Fortress Introduction to Lutheranism

by Eric W. Gritsch

A helpful and accessible guide to Lutheranism's history and central tenents, with numerous photos and illustrations. Small wonder that many are confused about Lutheranism's historical origins, doctrinal affirmation, and ethical directives. Even Lutherans themselves-maintains, Eric Gritsch, a leading authority on the Lutheran tradition-are not clear about their identity. Some Lutheran consider themselves heirs to a reform movement, others see themselves as members of a denomination or ecclesial institution, and still others are confounded by the tension and miss the tradition's thrust. Fortress Introduction to Lutheranism offers in Part One a concise, well-written overview of this group's history from The Book of Concord to the present and in Part Two a distillation of its teachings as challenges to the reader.

Genres: Theology, History, Religion, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 5, 1994

Reviews

[Curtis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is drier than week old Thanksgiving turkey. The author obviously knows the subject, but it's simply not written in a way that makes one even want to force themselves to finish it. And I'm used to reading "boring" academic writing. For an introduction to Lutheran church history and doctrine, there's got to be a better read than this out thtere.

[Stephanie Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a lot about Lutheranism and how today's version isn't exactly what Luther had in mind, but that it still maintains core beliefs of salvation even if individual church policy has ventured away from the original Augsburg Confession and other big theology of the day.