2 comments about The Lutheran Handbook II.

1. `The Lutheran Handbook II' by a large list of contributors, under the auspices of the Augsburg Fortress Press, the publishing arm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) provides evidence that even if we can't say that God has a sense of humor (if you doubt this, read Jonah in the Old Testament) or Martin Luther had a sense of humor, at least contemporary Lutherans certainly have one, in spades.
   
   This is a follow-up to the first volume dedicated to contemporary church culture. This sequel is devoted to a brisk and somewhat lighthearted look at Lutheran theology, a subject about which it is far more difficult to take lightly than `church culture'.
   
   I confess that while this the stated object of the book, the contents do not `religiously' follow that objective. Thankfully, the book is so full of good humor and great information about all sorts of miscellaneous things Lutheran that I can't in good conscience dock it any stars. For the sake of full disclosure, I must tell you I'm a full-blooded, Sunday School teaching Lutheran, so you can take my rating with a grain of salt if you wish. To be sure, this book is far more valuable to a practicing Lutheran than it is to a practicing Catholic or practicing Baptist or other non-liturgically minded Christian. Oddly, it may have a greater interest to a professed atheist or agnostic than to some non-Lutheran.
   
   By far the most interesting thing about the book is the information it gives on all the various flavors of Lutherans in the United States. Up to now, I was familiar with only the ELCA, the Missouri Synod Lutherans and the Canadian branch. It turns out, there are literally 26 different `Lutheran' church organizations, although all the smaller US churches combined are less than 1/20 the size of the ELCA (over 10,000 congregations) plus the more conservative Missouri Synod (over 6,000 congregations).
   
   Thankfully, the book keeps already familiar material, such as Luther's smaller catechism to a minimum, although I suspect most adult Lutherans have long forgotten this stuff, and can stand having a reminder.
   
   The most useful non-theological material is simple but thorough instructions on how to carry out some of the basic lay participatory roles in a typical service, such as ushering, being an acolyte, being a greeter, and reading the lessons. It's amazing how some smaller congregations seem to believe you are born with this knowledge.
   
   Much of the fun comes in the `lists of', including lists of the pagan gods in the Bible, lists of famous Lutherans, lists of great Lutheran musicians (a very important part of Lutheran services. Bach was a Lutheran!!!!), lists of important Lutheran doctrines, and most interestingly, the list of books of the Bible which are most important to Lutheran doctrine (Luther was very big on Paul's letters and the Gospel of John.)
   
   While this book takes Lutheran doctrines very seriously, and never quite approaches the playful irreverence of Kevin Smith's movie `Dogma', the icons of the winking Luther are remarkably similar to Smith's `Buddy Christ'.
   
   This book is a great casual read and enormously helpful for parents who happen to have children in a Lutheran Sunday School. It's exceptionally well bound and in a very nice size for reading at the beach or on a plane, and oh so easy to pick up now and again, since all the sections stand on their own, very similar to the format of the `Worst Case Scenario' books, to which the publishers give credit for their `borrowing' the style.



2. The Lutheran handbook is an easy to grasp information book, outlined to entice the reader to dig further into Lutheran theology and doctrine. Fun for anyone who sits each Sunday in the same pew!

5 comments about Lutheran Book Of Prayer.

1. A great book to help you keep up with daily prayer and prayers for various situations. A little dull though, prayers sound very similar to those read in church on Sunday mornings.



2. The previous additions of the Lutheran Prayer Book are superior to this one (1970 & 1951).
   
   This one seems less of glorifying God, than shameless butt kissing. It comes off as insincere and WAAAY over the top syrupy. When I pray, I keep it genuine and personal. Many of the prayers in this edition are too verbose and borderline silly. If anyone spoke to me in the tone the authors use, I'd have to laugh and roll my eyes.
   
   One other thing that disturbed me about this book is that many of the prayers seem to mirror the hijacking of Christianity by the republican evangelical right. It mixes secular politics and earthly hot button topics with the true word. I found it VERY offensive. Particularly the prayers about govt and the armed forces. I prefer my worship to be partisan free and that is EXTREMELY difficult to find these days.



3. This book, bargain priced, is an excellent resource for Lutheran prayer. Lutheran was founded by Martin Luther in the 1500s, rifting from the Catholic church and founding Protestant who baptized those who were of age. Lutheran teaches you get saved through baptism. The first half of the book are prayers for every day of the week. The next third is what you get from church- The Lird's Prayer, Apostles Creed, Niciene Creed, etc. The remainder of this book is living Christianity, prayers for the holidays, and similar. The Lutherans have won every war, it's 2007, wake up. Go in peace, serve the Lord.



