Kinnaman, Scot A. & Laura L. Lane (eds.) Lutheranism 101. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2010.
“Who Is God?” Chapter 1
In this chapter we see that God is one God but exists in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While we are able to describe God we are not able to explain all aspects of his character. We know God exists because of creation. The complexity and interrelated nature of the universe is too intricate to come about by accident. We also find that there is no other adequate explanation for morality, love, or altruism.
God has revealed himself not only in nature but through the written word in Scripture, where he presents himself as one God who exists all at the same time in three persons. The word “trinity,” though it doesn’t appear in Scripture, is described in the Bible. It really means a threefold unity. We see this in Jesus’ baptism narratives, where all three persons of the Godhead appear. We also see in Matthew 28:19 Jesus commands baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
If this seems too complicated to be true, we simply need to remember that God is different from the rest of his creation. While we may try to provide a definition of God that essentially says what we are not, the Bible would give us a definition of God as the creator of everything else, but himself not created. Looking at God as the sovereign, wise, and good creator who exists in three persons does not provide us with an exhaustive explanation. But it does give us plenty to be working with.
What about a biblical view of humanity? We see in the Bible that we are created by God as creatures who depend on God. Our merciful and gracious creator has given us what we need, including some glimpses of his grace. Our role in all this is to realize that we are part of creation, we are not God. We are recipients of his blessing.
Showing posts with label Kinnaman and Lane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kinnaman and Lane. Show all posts
Monday, June 11, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
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?
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?
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