Lutheranism 101 presents a good overview of confessional Lutheranism in an easy-to-read style through the use of short articles, sound bites, sidebars, and illustrations while offering a concise, easy-to-read explanation of what Lutherans believe and why. The book helps create a solid foundation of reference for anyone interested in learning or reviewing the fundamentals of Lutheranism. The subject matter is abundant, covering the primary doctrines of Christianity from the Lutheran understanding, a thorough discussion on the means of grace, the history of Lutheranism from the time of Luther into the modern era, and many other significant topics in the main chapters and in several appendices. The book is laid out and explained in an easy-to-understand way and a systematic order. (It is, however, written from the standpoint of Missouri Synod Lutheranism, so the reader will discover a few subjects that vary from the emphasis or teachings of the AFLC.)

I can recall a fellow seminary student who returned to class one fall and stated that he had spent the summer reading the Book of Concord and refreshing himself in the teachings of our Lutheran faith. He stated, and I agree, that we have inherited a real “treasure” in the theology of Luther and the Reformers. Much of the conservative, biblical literature of our day is not written from the perspective of our solid, biblical heritage as Lutherans. All too often today, American Christianity teaches the centrality of the individual—“my will, my experiences, my decision, my heart, my work, my dedication, etc.” All the while, Christ and His saving and sanctifying work are being lost. Our minds and hearts are charmed in some way by those who regularly preach or teach on the subject of the Christian instead of Christ.

I would highly recommend Lutheranism 101 as a timely study or review of the precious doctrines of Lutheran Christianity. As a pastor, I have been blessed by the annual teaching of Luther’s Small Catechism and Explanation. The Lutheran emphasis on the proper distinction between Law and Gospel as it relates to justification and sanctification results in a blessed experience of the study of and application of Scripture to our lives. How important it is to consistently recall the three fundamental principles of the Reformation, “by grace alone, through faith alone, in Scripture alone,” and Lutheranism 101 keeps the reader in touch with all of our critical Lutheran emphases.

Pr. Les Johnson
Christ the King Lutheran
Wilson, WI

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