Lutheranism 101: For Kids by Julie and Scott Stiegemeyer is a short book designed to teach kids about Jesus. The book does this by highlighting important literature in the Lutheran church and showing us how it points to Jesus. It is simple to understand and is great for parents to use to teach their kids. As a pastor, I would love for each kid to come to confirmation class having already been taught these key truths of Christianity!

The book is broken down into three sections: The Bible, The Catechism, and The Hymnal. The Bible section discusses who God is, the catechism section discusses the sacraments, and the hymnal emphasizes various aspects of the worship service.

The authors do a great job of covering difficult topics in a way that is understandable, yet in a way that does not speak where Scripture does not speak. It leaves the mysteries of God unanswered but continually points us to what God has done for us in Jesus. Bible verses are often given as the authority for answering the questions, and definitions are given for “Christianese” words that we so often hear and may not know how to define.

So often our worship is focused on us, what we do, how we respond, what we bring, etc., but is that the main point of worship? Throughout the book the authors point us again to the gifts that God gives to us in the worship service—His Word, faith, forgiveness of sins, assurance of salvation, Baptism, Lord’s Supper, and most of all, Jesus. One of the beauties of Lutheran doctrine captured in this book is that it is all about what God has done for us and continues to do.

It is practical in the sense that it deals with everyday life and everyday questions that kids have: Why is there suffering? Who is God? What is He like? How do I pray? Why do we go to church? Why do we do __________ at church? Who is Jesus? Why did He die? How come we say the same things every week? How do I get faith?

To summarize my thoughts: This book is excellent because it is all about what Jesus has done for you. It is personal. It is applicable. Best of all, it shares how Lutheran theology isn’t about glorifying Luther, but is about delivering Jesus . . . to you.

Pr. Jon Langness
Abiding Word Lutheran Church
Deshler, NE

Order your copy here: Ambassador Publications Online Store