Lutheranism 101 Introduction

Kinnaman, Scot A. & Laura L. Lane (eds.) Lutheranism 101. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2010.

Introduction

This book, which I have in a Kindle version, so can’t give page numbers (grr) is a very friendly yet comprehensive introduction to the Lutheran faith. I’m thinking very seriously of using it for adult confirmation and am currently going to walk through at least some of the selections with a men’s group. There are quite a few bite-size chapters. I would have appreciated this book immensely if it had been around when I was first asking what it meant to be a Christian of the Lutheran flavor.

The introduction bears comment. It points out clearly that Lutheranism, as the fourth largest theological group in the world, takes on many different perspectives. This book will introduce current North American Lutheranism, particularly as viewed among the more “conservative” of the groups. The book does use some very specific theological terms now and then, but takes pains to use them only when they are truly the most appropriate terms and are necessary to understanding. There’s a list of common abbreviations, as well as a list of sample citations from different works. There’s a list of Bible passages that are considered key passages for interpreting various doctrines. Then there’s a summary of some of the most important texts for Christians to know, including the Ten Commandments, The Apostles’ Creed, The Lord’s Prayer, a brief biblical discussion of Baptism, a discussion of Confession and Absolution, and of the Lord’s Supper. Those who have seen Luther’s Small Catechism recognize that these are the sections to be found in his catechism.

We next see a discussion of the different creeds of the Church, specifically the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. These summaries of Christian beliefs were formulated in antiquity to create a concise statement of essential doctrines.

Martin Luther was granted a family seal in the year 1530, which he designed himself. Because this seal is easily recognized and is rich in symbolism, we learn a good deal about Martin Luther’s concept of the Christian life from his discussion of the seal.

The Reformation was centered around three fundamental principles, which I will quote from the text. “1. Our salvation is entirely a gift of grace from God and not our own doing. 2. We receive that grace through faith and not by any works we might do. 3. The sole norm and rule of all doctrine is the Holy Scriptures.” These statements are then unpacked in brief.

The introduction says it closes with five prayers commonly used in the devotional lives of Lutherans. In fact, there are four: the beginning of the day, the end of a day, before a meal, and after a meal.

We’ll keep walking through the book. This is a good thread to have some discussion. Comments, anyone?