation is not something like a consumer good that can be ordered: "Be of sin . . . Cleanse me from its guilt and power." At this point I must say that other hymnals from other similarly-sized Lutheran denominations and affiliations in the Upper Midwest have their own take (or poetic license, if that metaphor isn't too presumptuous) in terms of theological guidance.For example, what is in the United Methodist Hymnal's version of "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" as "Let us find that second rest," winds up in the *Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary* from Mankato, MN as "Let us find Thy promised rest." (At this point, I've exhausted my theological knowledge ;) .)

Here's where it must be said that using alternate translations or even scrapping traditional in favor of alternative lyrics (if properly indicated as such) is no sin, not legal, intellectual or theological. These are matters of very old expressions of faith, not copyrighted Rogers & Hammerstein tunes. The public domain rules the old, old hymns.

The bound volume itself is very, well stitched, very "flippable" and easy to use, and with all the best back-of-the-book reference techniques. Pity it seems not to be on acid-free paper or else it would last a lot longer than its 62-year-old parent. Nonetheless, a bargain.

If WELS members are more than pleased with the 1993 hymnal, from what I know I quite agree. From my own situation and all mental trifling aside, I can think of situations in which congregations outside the fold might want to use such a dignified hymnal. (An appreciation of Lutheranic or Scandianavian/ German heritage certainly helps, of course.)Such a close-bound congregation might see the WELS hymnal as preferable to the type of hymnal catering to the burgeoning "unihymnals" deliberately marketed toward more rootless, homogenized or surburban fellowships--there are tradeoffs pro and con, of course.

Not a Nordic?Anyone with an interest in general liturgy or musicology would do well to take a look at the unique contributions of style, liturgics, heritage and outlook found in this handsome, distinctive and well-wrought tome.

...
.

Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal
Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal is the hymnal of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. It was published in 1993, and within a few years it was in use in over 90% of WELS congregations. The committee's goal was to "preserve, improve and enlarge" the Lutheran worship heritage, building on the materials in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941). The hymnal uses contemporary, andinclusive language, yet retains Elizabethan English in many hymns that could not be revised without violence to the text. I've been leading worship with it for over nine years, and have found it is very user friendly, yet very substantial in content. The hymns are not "dumbed down." Special features: sixty psalms with refrains, responsive prayers for the seasons, multiple settings (harmonizations) of tunes when the tune appears more than once, contemporary settings of Service ofWord and Sacrament, Service of the Word, Evening Prayer (Vespers). The Common Service and Morning Praise (Matins) retain the tunes that were in TLH....and yes, it does have Amazing Grace (#379) and How Great Thou Art (#256)! ... Read more

Product Description
The first of its kind, this book is a systematic representation of Lutheran feminist, womanist, and mujerista theologies: systematic, in that it addresses classical loci of systematic theology; contemporary, in that it is resoundingly constructive and relevant for the contemporary church; and feminist, in that the contributors write from a feminist perspective although they reflect a variety of positions within feminist discourse.



The contributors to this multi-authored work share a common commitment to Lutheran theology as a continual process of reform. Luther is a partner in the conversation because of his "theological insights and commitment to faithful criticism," which the writers seek to continue - not because his voice "settles a debate." The book focuses on central themes which Luther addressed and which are representative of Lutheranism today, including justification by grace through faith and Luther's theology of the cross. From diverse contexts, these Lutheran theologians, like Luther, seek reformation by "giving voice to new perspectives in theology that continue to transform the church and the world." ... Read more

Product Description
First published in 1983, Principles of Lutheran Theology has guided students into theological reflection on the landmarks of Christian faith as understood in the Lutheran confessional heritage for a generation. The book sets forth the main principles of classical Lutheran theology but with an eschatological accent. Canon, confession, ecumenicity, Christ-centeredness, sacrament, law/ gospel, and two kingdoms are all examined not only in terms of their original meaning and historical development but also in light of current reflections.

In this new edition, Braaten takes stock of the research and reflection of the last twenty-five years and also adds a chapter on the distinctive, Archimedean Lutheran insight into the hiddenness of God as a fount or ground of all theologizing. This new edition, cross-referenced to key readings in Luther's Works and The Book of Concord, will both equip and facilitate the search for a contemporary articulation of Christian identity in light of the church's historic commitments ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Principels
Definitely not written for the layman.It seems to be written more for seminary students or those already well educated in Lutheranism.

Excellent on Theological Issues. New Edition is big Improvement
Carl E. Braaten, Principles of Lutheran Theology (Philadelphia, Fortress Press, 1983)
Professor (Systematic Theology atthe Chicago Lutheran School of Theology) Braaten neatly divides the major issues of theology into seven key issues which are central to the Lutheran way of thinking. The title is slightly misleading, as the good doctor does take a few digressions to show the wider world views some of these principles, but these are useful to our end of understanding the subject.