4. I buy this book for loved ones for special occasions. It stands the test of time and the book may last generations.



5. Excellent book of prayers. A wonderful compilation to help you grow in your own personal prayer life.

3 comments about Principles of Lutheran Theology.

1. Carl Braaten has been one of my favorite lecturers and authors on t he subject of Lutheranism and the ecumenical movement. While he may be a little "circle the wagons", his points are always thoughtful and based upon a sound understanding the both the ancient and modern trends and writings.

   With only 138 pages of text, this book is one of the best introductions to Lutheranism around. Braaten doesn't paint a romantic picture of the movement nor its theology, but rather shows the context out of which the movement began, as well as its relevance for today by asking the question, "What is the protest about for today?" Packed with sound scholarship and a general survey of the modern situation (although it is dated to 1982), topics include:

   The Canonical Principal, The Confessional Principal, The Ecumenical Principal, The Christocentric Principal, The Contemporary Shape of the Soteriological Question, The Sacramental Principal, The Law/Gospel Principal, The Two-Kingdoms Principal.

   Highly recommended, along with is another of his books on ecclesiology, "Mother Church".

   Enjoy!




2. A great overview of Lutheran beliefs and schools of theology. If you want to learn more about Lutheranism, as a church member or as a non-Lutheran, this is a good place to start. Not too difficult to read or too long, this book nonetheless packs in a lot of information. As a Missouri-Synod Lutheran I found it very helpful in understanding other Lutheran viewpoints. The price is right too.



3. Great read on Lutheran church theology (although the word "Principles" should be emphasized in the title), ecumenical thought, and early Reformation vs. modern thought theology.
   
   Carl E. Braaten is clear and concise to pack a lot of chapters in this little 154 page book. The term "Principles" should be emphasized, as Braaten does not write or present a systematic theology.
   
   The chapters are as follows:
   1) The Canonical Principle,
   2) The Confessional Principle,
   3) The Ecumenical Principle,
   4) The Christocentric Principle,
   5) The Sacramental Principle,
   6) The Law/Gospel Principle, and
   7) The Two-Kingdoms Principle.
   
   Carl E. Braaten, accomplishes a couple of things for me, through this little intro to the theology of the Lutheran-"movement":
   
   a) covers the whole wide horizon on how various Lutherans look at these important theological principles,
   b) is not shy of showing the catholicity and also the ecumenical flavor of the Lutheran movement, and
   c) presents Lutheran theology not as a stand-along theology but as a theology of a "movement" (Evangelical or Lutheran) whose scope is to reform (or revive, renewal of) the church, its members, and the role of Christianity and Christians in our modern times.
   
   I would also need to add that in my search for an ecumenically-minded, creedal, liturgical, and historical Protestant church (coming from a neo-Protestant, free-worship, insular church and background) this book has been instrumental towards my finding the conservative Lutheran church as my home church. A church as a member of the Church (of Jesus Christ)!
   
   Doing a search on Carl E. Braaten will show that his writings are focused on: ecumenism or Christian unity theology, ecclesiology, and Lutheran theology. These subjects should be welcomed also by Roman-Catholics and Reform Protestants.

5 comments about God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life (Focal Point Series) (Focal Point Series).

1. Well written, a little slow but full of usefull information



2. My nephew is a missionary. I do all of the finances and paperwork for him, but somehow that seems pale compared to the work a missionary does. It is so easy for those of us who desire to serve God to see that those 'in ministry' - those who are pastors or missionaries or evangelists or music leaders - somehow have a more important role in God's Kingdom then the rest of us. Gene Edward Veith reminds us that there is no role more or less important in the Kingdom. Further, no matter what job field we are called to, that is our place to be serving God, and in that place we are serving God! A good read for anyone who has the struggle of restlessness about their vocational place in the Kingdom.



3. Veith, as in his other books, does an excellent job of expressing theological concepts and their applications for the lay person. This book pulls a lot of things together for the lay person who struggles in finding meaning in 'love your neighbor' outside the context of the church setting. We rarely hear about how we can serve the Lord outside of the church organization. This books researches and applies the doctrine of vocation, as understood by Luther and our reformation fathers. It gives new meaning to 'love your neighbor' in everyday life. A good read for those who want to see how God works through us and for us through the mundane tasks of everyday life.



