Robert Kolb

The Lutheran Theology of the Holy Spirit

Theology

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

The Masks of God

Theology

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

The Small Catechism, 1529

Discipleship & Christian Education

“Well-chosen illustrations and perceptive annotations enrich the text of Luther's classic text that has shaped the faith of children and adults around the world for almost five centuries. Readers will be drawn deeply into Luther's world through this edition and be able to get the feel of what sixteenth-century readers, hearers, and memorizers experienced when they first encountered the Word of God in Luther's explanations.”

The Story of Katie Luther

Children & Youth

“A runaway nun marries a university professor. Together they have six children and cause waves that change life across Europe and beyond. Gretchen Ronnevik captures the dynamic relationship of Katharina von Bora and her initially reluctant husband, Martin Luther, from its roots in her cloister experience to the end of their life together and the years of her widowhood with insight and sensitivity. This entertaining telling of the adventure that drove the Wittenberg Reformation brings to life Katie’s vibrant personality, her sense of the gospel of Christ, and her skills at managing a household often bursting at the seams. A delightful, inspiring read for young and old.”

The Sword and the Mask

“Furgeson surveys several approaches to the conflict between God and the devil that is fought on the battleground of the lives of believers and employs Luther’s insights to offer readers a realistic, ultimately optimistic, basis for dealing with the presence of the Evil One and every form he uses to assault them. This encouraging report from the battlefield will edify its readers greatly.”

The Wittenberg Concord

History & Biography

“Jensen’s meticulous examination of the documents leading to the 'Wittenberg Concord' of 1536 and his careful presentation of the ways in which Luther and Melanchthon in Wittenberg and Bucer and Capito in Strassburg sought agreement illuminate a too-often ignored aspect of the search for a proper formulation of the doctrine of the sacraments in the Reformation. Jensen insightfully assesses the inter-connectedness of baptism, Lord’s Supper, and absolution for these theologians and emphasizes that not only Christ’s presence but also the power of the Word of promise in the sacraments occupied a key position in sixteenth-century debates. A challenge for thinking through vital issues of sacramental theology in our day.”

These Are Written

Theology

“Postmodern discussion of authority in Western culture has impacted ongoing Christian conversation regarding authority in the church, above all biblical authority. Nafzger, abreast of the several-sided contributions from recent linguistic theorists to our understanding of language and speech, brings insights from the Lutheran tradition into the debates inaugurated in part by Karl Barth. He points the way to fruitful use of Scripture, centered in the transforming gospel of Christ, as the bearer of God's active, re-creative Word in oral, written, and sacramental forms.”

They Need Not Go Away

Prayer & Spiritual Formation

“Rippstein casts a wide net into contemporary writers and medieval sages to support his application of Luther’s spiritual discipline, centered on engagement with Scripture through prayer and meditation in the midst of spiritual struggles, to the challenges of drawing those leaving the church or ignoring its message altogether into the living Christian fellowship. Readers will find here stimulus for enlivening their own devotional lives as well as tips for conveying their faith to others.”

Transfiguring Luther

Theology

“With one foot planted firmly in his Brazilian homeland and another in his place of instruction, the United States, Westhelle is well equipped to capitalize on forty years of engaging Luther's thought in order to challenge readers around the globe to join him in transfiguring Luther's insights into how God works in Jesus Christ to liberate sinners for a life of freedom in love and service. Like Luther, Westhelle puts the divine gift of human language to use, catching the clear, sharp tones of Luther's reading of Scripture and communicating them in a way that effectively bridges cultural and chronological divides to bring Luther's witness to life today. A significant ecumenical appeal for delivering the biblical message of new life in Christ in the spectrum of our global society.”

Treatise on Good Works

Theology

“With his extensive grasp of Luther's thought and time, Hendrix offers readers his insights into the ways the Wittenberg reformer addressed some of the most vital elements of Luther's critical pamphlet, a part of his programatic call for reform of 1520. An introduction which places this work in theological and historical context, along with helpful notes, guides readers through the sensitive and nuanced translation. On Good Works is ideal for use in college or seminary classrooms and in congregational study groups.”

Una Sancta

Theology

“Cormac O’Duffy rehearses the roots of both the Wittenberg Reformation and the twentieth century attempts at Roman Catholic-Evangelical rapprochement in the dark days of National Socialism as background to the call for Roman Catholic recognition of the Augsburg Confession in the 1970s. This appeal sought to use Philip Melanchthon’s formulation of the core of the biblical message in that Confession as a platform for our common witness to Jesus Christ in our time. Readers will profit much both from O’Duffy’s historical reporting and from his message of reconciliation based on this document from a critical time of separation within Western Christendom. This book challenges readers to rethink what it means to be Christ’s church and to act in confessing the faith with Melanchthon in our own time and place.”

Who Do I Say That You Are?

Theology

“What it means to be human has become the major topic in theology, philosophy, and the social sciences in our time . . . On the basis of Luther's understanding this study proposes a view of humanity in which God's word determines what human identity and human existence are. The Creator's address to his creatures makes their existence possible and frees them to be human--and nothing less! Schumacher's proposal will command careful study and discussion throughout the world.”

Who Have You Been Called to Be?

Work, Money & Leadership

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)

Wonderfully Made

Theology

“This adventure in searching the Scriptures will enrich the reader’s ability to enjoy God’s giving us our corporality and to find in it rich grounds for thanksgiving and praise.”

Working for the Public Good

Ethics, Culture & Social Issues

“Weber demonstrates how Luther's fierce critiques of bankers, courtiers, and any others who exploited the less fortunate, along with his advocacy of the community's care for the ill and the poor, have found echoes throughout five centuries of Lutheran proclamation and practice. Weber's careful historical review and his engagement with interpretations that obscure Luther's broad understanding of love for the neighbor construct a firm basis for his argument for continuing the Lutheran call to reject the individualism and materialism of Western societies today and to put loving neighbors as we love ourselves into concrete practice.”