Ronald K. Rittgers

A Little Book for New Historians

“In engaging and accessible prose, Tracy McKenzie provides an excellent introduction to the historian's craft for the undergraduate student—I know of none better. A Little Book for New Historians offers a compelling rationale for the study of history along with helpful practical guidelines on how to do so. But, above all, it challenges students to view history as an essential part of an education that endeavors to form mind and spirit in humane and holy ways. Deeply informed by Christian faith, this work summons the student to seek a 'heart of wisdom' through the careful investigation of the past.”

Dominus Mortis

Theology

“This is an extremely important book. It directly challenges two related assumptions that inform much of contemporary theology, namely, that traditional Christology is inadequate because of its emphasis on divine impassibility, and that Martin Luther provides the necessary way forward by formulating a new Christology in which God truly suffers, thus allowing for a more satisfying account of God’s involvement in human history. David Luy presents a strong case for rejecting the theory of Luther’s divergence from traditional Christology and also argues that the reformer, rightly understood, supplies a more compelling account of divine immanence than those who emphasize his alleged novelty have appreciated. Dominus Mortis is a demanding, bold, and stimulating piece of scholarship whose argument has profound implications for the future course of both historical and constructive theology. An exceptional achievement!”

Face to Face

Theology

“Bob Kolb is one of the most authoritative and trusted guides to the theology of Martin Luther in the English-speaking world. In this volume, he explores the Wittenberg reformer's relational view of reality and its foundation in the conversing God, who summons all of creation into loving relationship at every moment. Kolb invites the reader to come face-to-face with this God, even as Martin Luther did. A fascinating and important book that draws on a lifetime of scholarship and Christian discipleship.”

Fleeing Plague

History & Biography

“Even as our Covid pandemic persists, our need for wisdom in how to deal with it in Christian faith and love only grows. Anna Marie Johnson is to be commended for providing such wisdom. This edition of Luther's ever-timely and ever-poignant 'Whether One May Flee from a Deadly Plague' is a gift from the Reformation past to the present.”

Martin Luther and the Rule of Faith

Theology

“In this deeply researched and accessibly written book, Todd Hains provocatively argues that Martin Luther was a Catholic interpreter of Scripture. The father of Protestantism interpreted Scripture not according to personal whim, subjective impression, or any rule external to Scripture itself, as it sometimes claimed, but always according to the analogy of faith (Rom 12:6), that is, the catechism. Hains convincingly shows that Luther's understanding of the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the sacraments governed his exegesis of the Bible, informing his every interpretive move. Hains commends the same approach for biblical interpretation today.”

Reforming Faith

History & Biography

“Reforming Faith examines the effort of the Wittenberg circle of reformers to effect wholesale change in the religious life of their city and in Lutheran Europe more broadly. As the work of a team of theologians--not Luther alone--this reformation encompassed belief, worship, education, family life, and the care of the poor. Johnson does an especially good job of capturing both the unbridled optimism of this reforming effort in its early years and the growing sense of disappointment that its proponents experienced as the decades wore on and opposition or simple indifference mounted. Yet Johnson does not conclude that the Lutheran Reformation was a failure; instead, with a deep appreciation for its complexity, she notes short-term limited success, while attending to long-term change that emerged slowly and provides encouragement for gospel-inspired reformation today.”

The Annotated Luther, Volume 1

History & Biography

“As no other comparable series, The Annotated Luther provides the reader, whether lay or ordained, with a collection of the Wittenberg reformer's most important writings that is at once learned and highly accessible. Here Luther's works are presented in up-to-date translation with helpful introductions, explanatory notes, and engaging images. A must for the student and scholar of Luther alike!”

The People's Book

History & Biography

“The People's Book provides a learned, engaging, and wide-ranging treatment of how 'that most precious jewel,' the Bible, became the treasured possession of the European faithful as never before. Comprised of essays by leading historians and theologians, the volume explores with great subtlety and care the complex story of how Scripture inspired Christians from all walks of life and from all of the competing confessions to reform the church and society of their day, and how it continues to do so in our own. The People's Book makes a welcome and significant contribution to our understanding of the Reformation and its legacy.”

Worship as Repentance

Preaching & Worship

“Informed by a deep commitment to the gospel and its costly grace, Sundberg provides a compelling and even prophetic account of how modern Christian worship has largely abandoned Christ's call to repentance and, thus, has greatly impeded the growth of the kingdom of God. Sundberg urges the church to hear this call anew and to allow it to serve as the basis for the church's liturgical life and mission in the world for the sake of Christ.”