One of our objectives in the admissions office is to suggest various texts to our prospective students that will help them to grow as Christians and serve as pastors. We have, therefore, produced a basic list of recommended literature that is available upon request for those considering the study of theology. With this in mind, here are a couple of titles from our list, plus one or two besides. Maybe it seems obvious, but we think that too often the fundamentals of reading for understanding is a skill overlooked. Adler discusses the different levels of reading necessary for various types of literature and gives concrete suggestions for improving one s ability to grasp and digest all sorts of written matter.
Some books warrant only surface skimming.
Others must be thoroughly chewed and digested. Every reader will benefit from the lessons Adler teaches. In a time when the doctrinal commitments of various church bodies are waning, our synod continues to pledge its allegiance to the creedal and confessional books of the Lutheran Church. Because the Book of Concord renders a faithful exposition of the teachings of Scripture, it must remain a vital part of every Lutheran pastor s mental and spiritual diet. Our own Dr. Just, professor of exegetical theology, offers this recently published commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke.