2 comments about The Lutheran Handbook on Marriage.

1. Gives good ideas on how to plan a Lutheran wedding with do's and dont's. Mostly give insight into how to deal with your in-laws.



2. I gave this book as an engagement gift. There are some humorous items, for example, how to light a unity candle without setting your veil on fire.
   It also has a good list of readings and hymns for weddings that are not widely used or suggested. To me that list was worth buying the book.
   It gives good advice about communication, compromise and making the decisions that come up and continue when you get engaged and the first year of marriage without being preachy or dry. Everything has a dose of good humor behind it.

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

No comments about Small Catechism.

5 comments about The Defense Never Rests: A Lawyer's Quest for the Gospel.

1. Parton is well informed Christian who has journeyed from a staffer on Campus Crusade to Lutheranism, and is now utterly amazed and upset that he finds much of Lutheranism trying to imitate Evangelicalism.

   This book documents that journey as well as puts forward Christian apologetics which is so needed in our pluralistic and postmodern times. I found the separation into tough-minded and tender-minded apologetical approaches helpful and insightful. The Christian Church certainly needs to reclaim and make full use of the arts which God has so graciously bestowed upon it, and recently have been abandoned or culturalized popularly in the church. Parton correctly sizes up the substance vs. style debate.

   Also included is an excellent Addendum on Historic Liturgy as well as an excellent annotated bibliography for further study and extensive endnotes.

   To be widely read.




2. Mr. Parton relates his journey along the path of Christian Evangelicalism to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (not to be confused with the ELCA). What he finds there and why it is important are presented with the thoughtfulness of an attorney and the humility of a man of faith. There is wonder, awe and clarity in his writing, all rare and refreshing. Mr. Parton does not demean the practioners of other denominations but points to the strengths of the LCMS and how it has reinforced his faith and his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Any Christian searching for direction will benefit by reading this book.



3. As a student in a secular college, I have found this book to be relevant to the topics presented by my history and philosophy professors. It is a good starting point for people who want an understanding of the historical claims of Christianity. The author provides an excellent appendix for further study.

   Presently, many Christian authors and leaders are addressing the problems of "American" Christianity--a brand of Christianity that seems to have become more like the world and has lost confidence in the authority and historicity of the Bible. The tendency of these authors is to point fingers or grasp at the newest idea. Mr. Parton's book, however, captures the struggle many of us feel about the need for change and he emphasizes the power that existed during the Reformation.

   This is a must for any student or religious scholar wanting clear answers about Christianity.




4. This is a refreshing book that explains the confessional Lutheran heritage. Parton draws the reader into the greater picture of Christendom and shows how the rest of Christianity urgently needs the courageous confession of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ that Lutheranism has always been built on. Vividly and with strong emotion, Parton describes to the reader how he and his family found their way to Lutheranism from Evangelicalism. He shows how his search for a Christ-centered church led him to Lutheranism (to his own surprise), where he found Jesus Christ crucified at the center of the church's "prayed, spoken, and sung confession." Beautifully he describes his family's first encounter with the historic liturgy, while leaving Evangelicalism, and how stunned they were by the profoundness and reverence of the liturgy they found in the church of the Reformation. Throughout the book Parton's discussion of Lutheran liturgy and confession give the reader a thorough appreciation of the Lutheran heritage. He shows how we are, and need to remain a church that gives solid testimony to the Biblical Gospel of Jesus Christ-for the sake of an unbelieving world, for the sake of the increasingly shallow American Christianity, and for our own sake.

   Parton also presents a "powerful critique of American Christianity" and shows why we need to undertake the apologetical and Biblical task to "contend for the faith" (Jude 3). He shows how the thoroughly Scriptural focus of the Lutheran confessions-as written in the Book of Concord-and our Christ-centered approach to theology and life, make the Lutheran Church perfectly fit for engaging in this task. We draw the essential distinction between Law and Gospel that is almost universally lacking in American Christianity, and we make clear that conversion is worked by the Holy Spirit. In other words we understand that we do nothing to accomplish our own salvation. Parton addresses many of the concerns raised by those within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) who feel that apologetics (and specifically evidential apologetics) have no place in Lutheran theology. He shows how apologetics, properly used, does not claim to work conversion, but removes stumbling blocks that prevent many from even giving consideration to the Gospel. A brief treatment of such apologetics is presented in the book.

