No comments about The Augustana Story: Shaping Lutheran Identity in North America.

5 comments about Christian Liturgy: Catholic and Evangelical.

1. Phrases such as "exhaustively researched," "brilliantly argued," and "magisterial treatment" are overused. Nevertheless, these phrases are simply descriptive of Senn's CHRISTIAN LITURGY.

   Senn presents chapters on "The Repertoire of Rites" (informed by, but not merely a re-hash of, Eliade and Douglas) and "The Incarnational Reality of Christian Liturgy." Part One: "From Meal to Mass" takes us up to the Late Middle Ages in about 260 pages, with some excellent insights into Syrian, Alexandrian, Roman/North African, Gallican/Mozarabic, and other rites. Part Two: "Reformation Liturgical Traditions" gives greatest attention to Lutheran liturgical development in the 16th century, though Senn does provide useful material on Unitas Fratrum, Anabaptists, Reformed Liturgy, the Anglicans, and the Catholic Reformation. Part Three: "Liturgical Loss, Retrieval, and Renewal" brings us up to the present, including "The Feminist Critique" and "Reaching the Unchurched." The book ends with an Epilogue on Postmodern Liturgy. Fortunately, the Epilogue is a detailed treatment and not just a few pages of vague rhetoric (which more often than not marks epilogues these days).

   The Bibliography is extensive (almost 30 pages) and is divided into a variety of topics--historical, theological and theoretical. The Indices are also usefully divided, into Subject, Persons, Biblical References and the various orders and rites.

   Senn's focus on liturgy is not exclusive. He does not describe a cloistered people separated from the world in which they are housed.

   Throughout we find clear implications for ecclesiology, mission,evangelism, and outreach.

   This goes on the shelf right next to Dom Gregory Dix's THE SHAPE OF THE LITURGY, some parts of which have now been eclipsed by Senn.




2. Not only helpful, but thorough and complete. Being Lutheran, I particularly enjoyed the accuracy of the Lutheran detail, but this is not to suggest that any one component is less than thoroughly and comprehensively researched. My students ordered it with no regrets! I recommend it!



3. I got this book "on a whim" thinking it would be good to have on hand. It has proven to be more than good. As a Lutheran teacher who teaches religion, I am able to refer to this book and get a great Lutheran view of Christian history and liturgy.



4. When I say that Frank Senn's book 'Christian Liturgy: Catholic and Evangelical' is a monumental work, that description takes several dimensions. The book itself is very large (nearing 800 pages) and covers virtually all aspects of worship practises in Christianity from the earliest beginnings to the present innovations and continuing reformations/reconstructions both in denominational senses and a broader, more ecumenical sense.

   Do not be deceived by the subtitle Catholic and Evangelical -- these words have specific meanings that go beyond denominational or sectarian confines. In a sense, every Christian group or denomination strives to be catholic, universal. 'Liturgy that is catholic is that which serves the public proclamation of the gospel in word and sacraments as celebrated by the whole people of God in Christ Jesus.... With or without bishops, the Churches of the Reformation (Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican) were also concerned with catholicity. They embraced whole peoples of territories and nations in established or state churches, and in that sense, they were not sects.... Liturgy that is catholic is that which expresses the faith and way of life (i.e., culture) of a whole people, but within an ecumenical shape by which it maintains a sense of continuity with catholic churches of other times and places.'

   In another sense, every Christian group or denomination strives to be evangelical, outreaching and proclaiming. 'The evangelical content of liturgy has served sometimes as a corrective of the catholic tendency to root liturgy in the culture of a people. Words and ceremonies derived from indigenous cultures are not always shorn of their heathen connotations.'

   The first section, The Prolegomena, covers aspects of the rituals in Christian worship in terms of theology, philosophy, and symbolic meaning. The roles of symbols and rituals, the roles of myth and music are explored as an underpinning for all subsequent specific discussions.

   Senn early in the writing confesses the inadequacy of this or any book to encompass with equal emphasis the performance of liturgy in every time and place. Given the wide variance in history, geography, and denominational/confessional group, the history of liturgy is vast and diverse. Giving a nod to other recent scholarly efforts at liturgical development (The Study of Liturgy by Oxford Press, Dix's The Shape of the Liturgy, et al.), Senn nonetheless argues that this volume is a valuable contribution because of the breadth of coverage both historically and geographically.

   In this book one can see the early developments in the eastern church come alive once more in modern liturgical 'innovation'; compare and contrast Reformation liturgies from Scandanavia and Germanic regions with the more Roman Catholic Mediterranean regions, with the more static eastern orthodox liturgies struggling to remain faithful in territories dominated not by other denominations but by other religions.

   This is great resource for scholars and for those looking for liturgical ideas and innovations. The final chapters, which include social considerations to be included in liturgical development, including how to reach the 'unchurched', can be particularly useful. The Indices are arranged by Subject, Persons, and Biblical References and Documents. There is an extensive bibliography for further research and reading.

   Useful for reading or for research, Senn's book is a valuable resource for anyone concerned for the art of liturgy.




5. Frank Senn is greatly qualified to write this book on the history of Chrisitan worship. Currently serving as the pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Evanston, Illinois, he had served as a professor at the Lutheran School of Theology (Chicago) and lectured at Seminex and the University of Chicago. This book is an attempt to tackle a huge topic: the history of worship that is both "catholic" (with an awareness with their connection with the whole Church through the ages--usually through the historic liturgy) and "evangelical" (applying this historic liturgy in a modern way, with an eye toward contemporary needs and even the unbeliever). He thus places his focus on the liturgies of the Roman Catholics, Anglicans/Episcopalians, Lutherans, United Church of Christ, and Methodists. Modern a-ligurgical worship, Eastern Orthodox worship, and informal Calvanist worship is only touched upon briefly.
   
   This 700+ page book was difficult for this reader. The first major division (Worship from c.30 AD to the Reformation) was covered at lightning-speed so that I found it difficult to "keep up" with Senn; the second major division (the Reformation) was just the opposite--really, really slow; the final major division (Reformation to the present) was by far the most enjoyable section of this book.
   
   "Christian Liturgy" definately requires a substantial degree of prior liturgical knowledge and church history. German and Latin abound in this book; historical churchmen are referenced frequently; and technical jargon is employed liberally. In between these things are brilliant summeries and insightful critical analysis of both theology and liturgy. He also effectively balances the "what happened" and the "so what? Why should I care." Senn shows that both the pastor and church-goer should care a great deal about the historical development of the liturgy.
   
   By far, his best section (especially from the "so what?" standpoint) is his third section (Reformation to present). He covers the rapidly-changing-yet-rapidly-growing-together liturgical movements and explains why the various denominations worship as they do. His epilogue on worship in a postmodern era was excellent and has influenced the way I think about modern free-form liturgy.
   
   In sum, this book is recommended for professionals (pastors, professors) who have an interest in the historical development of the "historic Western liturgy." If you don't have the linguistic or historic background knowledge, don't let this book intimidate you, it would be worth it to take your time and work through the book--it will enhance your worship and your appreciation for liturgical worship.

2 comments about Lutherans and Episcopalians Together: A Guide to Understanding.

1. In Lutherans And Episcopalians Together: A Guide To Understanding, Scott Cady and Christopher Webber effectively collaborate to reveal the common Protestant Reformation heritage shared by Episcopalians and Lutherans. Relevant issues are thoroughly examined including what the two churches believe, how they worship, what leadership roles lay and ordained members have in each church, how bishops exercise their ministry in each church, and what the future holds respecting the newly emerging relationship between the two churches. The informative, "reader friendly" text is enhanced with "reflection questions" for each chapter, along with a "Resources for Further Study" section. Lutherans And Episcopalians Together is very highly recommended reading for Lutherans, Episcopalians, and anyone with an interest in contemporary efforts at reconciliation and cooperation within the modern Christian community.



2. The recent agreement reached [or should I say achieved?] by the Episcopal and Lutheran Churches in the United States has resulted in much less commentary that one would have thought for such an historic moment. One of the reasons for this relative silence is perhaps found in this slim volume. While both of these mainstream Protestant denominations were of great influence in the development of the American moral sense [yes, there really is such a thing], clergy of the post-Vietnam, post-civil rights movement seem to be "prophets" in search of a message or, more often than not, pastors in search of a flock. Behind the secular political ideology and the therapeutic terminology and syntax of this book lies an inescapable truth: These folks are just plain dull.

   Whatever spark was once there, whatever propelled these two fine traditions forward into this conflicting new century seems to have been lost. Perhaps I am expecting too much from the authors, though. This was, after all, written by the pastors of two small, pre-dominantly Caucasian, middle-class congregations in rural Connecticut. They hardly represent the "cutting edge" of American Christianity. Also, this work was the result of a joint Lenten study program, which is hardly the hotbed of new and insightful commentary.

   Take this book for what it is, then. The good news is that both of these men think and write simply. Cady, to his credit, is more accessible than Webber, who is sometimes pedantic. However, what I and many wait for in great and hopeful longing is that pure voice that will grow from these times and these traditions to once again inform and inspire all of us who seek the truth that is beyond all other. Until then, I guess we have to relish the prosaic.

No comments about Occasional Services: A Companion to Lutheran Book of Worship.

No comments about Ending Poverty: A 20/20 Vision Guide for Individuals And Congregations.

2 comments about Reclaiming the E Word: Waking Up to Our Evangelical Identity (Lutheran Voices).

1. The book came very quickly. I'm enjoying reading it. This fits very well with the other books written by Kelly Fryer. Thanks



2. If you have ever heard Kelly speak, you can hear her voice as you read this book. One can not help but be energized by this book. Excellent discussion starters at the end of each chapter makes this book ideal for group conversation and stimulation within a congregation. Must reading in my opinion for every church leader.

4 comments about The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

1. The Book of Concord is, apart from scripture, the central basis on which the Lutheran Church forms its beliefs. It contains many of the chief works of Martin Luther, guiding the church in most areas of life. While the book can be heavily theological, it is required reading of anyone who wishes to know what Lutherans believe.



2. For those of you who are on the more conservative end of the Lutheran spectrum, I would recommend picking up this translation of the Book of Concord. The newer "blue cover" version has been PC'ed and "inclusified". Let's stick with tradition, and get a copy of the Tappert translation - still the most widely used translation of the BoC.



3. The Book of Concord provides the basis of beliefs for today's Lutheran Synods of WELS, ELS and Missouri Synod. This book covers the Augsburg Confession, Smalcald Articles, Formula of Concord and Luther's Small and Large Catechism. It discusses religious belief arguments between Catholics, Baptists, Calvinists and applies to most of today's TV Evangelical teachings. The book supports 100% Biblical teachings of Justification by Grace, through Faith, through Christ's blood as stated in Ephesians 2:8. Faith is a gift of God; man cannot be justified by works, or make any personal decisions to come to faith as everyone is born, "dead in sin", Psalm 51.5. Natural man's free will can only sin; therefore, God must reveal himself through Biblical scriptures where a person reading or hearing may be made "spiritually alive" by the Holy Spirit. Only those chosen (predestined, elected) by God the Father in eternity will be saved, Ephesians 1:4-6. Man can by free will read and study the Bible, which has the power to believe built-in, Romans 10:17 and Ephesians 1:13. Since ony God knows who is chosen, the Gospel must be preached throughout the world so that it can reach the elect. Everyone can read and study the Bible, but not everyone does as it is considered "foolishness to those who are perishing,"1 Corinthians 2:14. This explains the fact that those who will perish, do it by choice for failure to read and study Biblical Scripture. For those who do believe in By Grace Alone through Faith, I would also suggest reading Luther's Works, any of 54 volumes.