4. This book is excellent for showing the relationship between vocation and how God works in the world. It gets to the point in multiple ways, allowing the reader to clearly see that vocation is an important doctrine that Christianity has seemed to put in a drawer and forget. Veith's writing is clear. The book moves and does not become bogged down in what could be a ponderous subject. I was reading this book based on a group review of the book and was very surprised at how useful the book is and how well Veith coverd the topic. This is a msut read for anyone who is wondering about their role in life or has to answer the question, why did God put me here?



5. I enjoyed reading this book. God is using us through his various callings and vocations -- the world of sociology just calls them "roles." According to Veith, faith gives our calling or vocation "meaning." Also, as Christians we do not do sinful work, nor do we desire to harm others while pursuing our calling (thus, we would not engage in office "back stabbing"). He stresses that the Lord God Almighty is using us where we are -- in the office, as parents, as children, etc. We are uniquely positioned by God Himself to carry out His purposes. We know what our duties are, and carry them out according to Biblical principles of personal conduct.
   Part of me, however, is asking the questions: what about our Christian witness? What about interceding for our co-workers in prayer (he speaks more about praying for ourselves and bearing our cross in vocation)? What Christian qualities are essential for manifestation in the workplace? I have these question, yes, but at the same time I think that Prof. Veith has hit on the essentials: bearing one's cross, prayer, and resting in our vocation.
   A Christian friend of mine who is perennially "between jobs" now is working in a place where sometimes he's on the front desk, sometimes he's laying tiles, sometimes he's witnessing to people and sharing the gospel message. He likes to talk about irons in the fire, and how in the days ahead he hopes to be doing 'more.' I told him about vocation (having just read Prof. Veith's book) -- that he was serving the Lord in the here and now by these various activities. His various duties TODAY are his vocation. He was immensely encouraged when I said that. His outlook immediately brightened. My conclusion: Prof. Veith's work provides us with essential understandings for pastoral encouragement. Amen.

4 comments about The Genius of Luthers Theology: A Wittenberg Way of Thinking for the Contemporary Church.

1. This book, by two Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod seminary professors, is an excellent summary of Luther's theology, presented in a nontraditional (i.e., not topical) but highly effective way.
   
   The book is divided into two sections. In the first, the authors explain how Luther defined human beings through two kinds of righteousness -"passive righteousness," or righteousness with God, which comes solely through God's initiative and His grace and favor; and "active righteousness," righteousness with each other (and by extension with the rest of God's creation), which comes through the good works that flow from us when we respond with faith and trust to the great gift of God's passive righteousness.
   
   In the second part, the authors explain how Luther regarded the Word of God, that creative and recreactive Word that bestows passive righteousness.
   
   I am a layman (ELCA Lutheran), not a theologian or seminarian, yet I found this book very readable. The authors write clearly with only a few excursions into terminology that sent me to the dictionary to look up a theological term.
   
   Highly recommended, both as an introduction to Lutheranism and as a way for Lutherans to become more familiar with Luther and his thought.



2. For recent students of Luther this book belabors the obvious. That's the con.
   
   For those who are not it may come as a surprise, and a definite read. For too long Lutherans have been in an identity crisis. Fortunately, in recent years theologians such as Dr. Kolb have risen to the occasion to point out the true gems in Lutheran theology, and the points Lutheran theology is 180 degrees from the pop Christian culture.
   
   To be a Lutheran and not know the very basic premises behind Luther's theology is a sorry state. This book fills in the pieces.



3. Once again Drs. Robert Kolb and Charles Arand remind us that Luther's justification by faith alone is a timeless truth so appropriate today for those who are trying to distinguish Christian love from works-generated (and selfishly motivated) self-justification. Kolb and Arand seek to describe the life Christ had in mind for His people. One quote says,
   "By repentence, Luther meant a life lived out in the rhythm that God set in motion through His baptismal Word of life...Old Adam in us is drowned through daily remorse and repentence and dies in all sins and evil lusts, and a new human creature daily arises who lives eternally in God's sight in righteousness and purity." Is there any better definition of the sanctified life? This book would be a blessing to any library, Lutheran or otherwise.



4. Two prominent Lutheran theologians provide their take on two theological presuppositions which fueled and guided all of Luther's theology. First is what it means to be human, and this in two dimensions: to God and to other humans. Secondly, how God relates to humans through all forms of His Word.
   
