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
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
A joyful look at a year of Jewish holidays. The short descriptions of this collection function almost as free-verse poems. They capture a bit of the eA joyful look at a year of Jewish holidays. The short descriptions of this collection function almost as free-verse poems. They capture a bit of the emotion and history behind each holiday, and the slender volume would function well both for very young Jewish children and for non-Jews who have never been introduced to these holidays. Don't look for great depth of information here, but if you would like a charming and informational account that conveys a sense of childlike wonder, you won't be disappointed....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
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
Wow! How does this book not have any reviews or ratings yet? This is amazing!
First of all, the selection is great. Hymns from different centuries, froWow! How does this book not have any reviews or ratings yet? This is amazing!
First of all, the selection is great. Hymns from different centuries, from different countries, and in different styles all find a home here. There is a nice mix of old and new, and many different cultures are represented. The layout is clear and easy to follow, and someone clearly put a lot of thought into the book's flow. Many hymnals simply follow the church year, which is great, but this one clearly has more of an educational bent, and the result is a lovely compromise. Included with liturgical seasons such as Lent and Advent are more didactic sections such as "People of the Bible." Sections on how to live a Christian life, such as "Walking with God" or "Loving Our Neighbors," are also included.
The music is excellent. Children's books naturally tread a fine line between arrangements that are too difficult to play or too simple to be enjoyable. This looks good. Children who have taken piano lessons should have little to no difficulty here, yet the arrangements are still full enough to make the songs musically interesting. Guitar chords are also given for each song, and many entries contain further joys such as descant arrangements or Orff instrument notation. This has to be the first hymnal I've ever read that includes parts for soprano glockenspiel and bass metallophone. There is a capo chart. Even the spiral binding was designed to be convenient for the musician. Traditional information is also included, of course, such as the composer, lyricist, meter, tune name, and copyright info for the songs.
Someone really put a lot of time and energy into this little volume, and it certainly shows. Fantastic resource....more
This was lovely. If someone could take a feeling of peace and contentment, package it, and share it with the world, it may look something like this boThis was lovely. If someone could take a feeling of peace and contentment, package it, and share it with the world, it may look something like this book. This book is as warm and soothing as a gentle sigh. The pictures are lovely, of course, and the essays ground the book and are quite informative. The inspirational quotes are, well, inspiring, and I mean that. Books with wise and pithy sayings may be a bit formulaic, but this one still was deeply moving, and it gave me much to think about. Emily Dickinson wrote a poem once in which a character affirmed that truth and beauty are one. After reading this book and taking in the artwork, I understand that sentiment....more
I thought this little book was exceptionally well-written.
This book tells of English-language hymns from Europe, and this tight focus has allowed for I thought this little book was exceptionally well-written.
This book tells of English-language hymns from Europe, and this tight focus has allowed for a far more vivid historical portrait. Hymns translated into English are also given in context of their introduction into English congregations. The connections between certain hymns, between lyricists and composers, and even between certain denominations are more clearly shown than would be possible in a book with a broader focus. Each chapter, though quite short, is chock-full of information. Author Kenneth Osbeck packs quite a lot into just a few words: biographical detail, historical context, and even theological implications. I have found, too, that this background knowledge has improved my worship experience and given me deeper spiritual insight. It’s too bad that there are only 101 hymns included, as I would have wanted to learn about even more. As it is, the hymns chosen here were carefully selected, and they represent many of the most widely sung and well-loved hymns within this book’s focus. I was also delighted to see the attention given to translators. Finally, I listened to the version published by Oasis Audio, and they did a fantastic job of incorporating the music into the book. Instrumental arrangements use a variety of instruments, which keep the collection of songs from feeling homogenous. The narrator reads the lyrics while the tune is played. Amazing. All in all, this is an excellent resource. ...more