4. This is a beautiful exposition of the Holy Bible and Christian doctrine. It's outlined in well-organized articles, and contains English translations of both the original Latin and German versions of the Augsburg Confession. This also contains the Small and Large Catechisms, which were written by Martin Luther for teaching Christians about God's Word and Sacraments. Included amongst the other sections is the Formula of Concord, which is the most extensive of the Lutheran Confessions of faith. Although this edition lacks the footnotes and other resources of the newer Kolb edition, this translation is definitely the most accurate.
   For those not familiar with the Book of Concord, I would highly recommend reading the Small Catechism section first, followed by the Smalcald Articles.

5 comments about The Spirituality of the Cross: The Way of the First Evangelicals.

1. Veith has a wonderful clarity in his writing that is extremely helpful. I really liked the brevity of this book because it makes it very easy to recommend to people who aren't such strong readers. Read it and learn something, or re-learn something.



2. Dr. Veith's ability to explain the basic tenets of Christian doctrine (Justification, Means of Grace, etc.)is pronounced in this small "gem of literature." He begins the book by opening himself up to the reader, telling them about his path through the religious arena. In the remaining chapters, he artfully explains the doctrine of Justification, the Means of Grace, the Theology of the Cross, Vocation, living in two kingdoms, and concludes with a summation of the theology espoused in the previous chapters.
   Throughout, Veith explains the uniqueness of confessional Lutheranism amidst the doctrinal confusion of our modern age. The "spirituality of the cross" and its theology is about Christ crucified for the sins of the whole world. It is incarnational and not about what we do but what God has done for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Modestly, the book shows how confessional (Biblical) Christians understand the Bible-as with Christ in the center stage-and thus live out their spirituality in a world plagued by sin and death. Secular(and most often "Christian") bookstores are infiltrated with bad theologies. I recommend this inexpensive book for anyone's theological library as a source for personal, intellectual, and theological enjoyment.



3. Gene Edward Veith, Jr. is a professor of English at Concordia University (Mequon, Wisconsin) and Culture Editor at World Magazine. He is also a man who has had a rough go at finding an adequate Christian denomination. During his earlier years, he had been involved with American Evangelical church bodies, Liberal Protestant church bodies, and others...but finally became a faithful member of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Veith writes this book in part to reflect on his own spiritual journey--to record what most attracted him to Lutheranism. He writes in part to explain what makes Lutheranism unique among the various Christian denominations. He writes in part to members of other Christian denominations because he thinks they can learn a lot from the Lutheran take on various spiritual/doctrinal/practical matters.
   
   The end result, "The Spirituality of the Cross," is an excellent book that summarizes the unique theological outlook championed by confessional Lutheran Christians. This book does not deal with basic points of Christian doctrine (e.g. the Trinity, Christology), but rather deals with aspects of theology in which Lutherans neither "side" with Roman Catholics nor Eastern Orthodox nor Baptists/non-Denominationals nor liberal Episcopalians/Presbyterians/Methodists nor five-point Calvinists. These topics include:
   
   Justification (neither free will nor predestination yet still faith alone by grace alone);
   
   The Means of Grace (how God gives his gracious gift of saving faith to a person--through deceptively ordinary means);
   
   The Theology of the Cross (more about how God showers the richest blessings on his people through deceptively ordinary means; why the cross is central to a Lutheran understanding of God; why Lutherans don't buy into the idea that great faith leads to earthly wealth; why bad things happen to people)
   
   Vocation (why Lutheran pastors say, "I forgive you of all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit;" why a garbage man is just as honored and esteemed as a pastor or a CEO just as honored and esteemed as a housewife; how one should go about his calling/career; the Christian ideal of mutual dependence)
   
   Living in Two Kingdoms (how a Christian is to balance the facts that he is a forgiven child of God with heavenly citizenship while living in a sinful world; why Christians can be proud of their vocation as judge, soldier, or public executioner)
   
   Worship (that a Christian is served by God in worship, not vice versa; why we use the objective, emotionless historic liturgy instead of emotional, ever-changing praise-band forms of worship).
   
   The book ends with a reprint from an article Veith wrote for Touchstone Magazine that introduces Lutheranism (60 million strong worldwide) to Catholic/Orthodox and Protestant readers.
   
   In all, Veith does an excellent job of identifying some of the idiosyncrasies of the Lutheran understanding of the Christian faith, fully explains them (both theory and anecdotes), and explains the many merits of the view. This is my third time reading this book and Veith is more insightful every time he is read. Highly recommended to Lutherans as well as Catholics, Orthodox, Baptists, Presbyterians, etc., etc., etc.



4. 
   Written by a lay person who frames the Lutheran theology and how it applies to our existence and our spirituality in an easy to understand manner.



5. I was raised in a Lutheran church & school but now work at a non-denominational church. This very good book forced me to ask questions not only about my personal beliefs, but about the state of the Lutheran church today. No doubt this book will be hailed as genius by Lutheran's everywhere as Veith does a very good job at pointing out that Lutherans have it theologically right. Even after going to hear Veith speak I found myself amused at the notion that here was another Lutheran being 'right' talking to a bunch of other Lutherans about how right they were. I actualy agree with almost everything he says. My question for him is 'ok, now what?' Cause if all we're going to do is go to a potluck afterwards and sit around patting each other on the back about how 'right' we are, are we really living out the great commission? That being said, his chapter on vocation is phenomenal. All Christians should read this book.

2 comments about Evangelical Lutheran Worship: Pew Edition.

1. I am not a musician and I can't read music, so I'll leave it to the more musically qualified to weigh in on the merits of the hymns and service settings in this new Lutheran worship resource. But I am a Lutheran, I love a sung service, and I enjoy singing hymns. Just published, Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) is intended to replace the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW or "green book") published in 1978 at the time when three historic American Lutheran bodies merged to form a single denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
   
   What I like about ELW is its abundance of choices, its completeness, and its transparency. Unlike the LBW, this new resource is designed to facilitate private worship as effectively and fully as public worship. The section for the Propers for Sundays and Principal Festivals is clearly laid out, including for those Sundays beginning in Pentecost when churches have the option of pursuing "complementary" or "semicontinuous" Old Testament readings. Unlike the old, two-year Daily Lectionary, the Daily Lectionary in the ELW follows a three-year cycle, making it easier for the worshipers to integrate their priviate devotions with what the larger church is doing on Sundays. Another important improvement is the inclusion of all 150 Psalms, not just the "safe" or "polite" ones. The first piece of service music, which immediately follows the last Psalm, is numbered #151. This is significant. It is a way of reasserting the Psalter's rightful place as the Church's primary collection of worship music. The numbering helps us remember that the Psalms are not to be treated as texts only. They pre-date the church, in fact, and from the beginning have served as important works of musical and spiritual expression. Also important for private devotions is the inclusion of Martin Luther's "Small Catechism" and a short article explaining the Scriptural basis of worship (where the precise verses are identified for all the key phrases that form the skeleton of our worship service). More than its predecesor, ELW gives the motivated Lutheran worshiper the chance to prepare ahead of time for Sunday worship, and to reflect upon it afterwards--a reminder that being a Christian is not just what we do, think, and say on Sunday.
   
   What I mean when I praise ELW's "transparency," is that those who prepared this volume have taken pains to explain why we worship the way we do, to present the logic and rationale behind the options available to us. Each section of the book is introduced with a brief explanation of what is being presented and what makes that element of worship noteworthy. Similarly, there is ample use of rubrics to call attention to worship options within the various settings and services. I even appreciate that they have added a footnote to the Nicene Creed to remind worshipers that the phrase "and the Son" is a later addition to the Creed.
   