   Much of this will not be new to Lutherans or readers of Luther, except that this work highlights the oft neglected contrast between Luther's anthropology of active and passive righteousness. These two spheres of human activity thus help immensely in maintaining the tensions found in Scripture between law and gospel, and also God's election and human responsibility.
   
   What this reader found to be so useful in this reading is that their well thought out insights into these theological aspects provide great material for sermons and studies. Diagnostics of the human condition and God's response in Word, both incarnate and revealed in His living Scriptures. Just as several examples to exhibit this point: "In general, every theology of self-glorification exhibits three characteristics. First, theologies of glory must write a new script for God on the basis of human observations about the world around them ... They rewrite God's job description! The new job description for God incorporates human performance into it. Theologians of glory want assurance that God acts in predictable ways." Or one more: "Whether it is weak or strong, faith possesses the complete righteousness of Christ and so the person is completely righteous in God's sight. As faith grows, one could say that the Christian grasps more firmly the righteousness of Christ. As faith grows, just like a tree, it does not become more righteous, but it does produce more fruit."
   
   This is outstanding writing of Luther research shared in language and examples that are readily accessible and applicable. My only wish was that were have been more of the three page conclusion "Thinking with Luther in the Twenty-First Century." Yearned for their examples of challenges to this theology and framing this to twenty-first century hearers. Maybe a second, follow-up volume?

5 comments about The Lutheran Handbook.

1. This book might be a fun read, but there is a dearth of serious theology being taught in the ELCA these days. I would not consider this serious theology.



2. The Lutheran Handbook has been a smashing success for it's publisher, Augsburg Fortress, and for good reason. It is funny, concise, thorough and well-organized. I am a Lutheran pastor and we have used this book as the basis for both adult education studies and confirmation classes. People new to the Lutheran tradition find it an informative and quick read and always appreciate borrowing the church's copy.



3. This book has been presented as a humorous, lighthearted attempt to instruct Lutherans on their religion. Not so! It is peculiar and bizarre as opposed to being comical. An example: On page 127, number 5 of a list of Ways to Banish the Devil From Your Presence, "BREAK WIND The devil (along with anyone else in the room) might well leave you alone (This was one of Martin Luther's favorites.)" Witty, if you are perhaps in the 3rd grade. On page 161 of The Five Grossest Bible Stories shows this statement in a box, "Jeremiah strapped on some filthy underwear to show God could no longer be proud of the people." Inside the box is a cartoonish drawing of Jeremiah in a diaper with a diagram arrow pointing to "dirty underwear". What we are given here is simple mindlessness posing as hilarity. Pathetic and insulting. Don't buy it and if your church has already purchased any, return them and demand your money back. The book has no redeeming value.



4. `The Lutheran Handbook', edited by Kristofer Skrade, under the auspices of the Augsburg Fortress publishing house, the publishing arm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is a simply delightful little book, which may loosely be thought of as `Lutheranism for Dummies'. It is chocked full of the kind of things they never really get around to teaching you in cathechism class. Or, if they do, you never quite realize the importance of such simple things as how to sing a hymn, how to receive communion, or how to deal with the collection plate. Believe it or not (Plato to the contrary), we are not born with this knowledge. It is also remarkable to see the variability in practices across different Lutheran congregregations, even those belonging to the same Synod of the ELCA.
   
   I would be remiss if I didn't point out that there is plenty in here which would be useful to non-Lutherans. As a one-time Catholic, I can vouch for the fact that about half of the book is easily applicable to both Catholics and all the `liturgical' Protestant denominations. I'm a bit fuzzy on what the `non-ligurgical' denominations do in the place of the mass or the Lutheran service, so there may be just a bit less applicability there, but there is no harm in checking it out.
   
   As simple as much of the material is, there is also quite a bit which is remarkably sophisticated. I am planning an advanced adult bible study class, and I was astonished to find one section outlining, very concisely, the major events between the completion of the Hebrew Bible and the time of Christ. This is exactly how I was to begin my class, which at the very least makes it easy for me to demonstrate that this ancient history is really important in understanding the origins of Christianity.
   
   The icon of a winking Luther on the cover gives away the fact that much of the material in the book is just slightly tongue in cheek. I'm delighted to find that an `official' arm of the Lutheran church can show some hints of the kind of humor Kevin Smith put in his movie `Dogma' (check out the `buddy Christ'). One of my favorite bits of humor was how to approach a pot luck dinner, by region. Being something of an accomplished amateur cook, I'm convinced that the person who wrote this section knows practically nothing about food.
   
