Lutheranism for Non-Lutherans

by Jordan B. Cooper

Genres: Theology

177 pages, Paperback

Published February 10, 2026

About the author

Dr. Jordan B Cooper is an ordained Lutheran pastor, an adjunct professor of Systematic Theology, and a Ministry Fellow with Christian Union at Cornell University. He has authored several books, as well as theological articles in a variety of publications. He hosts the Just and Sinner Podcast, and is a frequent guest on many other podcasts. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his wife Lisa and their two boys: Jacen, and Ben.

Reviews

[Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Davenant Institute sent me a copy of "Lutheranism For Non-Lutherans" by Jordan B. Cooper in exchange for an honest review.

Isn't Lutheranism just Diet Papism? Wasn't their church started by some drunk monk who just wanted to live a libertine lifestyle? Sure, Luther was a Protestant, but are Lutherans REALLY Protestants? Such are just a few strawmen of Lutheranism that I have seen people repeat. Suffice it to say, the Lutheran tradition is one that is rarely understood by others. I have long been an admirer of Dr. Cooper, and he's truly an invaluable resource in getting Lutheranism better exposure. As such, I was thrilled when I saw that he had written an introductory book on Lutheranism.

This book is a terrific introduction. Dr. Cooper tackles 5 key areas: Luther himself, the Lutheran confessions, Lutheran theological distinctives, Lutheran spirituality, and important Lutherans to know. The book is scholarly, but at the same time comprehensible to a layman. The book is filled with references to larger works so the reader can dig deeper if he so pleases. One of the chapters I appreciated most was the chapter on spirituality. I was already familiar with much of the content of the other chapters, but Lutheran spirituality isn't really dicussed a lot.

Altogether, I recommend this book. It does an effective job in giving non-Lutherans a much better understanding of Lutheranism. Be sure to give it a read!

[Kris Wassam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction to Lutheranism. Also, Dr. Cooper helpfully clarifies some of the distinctions between the Reformed and Lutheran traditions. As a result of this book, I will be more precise when I speak about the Lutheran view of the supper. The book also has lots of helpful footnotes for further reading.

[Trevor Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and quick read. A great introduction to Lutheran theology and piety.

[Noah Quance · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an 18 year old being catechized into the LCMS, this was a fantastic, quick-read overview of the Lutheran tradition and theology. Cooper does well at writing in an easy to read way, quickly explaining Lutheran belief and practice, while also correcting false presumptions of the tradition.

[Jack Gimre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short and concise read. Beneficial to Lutherans and Non-Lutherans alike.

[Francis Szarejko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise yet filled with information to help the reader understand Lutheranism. Despite the title, this book is also of value for Lutherans who want a better understanding of their church.