   Even more so than the LBW, this hymnal is sensitive to the diversity of the church and demonstates a sense of joy about embracing all lands and cultures. Likewise, it recognizes that the laity is capable and ready to take greater leadership in the "work" of the church; the text distinguishes between "presiding ministers" (i.e., ordained clergy) and "leaders" and "assisting ministers" in a way that is empowering rather than restrictive.
   
   I look foward to exploring the new settings for Communion as part of my Sunday worship. And I encourage all Lutherans to obtain a personal copy of ELW and begin using it as part of your personal devotiions.



2. This is a long time coming and long overdue. The last time the LBW (now the ELW) got a rewrite was in the 1970s.
   
   If you're looking for the Gift Edition the ISBN number is 978-0-8066-5671-7. Currently, it's only available from Augsburg Fortress.

5 comments about The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

1. I recently joined a Lutheran (LCMS) church after becoming dissatisfied with the lack of clear doctrine in my old church. I read most of this book to familiarize myself with Lutheran doctrine prior to joining the new church. This book provides a very solid doctrinal foundation and provides insight into the foundational principles of the Lutheran church. It also provides insight into the problems in the Roman Catholic church in the 1500s.
   
   This is not for a casual reader. It is a challenging read and requires that you pay attention to the arguments being developed. But I found that it was worth the effort. My faith was strengthened by the clear defense of foundational principles (e.g. justification by grace through faith on account of Christ).
   
   While I recommended Luther's Small Catechism with explanations to all Christians, I can only recommend this to Christians ready to put in the effort to deepen their understanding of the foundational principles of the faith. Much more challenging than the typical Christian bookstore fare, but also more rewarding.



2. I think that the translations in this edition are true to the text. I also appreciate the explanation of the difference between this edition and the Tappert edition as far the Apology. Great for all Lutherans to have on the shelf! Go Dr. Wengert!



3. The Book of Concord provides the basis of beliefs for today's Lutheran Synods of WELS, ELS and Missouri Synod. This book covers the Augsburg Confession, Smalcald Articles, Formula of Concord and Luther's Small and Large Catechism. It discusses religious belief arguments between Catholics, Baptists, Calvinists and can be applied to today's TV Evangelical teachings. The book supports 100% Biblical teachings of Justification by Grace, through Faith, through Christ's blood as stated in Ephesians 2:8. Faith is a gift of God; man cannot be justified by works, or make any personal decisions to come to faith as everyone is born, "dead in sin", Psalm 51.5. Natural man's free will can only sin; therefore, God must reveal himself through Biblical scriptures where a person reading or hearing may be made "spiritually alive" by the Holy Spirit. Only those chosen (predestined, elected) by God the Father in eternity will be saved, Ephesians 1:4-6. Man can by free will read and study the Bible, which has the power to believe built-in, Romans 10:17 and Ephesians 1:13. Since ony God knows who is chosen, the Gospel must be preached throughout the world so that it can reach the elect. Everyone can read and study the Bible, but not everyone does as it is considered "foolishness to those who are perishing," 1 Corinthians 2:14. This explains the fact that those who will perish, do it by choice for failure to read and study Biblical Scripture. For those who do believe in By Grace Alone through Faith, I would also suggest reading Luther's Works, any of 54 volumes



4. Excellent reading for serious students of Lutheran theology/doctrine.
   
   Layout is excellent, with translation of German text opposite that of the Latin. Footnoted material provides additional historical material.
   
   A great read!



5. A review of a doctrinal work first published in 1580 by someone such as myself must of necessity confine itself to format.
   The Book of Concord is the doctrinal basis of Lutheranism. The content is self explanatory. This edition compares most favorably with the Tappert edition of 1959. Differences in translation are noted. The typeset is clear and good size. I believe this edition is preferable to the Tappert.