   In a much more serious vein, it's revealing that the book instructs us (Lutherans, that is) in making the sign of the cross. Now, isn't that a Catholic thing? Well, no it isn't, and it is a perfectly acceptable sign of devotion. I wish I would have known that back in the day when I felt just a bit self-conscious being a former Protestant and participating in services with Catholics genuflecting now and then, especially for grace and what have you. In an even more serious vein, there is advice on how to resolve interpersonal conflict. From personal experience, I can vouch for the fact that there is a lot more of this in church circles than you may expect, more, in fact, than you may even find in the business world. I don't guarantee that `The Lutheran Handbook' will solve all such problems, but it's good to have something you can lean on when the situation arises.
   
   For the non-Lutheran, there is a great little bit of information on the taxonomy of Christian denominations. The surprise here is that many contemporary denominations are of relatively recent origin. The Pentacostal denomination, for example, dates back to 1900!
   
   Most important of all to Lutherans is a great layman's explanantion of the law, the gospel, and grace. For those of us who are more than 40 years past their confirmation classes, this is worth reading over several times.
   
   Note that this same treatment by the same editors is given to Lutheran theology in `The Lutheran Handbook II', which may be even more useful to non-Lutherans.



5. This is the updated Lutheran handbook or code of conduct. There are 9 million in the States and since 1950 it's about rebellion and teaches faith alone and getting saved through baptism. There are comparitive religions and comparitive denominations. Christianity was founded by Jesus Christ in 1 BC with him as the messiah. Lutheran was founded by Martin Luther in the 1500s when he nailed the 95 Theses to the Catholic church. I am a d escendant of Martin Luther and my ancestors are the pilgrims who landed on The Mayflower but just one family. How would you like to chew tobacco, wear Rustler jeans or worship freely with other adults. Join us or die.

5 comments about Crossing Over: One Woman's Escape from Amish Life.

1. I enjoyed learning about the Amish people, but feel the writer was very young and naive and certainly DID NOT find her prince! I felt very sorry for her. Like another reader said...would like to see a follow up in 10 years or so and see if she still feels the same about her husband.



2. I was hoping this book would educate me more on the Amish lifestyle. I actually felt sorry for the author - that night in the hotel disgusted me. I felt that Ottie took advantage of and disrespected her. It seemed like the author was young and naive and would have "escaped" with any outsider that had helped her family.



3. This book is about one woman's journey into the "English" world after she decided to leave her strict Amish parents and their Old Order ways. While the writing wasn't stunning or spectacular, I do think it accurately reflected her plain origins and described her emotions and feelings very well. Some criticize her for seemingly publicly attacking her parents and other family members over the incident; I don't think it's so much an attack but her interpretation of the events. She does say several times that this was what she experienced - and might not necessarily reflect the ways of other Amish families or the communities in which they live.
   
   I applaud her for her courage to stand up to the contradictions of her Amish faith and to make a positive change for herself - I'm sure it was not an easy decision. Past reviewers have criticized her for trying to come back to her family for visits, and wondering why she complains about not being served in a grocery store. As far as wanting to come back to see her parents - who can blame her? This is still her family, regardless of what has happened in the past, and those are not easy ties to sever. She says, at the very end, that no matter what, she will still love them unconditionally.
   
   I grew up surrounded, near and far, by Amish communities in Holmes, Ashland, Richland and Knox Counties in Ohio. Growing up in this environment, you see them daily or weekly and give them no more than a passing thought, and they mingle in and out of English society without much more than a glance. But to tourists, and possibly the English at large, they are seen as `perfect,' without sin and that they are pure in thought and actions - which is largely untrue. I think this is why so many people are angry at Garrett's book - because it shatters the picture perfect image that so many people have of the Amish. They are, essentially, just like us - that is to say, humans - except for manner and style of dress. Even they seem to forget this most important part.
   
   There are some basic tenets of the Amish faith that I understand and believe are true: for instance their belief that the English worship Santa Claus at Christmas and not Christ. The overcommercialization of Christmas leads me to believe this is true. The belief that our pastors preach about Heaven rather than Hell is largely true, too, at least in my experience. This is part of a growing trend in Christianity to please everyone and say exactly what they want to hear, something I'm not sure the Amish community has been subjected to. In this sense, yes, they probably do turn passages around (or omit certain ones) to suit their needs; but the Amish do this as well. It seems they are perfectly willing to turn a blind eye to those things that narrowly separate them from the English - they are unwilling to accept their most basic faults.
   
   For further reading, I suggest Tom Shachtman's "Rumspringa", which takes a more academic approach to the subject. Both are excellent and insightful reading to get the true picture of what the Amish are really like.



4. A group of friends and I have been studying the Amish. We have truly fallen in love with their commitment to family, community and God. While theologically we have different beliefs, the more we have learned - the more we admire. However, I felt that perhaps I needed to read something that explored the negative side to make sure I was giving both views a fair opportunity. I was totally disgusted with the book. I did not feel this was a young women who came out of her Amish faith for any reason other than rebellion against her parents. The fact that her husband could have looked upon her as anything but a child led me to be appalled and disgusted by him. She said she found freedom and Christ upon leaving her Amish faith - yet her book was filled with bitterness toward those she claimed to have "unconditional love" (her own words at the end) for. I was left thinking that the book was a mere attempt to justify her own rebellious actions toward God, her family and her faith. While I pity her for being in such bondage of unforgiveness, it was clear her family were left grieving their daughter, sister, community member; and it was them that my heart went out to. I thought - in her acts of rebellion it seems she would have crossed over from any family or faith. It was not a negative presentation of anything in the Amish faith - just a confused soul looking to justify her own self serving & rebellious life.



5. of the effects of living in a rigid, legalistic, narrow society, and the horrific psychological warfare waged by those inside such a cult against one who has freed herself. Her sensitivity and analysis is very good. The book flows well and is a fast, fascinating read. My only wish would be that more insight be given to adjustment to the "English" world once she left. A book that is definitely worthwhile, and definitely does not warrant the narrow, angry review given by Mr. Scheffler. Definitely worth the time to read, and the time to realize that, indeed, the Amish constitute a cult within the Christian framework and definition of a cult.

5 comments about Luther's Small Catechism, with Explanation.

1. This is an excellent version of Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation, with very good supplemental materials added. This book would be a great resource for Protestants of all denominations, and is required reading for all Lutherans. Essential aspects of Christian doctrine are concisely reviewed with the scriptural basis provided for these beliefs. This book is highly recommended to everyone seeking insights into the foundations of Christian doctrine.



2. I have been a Christian for quite a few years. And I went through two years of confirmation classes as a teen. But over the last few years as I spent more time in God's Word, I found I had a lot of questions. I asked my pastor, but never got satisfactory answers. I recently joined a Lutheran (LCMS) church and read this book and the Book of Concord. I found both to be very helpful, but in particular, I enjoyed how the Small Catechism answered so many of the questions I had previously been unable to answer. All of the points are backed up with quotations from scripture (NIV translation) which I also liked. All in all, I highly recommend this book. I think it is appropriate for all Christians, not just Lutherans.



3. This small catechism, though not a deal clencher on its own, certainly played a vital role in my move from the contemporary American evangelical movement to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. If you're looking for solid teaching on the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, The Apostles Creed, the Lord's Supper, baptism, and Confession and Absolution, then the writing in this book will aid you along very nicely. For those who desire a deeper look at the Lutheran Confessions I would recommend purchasing a copy of the Book of Concord, which has a copy of the Small and Large Catechisms. That said, I highly recommend this version of the small catechism as it's nice to have as a resource when questions come up.



4. Beautiful new cover and color. Inside the new page color(cream or tan) makes the print just jump off the page. Very easy to read.
   Everyone should read this book, and find out what Lutherans believe and why.



5. As a former Thelemic briother and now baptized Lutheran, I have to say that Christianity is a lot more gothic and the all around best religion in the world today. This book is for the baptized or church going Lutheran. What's really great in real terms is that this book is used by Lutheran ministers for adult confirmation, which I am currently attending. Anything you give your church is considered a donation. They ask for none of your income whatsoever. Behold the glory of the crucifix.

5 comments about Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther.

1. This book was recommended to me by a Lutheran minister. I am not Lutheran, but when the school my children attend became a Lutheran school I thought that I should learn more about Luther. This book then is quite a scholarly work and goes into a lot of doctrine such as that of 'indulgences'. The great thing about this book is that you learn as much Catholic doctrine as you do Luthern because these doctrines must be explained before any critique is made. In some places the book is very easy to read (especially the parts detailing Luthers childhood and relationship with his family) and in others it is difficult (the doctirnal sections), but if you persist you will emerge much richer for the effort.



