Clear, concise, interesting, and edifying, this Lutheran guidebook explains the key points of the faith in a simple (but never patronizing) manner. SpClear, concise, interesting, and edifying, this Lutheran guidebook explains the key points of the faith in a simple (but never patronizing) manner. Sprinkled with moments of humor and warmth, and containing personal anecdotes of the author's life, this book has much more of a human connection than many theology texts. It also offers guidance (that is, "tools") that can help Christians understand their faith and live accordingly. Very well thought-out and quite thought-provoking!
Merged review:
Clear, concise, interesting, and edifying, this Lutheran guidebook explains the key points of the faith in a simple (but never patronizing) manner. Sprinkled with moments of humor and warmth, and containing personal anecdotes of the author's life, this book has much more of a human connection than many theology texts. It also offers guidance (that is, "tools") that can help Christians understand their faith and live accordingly. Very well thought-out and quite thought-provoking!...more
Fantastic book, with clear writing and good explanations for the basic tenets of the faith. He does a fine job of explaining things for laymen, and heFantastic book, with clear writing and good explanations for the basic tenets of the faith. He does a fine job of explaining things for laymen, and he does not stray from the topic at hand. The result is a beautiful, concise read that neatly outlines the faith and is full of tremendous insight. I can't say that he fully answered all of my questions, but he answered a great many of them, and he gave me quite a lot to ponder. He has a knack for presenting old information in new ways, yet without abandoning church doctrine. The explanation of justification, given early on in the book, remains one of the loveliest I've ever read. His chapter on the sacraments was likewise enlightening. Highly recommended!...more
Our faith, clearly explained, simple and unpretentious, as a father would explain it to his children. I remain especially moved by Luther's analyses oOur faith, clearly explained, simple and unpretentious, as a father would explain it to his children. I remain especially moved by Luther's analyses of the Creed and the Lord's Prayer. I am not wholly comfortable giving this book a rating, but I will say 5 stars, partly for its clarity in presenting theological ideas, and partly for how useful it has proved over the last several centuries. Dr. Martin Luther famously said, "You can burn all of my books except for two." This is one of the ones he would save....more
Moody, atmospheric—a story of the sea so vivid in its descriptions that I could practically taste the salt air. I had a tougher time deciphering the dMoody, atmospheric—a story of the sea so vivid in its descriptions that I could practically taste the salt air. I had a tougher time deciphering the dialogues; one of the characters makes many long-winded speeches (rants?) in what I can only describe as a strong Scottish dialect. This adds flavor to the story but makes the reading a bit more difficult for readers unused to it. The plot is spare (thin?) and ends abruptly. For such a long short story, not much happens, and what story remains is a bit on the odd side. But oh! Those evocative descriptions! Easily the best part of the book....more
This was great! Religious jokes that were mostly lighthearted and occasionally thoughtful, but never offensive. The two authors seem to take their faiThis was great! Religious jokes that were mostly lighthearted and occasionally thoughtful, but never offensive. The two authors seem to take their faith very seriously, but not themselves. They approach this book with warmth and dignity, and they depict believers as honest, flawed, and eminently lovable. This made a great readaloud for my family. Delivers plenty of laughs....more
"As unyielding as the Holy Spirit is in the matter of maintaining and defending the doctrine of faith, so mild and merciful is he toward men for their"As unyielding as the Holy Spirit is in the matter of maintaining and defending the doctrine of faith, so mild and merciful is he toward men for their sins, as long as sinners repent." A beautiful treatise on justification—on grace, faith, and the goodness of Christ. Luther's writing is clear and powerful, and he draws many parallels between the church's struggles in the first century and the difficulties Luther faced in his own time. (He also suggests that modern Germans may be descended from the people of Galatia, so that's an interesting historical perspective.) He describes Paul's conversion, his interactions with the other apostles, and his disagreements with Peter. Luther explains Scripture by linking it to other Scriptures; here, he puts the epistle to the Galatians in context of Paul's other writings, of the Gospels, and of the Old Testament. An enlightening read that prompts much soul-searching and introspection, but which always brings the focus right where it belongs, on the saving work of Jesus.
