Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity

by Alvin J. Schmidt

Since the time Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Lutheran theology has survived centuries of political, religious, and societal pressures that challenged its foundational teachings. But the question remains: Do Lutherans today understand their theological heritage well enough to maintain and defend their unique beliefs when outside pressures dismiss them as irrelevant to modern-day Christianity?

Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity sets forth more than 20 important practices, doctrines, and beliefs that distinguish Lutheranism from all other denominations. Engaging and insightful for both layperson and pastor, Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity will deepen the understanding of Lutheran theology and its rich historical traditions so readers can confidently answer the question, "What do Lutherans believe?"

Genres: Church History, Religion, Theology

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 9, 2017

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for all Lutherans or individuals who want to learn more about the Lutheran Church. I found it easy to read and comprehend, however it is not book to rush through either.

[Paul Meseke]

All Lutherans should read this great book

I loved how Alvin Schmidt so skillfully pulled all of the true hallmarks of orthodox Lutheranism. A wonderful read, I used it for Bible class. It went over very well.

[Manuel Marbun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rev. Dr. Alvin J. Schmidt, I think, is a bold an liturgically minded Lutheran. I thank God for this book. As a non english-speaker, I rarely open dictionary while reading; means that he succeeded in the wording. This book is a must read for those who want to know Lutheranism in a deeper understanding.

[Kim McClaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Study of Lutheran Theology

It is a very easy read with excellent details of Lutheran Theology and history. It ill ustrates how Luther change the world. It should be a required read for every Christian and especially Lutherans. Well done!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great summary of what makes Lutheranism what it is! A great reference for young Lutherans.

[The other John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend gave me this book and I read it with a bit of trepidation. I've heard Dr. Schmidt speak on a few podcasts and have read some of his articles. We disagree on a few issues and have a bit of a clash in our personalities. I wasn't sure that reading one of his books would be a good idea. On the other hand, I was pretty sure that we could agree on being Lutheran. So...
Well, of course, I did read the book. Dr. Schmidt presents a number of "practices, doctrines, and beliefs" that make us Lutherans different from other Christian traditions. He laid it out pretty well. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to someone who wanted to read up on Lutheranism. ... Okay, that's not entirely true. That personality clash reared its head a few times as I was reading. So I'd hesitate a little bit...

Still, check it out.

[Eric Estes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity is dryly written and reads like a textbook, but it is also full of great information. Alvin Schmidt has offered a fantastic overview of what distinguishes Lutheranism from other Christian denominations. He also was extremely thorough. I could not think of a single topic that I would have touched on that Dr. Schmidt did not include in "Hallmarks". Though I would not call this book a "page turner" it is a good resource for any Lutheran who wants to have a better grasp on what being a Lutheran means. I think I will be returning to it often for reference and to reread a chapter from time to time.

[Zach Dorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Schmidt provides a decent resource for those who have been life-long Lutherans who need a reminder of "what they believe and why they believe it." It is also a book for those who may have some desire to know what Lutherans confess and believe.

Though I'm strictly a layman, I do believe there are a couple of hiccups with a couple of arguments that Dr. Schmidt posits; but, on the whole, I think Dr. Schmidt does a good job of explaining what confessional Lutheranism looks like and what its "hallmarks" are.

If you are exploring Lutheranism, or need a bit of a refresher, then this might be the book for you.

[Tina Reitz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awful....more about why we aren't Roman Catholic.....read something else about Lutheranism if you want to learn more about this christian religion.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential book for Lutherans who want to know more about their own faith and the history of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). Pastor Alvin Schmidt provides a very thorough overview of what it is that Lutherans believe and confess and why, and how this differs from other non-Lutheran Protestants. Each chapter ends with discussion questions that review the previously covered chapter. I definitely enjoyed this book, as it gave me a deeper appreciation for what the original Reformation started by Martin Luther was all about back in the 16th century.