For a card-carrying Lutheran who has been through the drill with the Shorter Catechism and many, many sermons, this book has a few surprises, especially in the relation between Lutheranism and Catholicism. These are Dr. Braaten's seven principles:

1. The Canonical Principle. Lutheranism is all about the authority of the scripture, but with several very important qualifications, which firmly separate the Lutheran way of reading the scripture from those who abide by an unvarnished sola scriptura (scripture alone). Luther believed the scripture said what it meant, and meant what it said. This principle discards centuries of allegorical readings of scripture, which began as early as the second century CE, with Clement of Alexandria and Origen. Balanced against this literalism is the realization that you still have to read the scripture with a critical eye. It can discount an elaborate allegorical reading of The Song of Solomon, yet be content with treating the Genesis story as metaphor, if that is what the original author intended! Luther's most important lens for examining scripture was that it must be a witness to the gospel and divinity of Jesus Christ. Luther showed great restraint in not excising James and Revelation from the canon (due to tradition) because they did not profess this gospel. Critical reading, plus Luther's primary theological insight, yielded `the canon within the canon', comprised of John, 1 John, Romans, Galatians, and 1 Peter. Luther's second lens was the doctrine that `scripture interprets itself'. This is the keystone behind virtually all modern Biblical scholarship. If a statement is difficult (and many are), see how the same words and ideas are used elsewhere in similar passages. This scrutiny feeds both theory (orthodoxy) and practice (orthopraxy), and our practice is superior to our theory.

2. The Confessional Principle. I suspect that many practicing Lutherans are unaware of The Book of Concord, even if they are quite familiar with the Apostle and Nicene creedsand Luther's Shorter Catechism. From the outset, even before Luther's death, the reformers insisted on a doctrinal consensus, which brought together several `Lutheran' factions in 1580, under the Articles of Concord. Even compared to other denominations which have confessions, the Lutherans elevate their creed to a place second only to scripture. The Book of Concord is not theology, but Braaten states that it's importance generates a lot of systems of dogmatics. And yet, there are several attitudes among Lutherans. These are a) repristination (neo-Lutheranism), a return to the doctrines of Luther and the confessions. b) liberal nonconfessional Lutheranism, a return to the writings of Luther himself, discarding the confessions. c) hypothetical confessional Lutheranism, discarding the confessions as statements from a pre-scientific age, hopelessly out of date today. They hold them as traditions, relevant where possible, but not `normative'. d) anti-confessional Biblicism. Return to the Bible itself, getting their `signals' directly from the Spirit itself', discarding tradition (what is not clear is if these people also discard Luther's guidance on scholarship). and e) constructive confessional Lutheranism, which the author considers the most adequate, and most consistent with the ecumenical principle (see below).

3. The Ecumenical Principle This idea should be clear to all Lutherans who recite the Apostle's creed and say `catholic church'. Luther and his early supporters had no intention of forming a new church. They stressed a reform of the Roman church, and considered themselves consistent with the first five centuries of catholic tradition. Per Article VII of the Augsburg Confession `...the true unity of the church it is enough to agree concerning the teaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments.' To be sure, Luther said lots of things which rubbed the Roman church the wrong way. One of his central ideas was the `priesthood of all believers' which erased the essential difference between the clergy and the laity. Ironically, modern Lutheran church practice puts enormous emphasis on the importance and unique status of a highly educated clergy. This `small footprint' ecclesiology (doctrine of the church) means Lutherans are much more flexible in their relations with secular states (although this had serious repercussions in Nazi Germany). This principle is alive and well in the modern Lutheran church, which constantly builds bridges to other confessional churches.

4. The Christocentric Principle This principle may be even more important than the canonical principle, as it defines what is scripture, and devalues parts of scripture which do not forward the gospel of Christ. The problem with the principle is that once we confess to the gift of salvation through faith in Christ, we are not really sure what `salvation' is, and concrete talk of `salvation' sounds strange to modern ears. And yet, this doctrine, soteriology, is bound up with two of Christianity's most important dogmas, the trinity and the incarnation of Christ the Son, as the man, Jesus. Things get even stickier when this doctrine supports a dual nature of man (essential in Luther's writings), which is less and less comfortable in our modern mind's furnishings. Oddly, one path to resolving this problem may be to revisit the OT, where this dualism was not so fundamental.

