Title: Book of harmony : spirit and service in the Lutheran confessions /
Authors: Lohrmann, Martin J.,
Year: 2016
Subjects: Book of concord.; Book of concord.; Lutheran Church Creeds History and criticism.; Lutheran Church Creeds
Abstract: The Reformation-era writings that make up the Lutheran Confessions remain lively resources for Christian ministry and mission today. Because each of the documents within the Book of Concord was written with a specific context and rhetorical purpose in mind, each has its own compelling story and objectives. Luther's catechisms present the faith for daily life at the grass-roots level, with teaching elements that we might now view as typical of social media and multimedia. The Augsburg Confession and its Apology provide an adaptable foundation for preaching, teaching, church organization, and dialogue that is rooted in the promise of Christ, received through faith. Fifteen years after the Diet of Worms, the Smalcald Articles reveal yet another "Here I stand" moment for Luther. Finally, the Formula of Concord shows how the next generations of Lutherans used collaboration and consensus as they wrestled with important themes of faith and life. In summary, as these texts engage us with their stories, they invite us to consider what is most important about our journeys of faith and Christian witness in today's twenty-first-century contexts.
Contents: Introduction to the Book of Concord -- Themes in the early Lutheran Reformation -- Luther's catechisms: a lifetime of learning -- The Augsburg Confession: faith for a grounded, flexible church -- Personal faith and shared mission in the Apology -- Freedom and service in the Smalcald Articles -- A model for harmony: the Formula of Concord -- Epilogue: The lifelong adventure of faith.