2. This book is written with intense, muscular prose, and oversees the life of a mighty thinker going through rough times for decades. Like the 16th century woodcuts that are depicted in illustrations throughout the work, the words seem to have a power that is more like an engraving or sculpture than passive tableau. The prose and mastery of complex theological, interpersonal, and historical issues gave me a reading experience I had not had since reading Allan Bullock's book on Hitler years ago.
   One feels profoundly immersed in the realities of Luther's struggles, yet at the same time, feels the imponderable weight of God's Providence. How did he wrestle with so many deep issues yet have time to marry, have six children, have meetings with friends and students, survive debilitating ailments, rebound from intense persecutions, and maintain a vibrant -- though sometimes coarse -- perspective? As I read the volume, I marched with Bainton through the intense and densely troubled waters of theological and liturgical disputes.
   Although I already in part knew the outcome;yet, at the same time, I was breathless: what would happen next? It was like watching those serial shows on TV years ago...what would happen to Flash Gordon in the next episode? So, I asked myself: how will Martin L. fare in the debate with Eck? How will he hold up before the Holy Roman Emperor? Will he survive the attacks on his life? What attitudes will he take towards other dissenting "Protestants?" It is a tribute to Prof. Bainton's narrative genius that I was brought into the "reality" of the times. In real life, we wonder: what will happen next -- especially with controversial actions that stir our deepest feelings.
   This book is more than a biography. As I said above, it's also a woodcut and a memorable personal experience where we get to participate in Prof. Bainton's great exposition of the life of the irascible but beloved Doktor Luther.



3. This edition of an otherwise wonderful book is terrible! The margins between the lines are so tight and the print so small and dense that one practically needs a magnifying glass to read it! We bought this as a Christmas gift for my husband's grandfather and were unable to give it to him because of its physical unreadability.



4. Good information on an important historical figure, but the reader has to tolerate far too much of the inane. For example, "...radio, television, and not even the internet were during John Calvin's time." Good to know.



5. This book was a great research source and a pretty easy read. I recommend this to anyone starting to study Martin Luther or the Reformation.

5 comments about Pontoon: A Novel of Lake Wobegon.

1. I did not like this book at all. Right from the start it was very depressing. The characters are mostly sad folks on the downside of life, for the most part. What fun is it reading about this one dying or that one dying? There were three pages where I laughed out loud, towards the end, but that was it. I know "Lk W people" are an odd lot, and I see that most rated this book high, so if you are a big fan, then I suppose this book will be fine. For those of you who sometimes listen to Keillor's show on the radio and think, "This guy is sort of creepy, if somewhat entertaining," I think you need to pass this one by.



2. I am a Garrison Keillor fan. I also love Lake Wobegon. This new novel does not disappoint, and we meet old friends, and some new ones. A nice way to spend a rainy afternoon escaping to Minnesota.



3. Lake Wobegon has three events scheduled on a Saturday afternoon: Evelyn wants her ashes interred in her bowling ball and her grandson decides to paraglide them into place; no one remembers the invitations to a "commitment ceremony" with a hot air balloon, oversized decoys and a pontoon boat; and 24 visiting Danish Lutheran ministers do penance with a trip to the Midwest. All week the details pile up, disintegrate, regroup; a lover (and Elvis) appear as the champagne and shrimp chill. This shaggy dog story (as in Bruno the fishing dog) ends in the waters, reeds and briars. This is Keillor's funniest effort in some time and the dénouement left me laughing out loud. It's good to have the recent sentimentality removed.



4. Classic Keillor--humor always framed in gentle humanity; insightful but never disrespectful--a real pleasure to read. There are times I laughed out loud, and others, when I was introspective of his characters' frailities and saw my own. Thank you, Mr. Keillor, for moving Hannibal north to Minnesota. Joy Brewer



5. I love Lake Wobegon. And Garrison Keillor is a master of the tragi-comic. His great strength is to have little events unfold, in a seemingly tranquil setting and then build them up to a grand finale of organized chaos. The tranquil setting certainly exists in Pontoon but the little events / grand finale scaling is off. To be fair, the story of full of colorful characters and all their escapades, and therefore not entirely devoid of charm. Bottom line: Pontoon is not Keillor at his best.