   Another essential distinction drawn in Lutheranism is that reason functions in both kingdoms, but that in the Kingdom of God it functions ministerially (by serving), not majesterially (by judging/ruling). Here again is ample justification for why Lutheranism is apt for apologetics. We know that mankind's reason is never to be put in judgment over the Scriptures, and thus we avoid the rationalism that destroys the sacraments and other truths of Scripture. Parton draws attention to several points in the New Testament where the apostles and evangelists specifically contended for the faith by pointing to the evidence for the truth claims of Christianity. They were so convinced of the factuality of Christ's death and resurrection, that the apostle Paul was "so bold as to hinge the case for Christianity explicitly, and entirely, on the facticity of the Resurrection." Indeed we today ought likewise to confess and defend the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as a real event that took place in history, not just some metaphorical story. For this Good News is the reason for the existence of the church and the forgiveness and eternal life that we receive.

   If you are questioning, or have questions about the liturgy, our confessions, or about the use of apologetics in the church, I highly recommend this book for your consideration. It is also a book that I would readily give to a fellow Christian who is questioning their faith or searching for a church with Christ-centered Biblical substance. The Defense Never Rests should also encourage us to take pride in the unique and faithful confession of Christ that our church has given historically, and must continue to give. To that end, to God alone be the glory!




5. This synopsis may not be as thorough or eloquent as some of the other reviews, but I wanted to voice my appreciation for Mr. Parton's work in this book.
   
   It seemed to me that this book can be divided into two major categories. One is a critique exposing the differences between Evangelicalism and Lutheran theology. The second is the defense of both the Gospel writings and the resurrection of Christ.
   
   I enjoyed the meticulous dissection of the differences between the two theologies and worship styles. He helped me to appreciate the reverence, intellectual thought, confession of sins, and liturgical meaning of the LCMS church. I have attended many, many services at these Evangelical churches - and even though they may have more up-beat and energetic services, most have lost the reverence and the inclusion of the Law that is so very needed. These services and sermons tend to focus on the theme "Don't worry, be happy" (and clap along). Not all of them are like this, but too many seem to be.
   
   I also very much enjoyed the Christian apology that Mr. Parton put forth. Even though he builds a number of cases for defending the Gospels and then the resurrection (and does a good job doing so), he notes that it certainly isn't 'water-tight' or 'bullet-proof', but then links this to our legal system where even a man sentenced to capital punishment doesn't necessarily have to have ABSOLUTE proof of his crime presented at the trial. But this is what biblical skeptics seem to require!
   
   Overall I thought it a very good book defending the Lutheran (LCMS) theology and liturgy.

5 comments about Luther's Prayers.

1. The prayers of Martin Luther are ideal for daily reference and support for Christians. I like the topical format and clear concise language. Luther's gift of humility shines in this work while giving glory to God for mercy and grace continuously.



2. 
   Excellent, just what I was looking for.



3. This book is a collection of simple but powerful prayers for all occasion. Prayer is a simple means for God to aid the pleas of those in need. Prayer has been practiced now for some 2,000 years. This is probably the best book of prayers you will find on the market coming from such a famous, important figure like Martin Luther. Luther was a Catholic Monk, who discovering atrocities in the Catholic church, rifted from it and founded protestant in the 1500s, and also the Lutheran demonination of Christianity, still the most popular branch of the Christian religion.



4. These thoughtful and sometimes painfully honest prayers will be a great add to anyone's daily prayer life.
   "Dear God , if only we were as diligent to pray, at least with a longing in the heart, as you are in coaxing, bidding, commanding, assuring, and constraining us to pray. Unfortunately, we are too lazy and ungrateful!"



5. Over the course of the past 6 or 7 months I have been slowly working my way through the book "Luther's Prayers". The book is only 100 pages long, so I made it my practice to read through each of the prayers devotionally. I have to admit that this was something of a strange practice for me as one who has grown up in evangelical circles, I've never really thought about reading through prayers or making other people's prayer my own. I was always taught that prayer needs to be something between you and God, so therefore it must be spontaneous. After all, we don't want to be like the Pharisees who simply repeated the words to prayers without any meaning. While I still believe that prayer should be heartfelt, it seems that there is something to be said for taking the time to thoughtfully record prayers and to leave a record of them for others. I have been richly blessed by making many of Luther's prayers my own. Not in a meaningliess manner of repeating words but in feasting upon the depth of his theology in my prayer life.
   
   "Luther's Prayers" is a record of many of the recorded prayers of Martin Luther. I wouldn't say that it's the best book of prayers that I've read, that would be the "Valley of Vision" but it is definitely a good collection that stirs the soul and provides a unique insight into the heart of the Pastor Martin Luther as well as the heart of the reformer. The book is chalked full of practical advice about how to pray. Luther instructs how to pray through the Lord's Prayer as well as through the 10 commandments, something I had never thought of. In addition to the practical advice, the book gives insight into the prayer life of Martin Luther the reformer. At the diet of worms, where Luther was put on trial for his teachings, he was asked if would recant of his opposition to the Roman Catholic Church, in response he quietly asked for a night to think it over. The following is the prayer that he recorded before going back to the trial and declaring that he would not recant.
   
