LCMS Publishes a Booklet Summarizing Teaching and Practice in the Synod


In the mail this week I also received an additional book discussing doctrine, this one published by the Synod itself. Entitled This We Believe - Selected Topics of Faith and Practice in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, the preface notes that this work was commissioned by the president of the Synod as a "brief summary of the official position of the Synod on important matters of doctrine and practice" in response to numerous requests from members of synod for information where the Synod stands on various issues. 88 pages long and containing sections on dozens of topics ranging from Abortion to Worship Practices, This We Believe provides a much needed resource to the church and its leaders in addressing the many questions and inquiries of our members. The booklet also includes three appendices with the "Brief Statement," "A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles," and "An Introduction to the Synod President's Report to the 2009 District Conventions." This author has yet to truly review the contents in detail, yet a quick look at the Table of Contents already reveals a wealth of material to use in Bible classes, meetings and private discussions. Many of the topics contained in the booklet have been topics of discussion on this blog, such as Creation/Evolution, biblical interpretation, homosexuality, admission to the Lord's Supper, ordination of women and unity in the Synod. However, many other topics of current interest are included also such as end-of-life issues, cohabitation, immigration, racism, lay reading of the Scriptures, and much more.

To order a copy of this book go to Concordia Publishing House. Although I received a complementary copy, the purchase price is $8.99. Their website describes the book as "a succint summary of what the LCMS has stated about 50 issues under discussion in the Synod and in society at large, either as official positions in convention resolutions and statements, or through writings in other resource."

For the Companion Document of this book containing the text of the referenced resolutions, go here.

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