5. The Sacramental Principle Here is where we are in for some surprises. Some modern Lutheran theologians such as Paul Tillich have proclaimed `the death of the sacraments' in protestant churches. Well, no one told us about it, as we celebrate communion at every service, and we trip over the baptismal font at the back of the sanctuary, right where Luther said it should be. Here, I suspect Prof. Braaten is not well connected to what is happening in the hinterlands, or, things have changed since 1983.A second surprise is that Luther was really not at all far, in his conception of the Eucharist, from Roman Catholic theology. I find this an enormous relief. I could simply never see the pragmatic difference between Luther's `dual nature' of the bread and wine and the Catholic doctrine based on Aristotle's metaphysics. It turns out that we are hard pressed to fit the thinnest of paper between the two dogmas. All of the heat over the Eucharist was with the Reformed theologians, and not with the Romans. The modern problem of the Eucharist is the same as the problem with the dual nature of Christ.

6. The Law / Gospel Principle This is as much an issue of pastoral hermeneutics as it is of theology. We were raised on the notion that we contribute nothing to our attaining the gift of grace through Christ's sacrifice, and our pastors tend to sidestep issues of the law. Braaten says `We are lulling people to sleep with the gospel when they should be roused by means of the law'. This is the age-old basis of OT wisdom, which is based on the fear of the LORD as in Psalm 2:11 `Serve the LORD with fear, with trembling kiss his feet, or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way; for his wrath is quickly kindled'. Of course, the other extreme here is `pharisaism', which reappeared with 19th century Pietism. The middle path of discipleship, such as that taught by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, may be the solution to being true to this principle.

7. The Two-Kingdoms Principle This is not Augustine's vision of two cities. It is the problem of the interaction of dogma with both human rights and civil authority. Luther and his Reformation were saved by an alliance with the interests of the northern German princes, and he was inclined to separate their interests and allegiances. This, however, lead to cooperation between the German evangelical church with the acts of Hitler's Nazi government. Braaten professes that the church doctrines demand human rights for everyone, and it needs a policy which will stay by that principle, even if it opposes civil authority.

This edition may not be up to date, but he does offer a very good picture of unresolved issues in Lutheran theology. For a practical look, see On Being Lutheran: Reflections on Church, Theology, and Faith (Lutheran Voices) by Timothy F. Lull and Mark S. Hanson

Bratten's Principles of Lutheran Theology
Carl Braaten is one of the leading Lutheran theologians in America today.This book is an excellent statement of theology, though it would be dry and technical for the regular lay person.
It should not be the first such book that one reads.Still, it is solid theology.

Well written.
Excellent piece. But could have been written in a simpler language for someone with a limited background in apologetics.

A great intro to Lutheran "movement" thought & theology, to Ecumenical progress, and to early vs. modern Reformation theology
Great read on Lutheran church theology (although the word "Principles" should be emphasized in the title), ecumenical thought, and early Reformation vs. modern thought theology.

Carl E. Braaten is clear and concise to pack a lot of chapters in this little 154 page book.The term "Principles" should be emphasized, as Braaten does not write or present a systematic theology.

The chapters are as follows:
1) The Canonical Principle,
2) The Confessional Principle,
3) The Ecumenical Principle,
4) The Christocentric Principle,
5) The Sacramental Principle,
6) The Law/Gospel Principle, and
7) The Two-Kingdoms Principle.

Carl E. Braaten, accomplishes a couple of things for me, through this little intro to the theology of the Lutheran-"movement":

a) covers the whole wide horizon on how various Lutherans look at these important theological principles,
b) is not shy of showing the catholicity and also the ecumenical flavor of the Lutheran movement, and
c) presents Lutheran theology not as a stand-along theology but as a theology of a "movement" (Evangelical or Lutheran) whose scope is to reform (or revive, renewal of) the church, its members, and the role of Christianity and Christians in our modern times.

I would also need to add that in my search for an ecumenically-minded, creedal, liturgical, and historical Protestant church (coming from a neo-Protestant, free-worship, insular church and background) this book has been instrumental towards my finding the conservative Lutheran church as my home church.A church as a member of the Church (of Jesus Christ)!

Doing a search on Carl E. Braaten will show that his writings are focused on: ecumenism or Christian unity theology, ecclesiology, and Lutheran theology.These subjects should be welcomed also by Roman-Catholics and Reform Protestants. ... 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

Customer Reviews (8)

A significant treasure for the "missonal" debates of the Church
This is an incredibly well documented and significant treasure for the "missonal" debates in our Synod (LCMS) as well as the greater Church.As a pastoral circuit counselor I have used it as part of circuit studies and I commend it to the brothers, as well as anyone interested in fully understanding how doctrine and mission are not antithetical, but in fact flow out of one another. "In the Lutheran Church, an unfortunate divide between the preservation of pure doctrine and the proclamation of doctrine to the world has developed. Indeed, these two orientations need not oppose each other in Luther's theology" (p.58).