   Almighty and eternal God, what a strange cause this is! How it loosens peoples' tongues! How small and insignificant is their trust in you! How weak and tender is the flesh, and how powerful and busy is the devil, with the help of his apostles and the worldly wise! How quickly the world withdraws help, does an about-face, pursues the easy way, and speeds on the broad road to hell where the godless belong. It sees only what is brilliant and powerful, great, mighty, and respected! If I should turn my eyes to it, I would be done for.
   
   Oh God, Oh God, Oh my God, Oh my God, stand by me against all the wisdom and reason of the world. Do it. You alone must do it. It is not really my concern; it is yours. Alone I have nothing to do with these great lords of the world. I want good and quiet days, undisturbed. But it is your cause; it is righteous and eternal. Stand by me. Oh true and eternal God. I do not rely on human counsel, for it would be in vain. All that is carnal and tastes carnal falters.
   
   O God, O God, do you not heart me, my God? Are you dead? No, you cannot die; you are only hiding. Have you called me to this place? I ask you so that I may be sure. God, grant it! Never in my life had I thought to oppose such great rulers and never had I set out to do it.
   
   O God, stand by me in the name of your dear Son Jesus Christ who shall be my Protector and Defender, even my mighty Fortress, through the power and help of your Holy Spirit.
   Lord, where are you? Come, come, I am ready like a patient lamb to lay down my life for this cause. It is your cause and it is righteous. I will not separate myself from your forever. Be it resolved in your name that the world cannot force me to act against my conscience, even if I had still more devils, and if my body which is first of all your creation should have to perish. So your Word and Spirit come to my rescue even if only for the body. And my soul is yours. It belongs to you, and may it remain with you forever. Amen. So help me. Amen.
   
   In this prayer and in the rest of the book, we see the heart of a man struggling to "contend for the faith" and to "shepherd the flock of God." May God send forth an army of Luthers to bring about a new reformation in our day.

1 comments about Luther on Vocation.

1. This is a great book, and an important contribution to the field of vocation and the Christian Life. Wingren, a scandanavian pastor and bishop, was a brilliant writer. Most of his other books are out of print, but this one continues to breathe new life into Luther studies.

No comments about Reclaiming the "C" Word: Daring to Be Church Again (Lutheran Voices).

5 comments about The Fire And The Staff: Lutheran Theology In Practice.

1. In his book, The Fire and the Staff: Lutheran Theology in Practice, Klemet Preus has provided the church an instant classic in pastoral theology. It is no exaggeration to say that a pastor can learn much that he needs to know to minister in the present American context from this single book, to say nothing of the potential of this book for catechizing our laity. If this book is read and taken to heart in our church, the impact will be palpable. In one omnibus volume Preus tackles the essential Lutheran teaching of the reciprocal relationship between doctrine and practice in light of the Reformation and its early controversies, American Lutheranism and its interaction with Revivalism and Evangelicalism, and the modern challenges of the Church Growth and Charismatic Movements.



2. A most excellent book and a must read for all Lutherans and those who are toying with the whole "church growth" movement. Rev. Preus is no-nonsense, hard hitting, confessional and orthodox while reaching out in love to those in error. If you are concerned that the church is losing its ancient orthodox and catholic roots and is becoming the "church of what's happening now", you need to read this book! Buy one for your pastor, he needs to read this as well. Promote the book in your church as a most excellent replacement for "The purpose driven life."



3. This is a book that helps the reader understand why we worship as Lutherans the way we do. It goes into great depths to understand the theology behind our actions as a church and yet is not too hard to understand. The author has a good way of putting things down on a layman's level.



4. This book gives real practical do's and don'ts to Lutheran Theology and Practice from a man who experienced all the do's and don'ts himself. I love the book for its boldness and I would recommend any Lutheran layman to read it and learn from it. Pastors can learn from it too.



5. This book is both informative and accessible. Preus does a good job explaining the conflicts between traditional Lutheran Christianity and contemporary Evangelical Protestantism. He can be a little repetitive at times, but that is due to the fact that in theology everything builds off of and refers back to what came before. Preus' discussion of vocation was also very helpful, as the contemporary views of discipleship often achieve nothing more than create stress-everything carries with it a significance that it just does not deserve. The emotional aspect of contemporary worship has also always bothered me. Preus does a great job illustrating the problems with basing one's faith off of transient sentiments. This book deserves a close reading and serious thought.

