Together by Grace: Introducing the Lutherans

by Kathryn A. Kleinhans (Editor)

Genres: Theology, Religion, Nonfiction, History

212 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. Written to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant reformation, Augsburg Fortress (a Lutheran publishing house) has several books out this year.

I was afraid it would quickly descend into some sort of hagiography of Martin Luther or the denomination as a whole. To her credit, the Editor, Kathryn Kleinhans, and her committee, developed a fascinating read of the what would become the Lutheran "wing" of protestant faith, itself made up of a variety of denominations worldwide.

The book begins with a series of essays, some on Lutheran beliefs, their origins and deviations from the Catholic church in the 1500s, followed by another series of individual stories from around the world. It ends with a few more reflections on Lutheran beliefs and perspectives within the larger world of faith (Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, etc).

I won't begin to get into doctrine and issues here, but the emphasis on God's grace and active love to humanity was clearly linked to Lutheran identity.

What was especially appreciated were the unvarnished essays noting the German Lutherans during WWII, and references to Bonhoeffer's Confessing Church movement in opposition to Naziism. There were also references to the recent official rejection by Lutheran leadership of Martin Luther's anti-semitic beliefs (held 500 years ago), as well as a formal apology towards the Mennonite/Anabaptists for the Lutheran-tinged state persecution of the decades that followed, when Protestantism/Catholicism was still integral to governance.

To round off that unvarnished array of reflections, there was also writing in regard to the Lutheran family of denominations that are falling in numbers in the Western World, even as the growth is in the developing countries with completely different ethnicities and cultures than its Northern European beginnings.

Enlightening and honest. Not too bad.

[Michael Samerdyke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this for a discussion series at my church.

It was good for that purpose. This is a collection of essays by different authors with the intent of showing the range of Lutheran experiences over the past 500 years and around the globe today.

Some essays were pretty short, and most left us wanting more information. However, the book did what we wanted it to do, give us a sense of Lutheranism in the world beyond our congregation and open us up for discussion.

[Lou Florio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, it doesn’t dwell explicitly on the anniversary. Rather, it provides helpful reflections about Lutherans today. How did Lutherans get to where they are? How do they relate to their neighbors and world? As a primer on Lutherans, it proves an easy read and should be interesting to any student of world religion, or those new or old to Lutheranism. I easily adapted it for a class.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been a Lutheran my entire life. I was baptized at Temple Lutheran Church in Pennsauken, NJ; grew up at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Moorestown, NJ; went to college at a Lutheran school and married a fellow Lutheran. So, when I picked up this overview of the Lutheran church, I did not expect to learn a lot. Yes, there are 500 years of Lutheran history, but I have paid attention for my sixty plus years. I wanted to read this before I lent it to someone who is not a Lutheran.

I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was there plenty that I did not know, but the authors did a good job of sharing information and their faith. I am glad I picked this up. I hope it helps my friend understand more about the Lutheran faith.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the interesting stories about the Lutheran faith. That is why I became a Lutheran.

[Anne Hokenstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. I use it as a preaching resource, referral to those wondering about Lutheranism from an ELCA perspective, and adult faith formation.

[Greg D · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Most intrigued by Lutherans, their history, and their current social policies. Not so intrigued with Martin Luther himself for a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, a good and thorough read.