In addition to the outstanding and broad source material, as well as his clear understanding of past and present mission and missionary movements within the Church, there is the profound demonstration that "the Reformation must be seen as a missionary movement" where "Luther and his theology suddenly become very pertinent for mission" (p.48). With this assertion, Schulz does a superb job of lifting up the cross of Jesus Christ as central not just to theology, but to all missionary endeavors: "Mission is built on a theologia crucis, that is, it affirms the cross as the pivotal point of reference from which flows and to which returns the preaching of the Gospel" (p.9).

He brilliantly unpacks the missio Dei (the mission of the Triune God) in the context of the Church's activity as proffered through the Word, Sacrament and liturgy of the Church, and as advanced by Luther:"In fact, Luther's efforts at making the Christian Church doctrinally sound were designed to strengthen Christians for their witness and confession to the world.His emphasis on the Word of God, the Sacraments, faith and obedience, catechesis, worship and liturgy, and translation makes sense in view of the Church's primary mission of preaching the Gospel bringing in the lost" (p.54).

With great theological detail and contemporary awareness, Schulz addresses the context of the Church and does not shy away from evaluating the push for cultural relevancy by Postmodern movements within the church.In short he offers a word of caution: "[T]he Church must strike an important balance between reaching out as the instrument in God's mission to the World while serving and strengthening members for that role through the means of grace proffered at worship" (p.217).

Schulz offers a needed contemporary treatment on the equal importance of doctrine and mission for the Church today.He reminds the reader that the cross of Christ is central to the life and mission of the Church precisely because this world is filled with sinners - sinners who often reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Church despite the Church being full of missional zeal.Nonetheless, the Church is to remain faithful and bold in her mission.This work it a must read!

Justification: The Organizing Principal
This is the first book on missions to address the doctrine of Justification as the organizing principal of mission. It is not only the "central article of theology," the "doctrine on which the Church stands and falls," but it is also the most important thing for Missions as understood by Lutherans. No other book on missions pays such careful attention to this as this one.

A non-Lutheran perspective
I found this work to be of great benefit as I longed to gain a greater biblical understanding of mission/missions/missiology.From emphasizing the importance of relationship (both vertical and horizontal), to the profound importance of justification, to addressing the office of the missionary and pastor as complimentary, the author shares from his heart a challenging and compelling argument for believers to reach upward, inward, and outward--in regard to the expansion of the Kingdom of God for the glory of God.Reading this book (as a non-Lutheran) gave me a greater appreciation for Lutheran Theology as it retains unadulterated biblical values (purity).

This is a new, trenchant book on mission replacing DavidBosch's Transforming Mission
Dr. Schulz has done a marvelous work on this timely and very relevant book.
I highly recommend everyone to read this book to find out the motivation to share the
Word of God with others.The author wrote biblically as well as theologically sound approaches to mission, emphasizing and expressing the importance ofthe mission works which actually began with God. May the Lord inspire those who read this book to courageously do the Missio Dei.Pax!

A solid addition to any Church library
Spreading the word of God was always one of the ideas of Martin Luther. "The Mission from the Cross" is an examination of mission and how it correlates with the Lutheran sect of Christianity. Examining the teachings of Luther and discussing modern approaches to Missionary work and approaches that would be Lutheran missionaries should use, there is much to relish for readers in this volume that presents much to consider. "The Mission from the Cross" is a solid addition to any Church library or for readers trying to gain a better understanding of Lutheranism.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

LBW worship planning resource
This companion text is a tremendous resource for worship planning.In addition to great historical pieces and extensive background on nearly every hymn in the LBW, the Companion has a suggested hymns section in the back which is worth the price of the book by itself.I don't know how a worship planning committee can pick hymns without this book.We use it everytime we meet.
The only limitation is the Companion is limited to the contents of the Lutheran Book of Worship and doesn't reflect later publications such as With One Voice and Renewing Worship.
If you're doing "traditional" Lutheran worship, you need the Companion.

Excellent resource
Whether you are simply curious to know the origins of hymn texts and tunes or are doing serious research, this book is an excellent resource. A nice surprise for me was the front section describing history of hymns from various ethnic groups. I've used this book to answer long-standing questions about my favorite hymns and identify suitable hymns for particular ceremonies. My only criticism is the inconsistent volume of information. Some authors/composers are given several paragraphs while others are hardly mentioned. That notwithstanding, this is a thoughtful gift for organists, worship directors or anyone who loves to learn more about hymns. ... Read more