3 comments about Martin Luther's 95 Theses.

1. Of course the 95 theses haven't changed much in the last few years! But this booklet is really nice. Its very sturdy for a small booklet and has very helpful notes and a fine introduction. I highly recommend this if you want to get an idea of the context and message of Martin Luther's famous "Ninety-Five Thesis".



2. I studied the 95 Theses over 50 years ago. Over the last 8 years, I have been with a teaching team in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Germany, and the Reformation of the 16t Century is a major if not the major focus of the seminary course.
   If one wants to "hear" the authentic Luther, inevitably one must read and think and discuss the Theses. There are other treatises of Luther but of seminal value, I give the 95 Theses a prime spot.
   James A. Glasscock
   B.D., B.D., Th.M., D.Min. Diploma in Jurisprudence and Human Rights [Strasboug]



3. In this booklet, the second of Stephen Nichols' trio of booklets highlighting major Reformed figures (the other two booklets feature Jonathan Edwards and J. Gresham Machen respectively), Nichols' stated aim is to bring Luther's Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences - better known as the Ninety-Five Theses - to contemporary Christians who have heard of the theses, but never read them. This edition of the theses includes two helpful features: an introduction which sets the theses in historical context, and a minimal commentary on every facing page, while the main text appears on the right hand page. Not every thesis warrants a commentary, so Nichols has sensitively selected which theses bear specialized notes. Even then, the notes provide context or expansion only when necessary, and often in Luther's own words derived from his later work explaining the Ninety-Five Theses (suitably entitled The Explanations of the Ninety-Five Theses).
   
   A few preconceptions of mine were dispelled by this booklet. Firstly, that Luther's main goal in 1517, as demonstrated by the document's official title, was `merely' to expose Johann Tetzel's abuse of papal indulgences (in effect a get-out-of-purgatory-free card) by generating a debate among churchmen. Secondly, Luther's reformational theology was far from being definitively worked out at this point; he was still very much a sympathetic Catholic intent on reforming the Church, not destroying it. Tellingly, the Ninety-Fifth Thesis itself portrays salvation by suffering rather than by faith. This emphasis would change in the years to come.
   
   But the two preconceptions which were most jarringly dashed were a) Luther's consistent defense of the pope throughout the document, and b) the content of the sequence of theses derived from the questions of shrewd parishioners. Unless Luther was representing his own questions as those of his parishioners for rhetorical effect - which would have been dishonest - I would not have thought that the average working class 16th century German was thinking reformational thoughts. No wonder this spark on the tinder lit up the spiritual and ecclesiological landscape of Europe for generations to come.
   
   Embedded in the midst of the theses is the one I consider Luther's gem, the Sixty-Second. It contains the reason why Luther was compelled to act on that October day in 1517, and why he persevered to bring true biblical teaching to the gospel-hungry masses throughout the rest of his life: "The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God." Luther staked his life on this gospel, which is why we remember him and commemorate him today - and more importantly, the God he served.

2 comments about Luther and the Hungry Poor: Gathered Fragments.

1. Hungry Poor turned a sociological category into a verb! This small, important book took me through the tiny keyhole allowed for religion today (individual salvation, private and personal, with a few very radioactive topics and little real impact) into two big rooms. First, I felt part of the world in which Luther was commenting not on in-house church controversies but on the way his culture saw money, status, and religion, and ignored poverty, hunger and despair. Second, I found myself in an expansive adjoining room, the world of Jesus and the first century writers of the New Testament. In both arenas, the lines between religion and social justice were erased, and the focus was on the total welfare of those forgotten people who did not benefit from any of the systems, temporal or eternal. Luther was pulling away the blindfold that hides both his times and ours from the unintended consequences of ignoring larger social issues. Three dozen 16th C illustrations inserted at exactly the right spot in the text invited me to put my own face in the shot--and see where I am blinded. This book will appeal to thoughtful readers who are either socially or spiritually concerned, as well as those ready to meet Martin Luther with new eyes.



2. Professor Samuel Torvend masterfully connects Martin Luther's justification by grace theology with the piercing social implications it brings. This book uncovers how Martin Luther responded to the needs of the poor and homeless in his time by highlighting his innovative social welfare systems that met the needs of the hungry poor more adequately than individual giving did. Torvend emphasizes that Luther wrote preliminary social welfare orders to counteract an emerging capital based economy which valued goods over grace. Church orders such as the Order of Wittenberg and the Leisnig Ordinance called for Christ's love to be shown on earth through social legislation. Luther and the Hungry Poor is a blueprint for how Luther thought Christians should act in society. This book is applicable to all Christian's who wish to follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ.