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Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions-A Readers Edition of the Book of Concord - 2nd edition: A Reader's Edition of the Book of Concord
Nothing is more important than clearly confessing and bearing witness to the truths of God's Word, which reveals the glorious Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That is what the Book of Concord is all about. This edition of the Lutheran Confessions will instruct, inspire, and educate all who use it and help them learn what it means to be, and to remain, a genuinely confessing Lutheran Christian.
794 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 4, 2025
10/10. Do recommend. Great read.
April 5, 2021
Actual rating 3.5*
I read this as part of a Lenten discipline activity. Some parts were quite familiar, like the Creeds and the Small Catechism; the rest, not so much. I learned a bit more about the thinking of our Lutheran church. Some I enjoyed, some I didn't.
I appreciate information that is concise, to the point, and organized. Which is why I liked the Small Catechism, the Smalcald Articles, and the Epitome of the Formula of Concord. And why I did not like the Apology. Melanchthon was in need of a good editor. I cringed when I read things like "add a few things" or "why do we need a long discussion" because I knew they would be followed by 5-10 pages of repetitive discussion.
I read this as part of a Lenten discipline activity. Some parts were quite familiar, like the Creeds and the Small Catechism; the rest, not so much. I learned a bit more about the thinking of our Lutheran church. Some I enjoyed, some I didn't.
I appreciate information that is concise, to the point, and organized. Which is why I liked the Small Catechism, the Smalcald Articles, and the Epitome of the Formula of Concord. And why I did not like the Apology. Melanchthon was in need of a good editor. I cringed when I read things like "add a few things" or "why do we need a long discussion" because I knew they would be followed by 5-10 pages of repetitive discussion.
July 19, 2023
An excellent anthology of important Christian documents. While it is indeed a collection of Lutheran writings and confessions, I find this would also appeal to those seeking to simply know more of what Lutheranism teaches, even if for just the general understanding rather than conversion.
It contains many prefaces and explanations for the purposes behind each of these documents that were primarily written by Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon. Besides the general information, that are important understandings of scripture, the prefaces and documents themselves give a fantastic view into history, as they were addressing beliefs and actions happening in the church during the 1500’s. Subjects such as monasticism, indulgences, family life, and noting common distinctions between Catholics and Protestant denominations that were forming at the time.
The documents collected in Concordia include, but are not limited to: The Smalcald Articles, The Apostle’s Creed, The Nicene Creed, The Creed of Athanasius, Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms, the Augsburg Confession, as well as the subsequent Apology of.
If any of this sounds daunting, the translations and modern explanations of the old texts, give good context and make it easily understood.
I recommend this to anyone looking for greater theological insight into the Scriptures, as well as the Reformation.
It contains many prefaces and explanations for the purposes behind each of these documents that were primarily written by Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon. Besides the general information, that are important understandings of scripture, the prefaces and documents themselves give a fantastic view into history, as they were addressing beliefs and actions happening in the church during the 1500’s. Subjects such as monasticism, indulgences, family life, and noting common distinctions between Catholics and Protestant denominations that were forming at the time.
The documents collected in Concordia include, but are not limited to: The Smalcald Articles, The Apostle’s Creed, The Nicene Creed, The Creed of Athanasius, Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms, the Augsburg Confession, as well as the subsequent Apology of.
If any of this sounds daunting, the translations and modern explanations of the old texts, give good context and make it easily understood.
I recommend this to anyone looking for greater theological insight into the Scriptures, as well as the Reformation.
December 4, 2024
It would be difficult to say you understand the Reformation without reading the Lutheran main players here. A daunting volume of dogmatic theology, but essential to understand where the German Lutherans differed from Rome and subsequent Protestant heresies.
July 31, 2024
A must read for every Lutheran, it is crucial we all know our confession, not to mention reading your kids the small catechism daily so that they can be thoroughly catechised from an early age!
December 16, 2025
A faithful Christian confession for all ages
This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to know what faithful Lutherans have believed, taught and confessed since the time of the Reformation.
The Bible (sacred scripture), rather than tradition, is the only rule and norm for matters of doctrine within Confessional Lutheran church bodies. Confessional Lutherans believe themselves to be faithful members of historic Western Christian church, cleansed of the errors that had crept into the practices of medieval church. The Book of Concord, issued in 1580, contains all the accepted and subscribed doctrinal works of the historic Confessional Lutheran Churches and shows how they are in agreement with the teachings of scripture and the ancient church. It provides a clear expression of the articles of faith and links them to the explicit teachings of scripture. As the word of the Lord endures forever, so too do the truths contained in these confessional documents.
This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to know what faithful Lutherans have believed, taught and confessed since the time of the Reformation.
The Bible (sacred scripture), rather than tradition, is the only rule and norm for matters of doctrine within Confessional Lutheran church bodies. Confessional Lutherans believe themselves to be faithful members of historic Western Christian church, cleansed of the errors that had crept into the practices of medieval church. The Book of Concord, issued in 1580, contains all the accepted and subscribed doctrinal works of the historic Confessional Lutheran Churches and shows how they are in agreement with the teachings of scripture and the ancient church. It provides a clear expression of the articles of faith and links them to the explicit teachings of scripture. As the word of the Lord endures forever, so too do the truths contained in these confessional documents.
December 12, 2022
A clean, clear edition of the Confessions. The translation is highly readable, and faithful to the Lutheran doctrine. The historical introductions provide most helpful context for laity, church workers, and clergy alike. This edition lacks the scholarly notes of other editions like the Kolb/Wengert, but it meets the need for a version that is lay-accessible, but without sacrificing scholastic credibility. I have the hard-back version, which is quite cumbersome - don’t expect portability. The text is an excellent font size, however, and the paper is a lovely yellowish bone color that is easy on the eyes. Included are many lovely gloss prints of various works of Lutheran art. The binding is beautiful, and sturdy.
All in all, an excellent version of the Confessions. A copy should be in every Lutheran home.
All in all, an excellent version of the Confessions. A copy should be in every Lutheran home.
October 23, 2024
Like the Luther, less impressed by the Chemnitz. As an Anglican, I am fascinated by the different effects civil war wrought on our two churches. Anglicans sought balance, while Lutherans retrenched into a certain lack of acceptance of, even detestation for compromise. I am a little baffled by the keys of the kingdom problem. Seems a little hypocritical: when Catholicism refers to keys of the kingdom, they are heretics. When Lutherans make the same distinction by the insistence that they are the one true form of the faith, are they not making the same argument? I have heard so many Lutheran sermons on what you bind on earth I bind in heaven, yet is that not the very keys to the kingdom? Luther’s defense of the Lords Supper is elegant and sublime. We have much in common. We Anglicans of course, have the three legged stool rather than the solas, but we are not far apart.
October 17, 2023
This is a book that *every* Lutheran should have and read, cover to cover.
More broadly, every Christian should at least dive into this and read the Augsburg Confession and the Apology. It would help with so many stupid discussions that are being rehashed today, almost 500 years after this was written.
I can't recommend highly enough the construction and layout of this book. CPH did a great job with making the content accessible with enough reference material to get you into each section.
Pick it up, read it, and then read it again!
More broadly, every Christian should at least dive into this and read the Augsburg Confession and the Apology. It would help with so many stupid discussions that are being rehashed today, almost 500 years after this was written.
I can't recommend highly enough the construction and layout of this book. CPH did a great job with making the content accessible with enough reference material to get you into each section.
Pick it up, read it, and then read it again!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews