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?

Thankfully, we don’t have to start at square one. A good study of church history is an invaluable tool, but not everybody can have a memory like Pastor Robert Lee, well-known Professor of Church History at AFLC Schools. Wouldn’t it be great if there were some short, concise statements explaining what Christians believe? Insert the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creed (though to some, the Athanasian Creed might not seem concise). The ecumenical creeds are great places to start.

In the Lutheran Church, we have another helpful document, the Augsburg Confession. Dr. Iver Olson, the first dean of our seminary, said this of the Augsburg Confession: “The doctrines enunciated in the Augsburg Confession are, in the main, the teachings of the Protestant Churches. We can go even further to declare that with some exceptions, they are the doctrines of the whole Christian Church” (The Augsburg Confession: Its Meaning for Our Day, p.8). Somewhere along the way, this book found its way into my library. It sat there for a while, untouched, in a queue of books waiting to be read whenever I find time. This year I found time. I’m glad I did.

This book was the work of numerous pastors and professors of the AFLC. It goes through the Augsburg Confession and provides an explanation to why it matters today. I figured being an “older” book (the binding was already pretty sun-bleached) it wouldn’t be as contemporary as the times we live in. However, I found as I was reading it that it’s still very applicable. The writers have done a good job of showing the importance of doctrine in everyday life—doctrines like justification, original sin, what the Church is, confession, baptism, freedom of the will, and plenty more.

This is a book worth having on your shelf, but even better, in your hands. Theology ought to point you to Christ. Bad theology points you elsewhere and ultimately ends up pointing back to you. It offers no comfort. Pick up this book and be pointed to Jesus.

Order your copy here: Ambassador Publications Online Store