A Case for Character: Towards a Lutheran Virtue Ethics

Dr. Joel Biermann (Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis) has written an important book entitled A Case for Character: Towards a Lutheran Virtue Ethics. I should begin by defining virtue ethics. You may have taken a course in Christian ethics that dealt with issues like abortion, euthanasia, just war, and capital punishment. Virtue ethics, on the other hand, is more interested in the routine, ordinary habits and practices that people make in daily life. Virtue ethics assumes that humans have a telos (purpose for which we are made), and that certain practices, habits, skills, and even communities will help us attain this telos better than others. Biermann argues that Lutheran theology, properly understood, is well-suited for producing people of virtue, although many argue that just the opposite is true.

Lutherans in America: A New History

This is the main textbook for one of our AFLC seminary classes, “Lutheranism in America.” Other fine histories have been used over the years for this course, and they are still good resources for studying past events as well as important personalities. The last major text, however, was published in1980, and a lot has happened within American Lutheranism since then. There was need for a more up-to-date text, to tell the story of the formation of the ELCA, for example, and this is what Dr. Granquist has provided for us.

Post-Christian: A Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture

“Postmodernism” has been used frequently to describe our culture. However, this concept, which has been around for quite a while now, no longer seems to fit our society today. But what does that mean? Are we still living in a world dominated by a postmodern worldview? And if we’re not, what kind of age are we in now, and how should we as believers respond?

How Can I Help? God’s Calling for Kids

Mary J. Moerbe and Gene Edward Veith have done it again—they have written an excellent resource on vocation, this time for children! If you’re not familiar with the doctrine of vocation, it’s not just jobs, careers, or how we make a living, but it’s the areas of life God has called us to so that we can love and serve our neighbors. This does include the workplace and also the family, society, church, etc. Even children have vocations, and this book is a great way to introduce them to how they can love and serve their neighbors by being a helper!

The Augsburg Confession: Its Meaning for Our Day

Christianity Today released an article in October 2018, highlighting an alarming report from Ligonier Ministries. It noted, “More than two-thirds (69%) of Americans disagree that the smallest sin deserves eternal damnation. . . .” Putting the most charitable construction on the findings of the report, the state of theology in America today is confused. Well-intentioned people are revisiting ancient teachings the Church has deemed heretical. That being said, how does the average church member protect himself from being led into one of these teachings?

Devotional Thoughts

When you hear the name of Carl Olof Rosenius, you may think of his classic titles, The Believer Free from the Law, A Faithful Guide to Peace with God, or his devotional resource, Day by Day with God. But few are aware of his two-volume resource, Devotional Thoughts, which provides six months of devotional readings in each volume.

The Heritage Series

“Convictions, unless discussed and taught, die.” These words were penned by Rev. John Strand more than 25 years ago. They are words that convey the importance of teaching our biblical Lutheran heritage. Words that express a grave possibility if teaching is neglected.

Echo: Unbroken Truth. Worth Repeating. Again.

​Certain words can create strong reactions in people. Something about the verb “blanch” makes me not hungry anymore. Maybe there’s a new diet idea.

Sadly, this also happens when talking about the most basic teachings of Christianity. Notice, I didn’t say “doctrines.” I don’t want to lose your attention.