Book Recomendations for Someone Looking into Confessional Lutheranism

I always struggle to answer questions like this. Are you looking for a light introduction, a historical perspective, or a deep dive into theology? Are you looking for treatments of Lutheranism or a comparison to something you're familiar with?

For the light introduction, maybe something like "Why I am a Lutheran" by Daniel Preus.

OK. At the other end of the spectrum you have Pieper's and Scaer's Dogmatics.

That's about all the help I'll be. Our professionals in the forum would probably have better suggestions for you if they happen by.

Resha Caner said:

OK. At the other end of the spectrum you have Pieper's and Scaer's Dogmatics.

That's about all the help I'll be. Our professionals in the forum would probably have better suggestions for you if they happen by.

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I took some 3 YEARS to very, very carefully make my way through the 3 book set of Pieper's Christian Dogmatics. It was helpful to me....


Pax


- Josiah

Some I'd recommend......

"The Spirituality of the Cross" (Concordia Publishing House). A short, simple intro to general theology written by a layman for laypeople. GREAT insights here! I wish this book had been there for me some 10 years ago, it really would have helped!

"Broken - 7 'Christian' Rules Every Christian Ought Break As Often As Possible" Rev. Jonathan Fisk. Concordia Publishing House. A fast paced often satirical book written to 20's somethings, but LOADED with excellent basic stuff!

Both of these are paperbacks and pretty cheap. They are both books you could read in a couple of evenings - and they would give you an OUTSTANDING basis to move on to more systemmatic stuff (or even the Catechism).


Blessings on your journey!


- Josiah

Nova Scotian Boy said:

Im confessionally Reformed and currently in seminary .

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sorry, I missed this....

Yup. F. Pieper, Christian Dogmatics. CPH. While limited, it's the classic work still used in LCMS and WELS seminaries (I think). 3 Vol. It's pricey, beware.

I PERSONALLY feel his work is not strong when it comes to the Confessions and Ecumenical Councils - and in some ways, seems to miss the whole very, very basic point of mystery. He seems to ASSUME a lot that is far better expressed in the two books I mentioned above for laypersons. BUT it's detailed..... and certainly is conservative/traditional Lutheran! And intended for seminary level (although I read it - very, very carefully over a 3 year period.



Blessings on your seminary work!


- Josiah

You might appreciate this paper by Anglican Phillip Cary as he tries to define the Lutheran perspective:
Why Luther is not Quite Protestant: The Logic of Faith in a Sacramental Promise | Phillip Cary - Academia.edu

Cary was later asked to speak at Concordia Seminary:
http://www.ctsfw.net/media/pdfs/carysolafide.pdf

I would also recommend the website of KFUO radio in St. Louis. Owned and operated by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, they have several programs that are audio on demand via the website: KFUO
One of their better programs in particular is Issues, Etc. Issues, Etc. | Christ-Centered, Cross-Focused Talk Radio
Several of these shows deal particularly with confessional Lutheran doctrine.

You might wanna give these a look.

Evangelical Lutheran Dogmatics, 4-Volume set - Northwestern Publishing House

To be honest I've only read one and that was just briefly.

Also thanks from me, I am finding these sources quite helpful as well/

JR,

Not sure if I'm too late, but I have two recommendations!

C.F.W. Walther's "The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel." (It goes by a few other names)

I have spent the last two years (my Junior and Senior years of High School) in the paradigm shift from Baptist/Nondenom to Calvinist and finally to the Lutheran Confessions. This book was a key part in that. Walther's book is chiefly concerned with preaching the Bible correctly, using the Law and Gospel for their intended purposes. Law is to be proclaimed so that we all are deemed sinners, and Gospel is to be proclaimed as Christ's death in our place for the forgiveness of our sins and the redemption of our souls. Incapsulated in that is the doctrine of being Simul (tangent). Walther was amazing at making me consider how other theologies (esp. Reformed, Holiness and Catholic churches) confuse Law and Gospel in many ways.

A book to read concurrently with Walther would be "The Hammer of God" by Bo Giertz. I truly think this book is Walther's lectures in novel form. It tells the stories of three young pastors in Sweden during different time periods and their struggle against the varied challenges to the faith and ministry in their own times.

I hope this helps, I am not exactly an expert in Lutheran Theology, but I do think these books would do you good in your search for good theology and Lutheran distinctions.

Grace and Peace Brothers!

Another vote for "The Spirituality of the Cross".

The Book of Concord.

WirSindBettler said:

The Book of Concord.

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Oh the irony that it takes 16 posts for a Lutheran to suggest the Book of Concord...

https://www.cph.org/p-693-jonah-concordia-commentary.aspx

Essential for appreciating your baptism