August 2010 issue
Open 'Book of Concord' It brings focus to the word of God The Book of Faith is a fine initiative. However, it is destined to underachieve in Lutheran culture. What is needed is a parallel study of the Book of Concord. Without this lens we have no way to focus the word of God. For my birthday, a member of my congregation bought me a new translation of the Book of Concord, the historic standard of Lutheranism first published in 1580 consisting of 10 credal documents written by Martin Luther and others. She got it for $11 on the Internet. Last summer I read it from cover to cover, including all footnotes. The result was a revitalization of my preaching and the congregation's response is noticeable. The Book of Concord answers the question of when and how much God loves us. God, our Father, loves us in Christ because we are God's children. We do nothing but grasp this by faith. It is pure grace. Much of the focus of the Book of Concord is on the Psalms and Paul's writings. I'm convinced that study of these sections on justification in the Book of Concord will be the cause for new life and hope among the people of our congregations. This will also help us reclaim the richness of our baptismal heritage. Secondly, the Book of Concord has strong statements on exactly who Christ is. The 16th century had many voices leading people away from the church's historic understanding. Again, the reformers speak to us, from the Bible and from tradition, concerning what the church has said about the person and nature of Christ. These statements have led me to a deeper understanding of the sacrament of communion. When we know how Christ is present in his body among us and in this sacrament, we gain a deep confidence in the closeness of Christ. Finally, in the catechisms Luther reveals his monastic background and recommends two practices, which can produce a daily renewal of faith. If the people of the ELCA would practice the morning and evening prayer, it would enrich faith. We need to practice our belief every day of the week and not only on Sunday. If pastors and others on the ELCA roster would embrace Luther's thrice daily prayer practice, I have no doubt that the spirituality of our leaders would be strengthened. For true Lutheran church renewal, we need both Scripture and our tradition as revealed in the Book of Concord. *** GJ - We will know Judgment Day is near when a WELS pastor publishes the same thoughts in FICKLE. Don't worry - it won't happen. Bivens and Kudu Don Patterson still dominate the |