A note on the edition: I couldn't find on Goodreads the particular edition I read. I listened to a digital audiobook version, and while it listed a publisher and a narrator, there was no listing of either translator or ISBN. This version made a reference to dollar amounts and mentioned prisoners being executed via the electric chair, so I have some questions about the method of the translator. I would hate to think that the anonymous translator was telling me what he thinks I'll understand, not what Luther actually said....more
A charming tale of faith and redemption. This is a quick read, but it has a surprising amount of spiritual depth and several inspiring Bible quotes frA charming tale of faith and redemption. This is a quick read, but it has a surprising amount of spiritual depth and several inspiring Bible quotes from the KJV. This particular edition must have been a gift edition, as it is beautifully illuminated and features many sweet pictures from Currier and Ives. Lovely....more
I greatly enjoyed this volume of poetry. These glimpses of the sea take in its vast presence and awesome power and offer a response that is both visceI greatly enjoyed this volume of poetry. These glimpses of the sea take in its vast presence and awesome power and offer a response that is both visceral and spiritual. There is a range of emotions here, and I greatly enjoyed the journey. That said, I also recognize that my perspective here may be a bit different from that of other people. For one thing, I just love all sorts of sea literature, and so the subject matter may impress me more favorably than it might. I also have a pretty high tolerance for Victorian-era sentimentality. Parts of this collection are highly emotional, perhaps even saccharine or cloying. Again, that doesn't bother me. This book's aesthetic might be a bit out of place in our modern times, but I rather enjoyed this foray into a now-unusual style. One major point is the poetry itself, which, I think, is not always as good as it could have been. (So maybe 3 stars for quality but 4 for enjoyment?) Everything rhymes here, and I think sometimes it might have worked just a bit too hard for the rhyme. I also got the impression that at times the ONLY poetical criterion WAS the rhyme. But I am not a poetry buff, and most of the poetry that I do read is either Tennyson or Frost, and while Springer is certainly not as good as they, well, I can't really hold that against her, either, as that's a pretty high bar. I also give her full credit for creativity here, and I applaud her for being willing to try new things with her art. For example, one of the poems reworks an excerpt from a common hymn by turning each line into its own stanza. I should add that the meter and rhyme of Springer's poem differs drastically from that of the hymn. Consequently, I enjoyed the chance to read a poem that played around with and expanded on a beloved hymn. My favorite element of this poetry collection is the theme of faith and Christian spirituality that pervades it. It showcases strength, power, and also quiet devotion. Splendid....more
I was impressed with this and will likely read more of the series. This in-between novella still offered interesting characters and a compelling storyI was impressed with this and will likely read more of the series. This in-between novella still offered interesting characters and a compelling story that kept me turning pages. The mystery itself was not that hard to guess, but I don't think it was meant to be a shock. The characters felt real, the drama was on point, and the story kept moving right to its satisfying conclusion....more
This was good. Well-crafted characters with nuanced interactions, social issues that are still relevant today, troubles with marriage and parenting anThis was good. Well-crafted characters with nuanced interactions, social issues that are still relevant today, troubles with marriage and parenting and sickness and old age—everything about this book feels real. This book wasn't preachy at all, and even the ministers aren't all that religious, and while I would have preferred a novel with people of stronger faith, I appreciated this one's point of view. This book focuses a lot on doubt, and while it doesn't give any clear answers, it is quite powerful in its questions. Two of the main characters are a minister and an atheist who are married to each other, and that made for an interesting dynamic. I think this book could be thoroughly enjoyed by non-Christians. Christians, too, may find that certain parts of the story resonate with them. I was less moved by the spiritual themes than I was by the more nuts-and-bolts aspects of running a church. Concern over hymns, complaints about sermons, committee meetings, the secretary's job of keeping things going smoothly, Sunday school, junior choir: some parts of this book certainly seem very true to life. Well worth reading....more
![Proceedings at the laying of the corner-stone of the new capitol of Indiana, on the 28th day of September, 1880 at the city of Indianapolis 1880 [Leather Bound]](https://cdn.statically.io/img/i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1696235761l/151503109._SX50_.jpg)
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