Product Description
It appears to me that the ELCA is quietly accomplishing a mini-revolution in Lutheran practice. They are counting on the general reluctance of the clergy to address any potentially divisive issue with their members, and the sleepy confidence of members that everything is going to be all right in the end. One day we'll wake up and it will be a done deal. Yet there is enough coverage of the issues in The Lutheran magazine and other media that the ELCA cannot be accused of maintaining a blackout. Our congregation has not subscribed to The Lutheran for a long time. It caused too many telephone calls to the church office every time an issue hit the mailboxes, which tells you something. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

How Sad
Yes, we are Lutheran.We subscribe to the basic doctrines of Martin Luther and his core for reformation.This book seemed to completely ignore what these doctrine are, as outlined in Luther's writings.I wonder if the author has even picked up a copy of the the 95 Theses.And more importantly, we are Christian.We just tend to show it with our love for our fellow human being.We are not quick to jump on the bandwagons of the day, as some of the other reviews would have us do.And we certainly withhold judgment.

Martin Luther was about getting closer to the meaning of the Word.That has not changed. And this sort of ant-Christian attack on the good people who seek to show the love of Christ in this world is unfortunate.

: ( --This is my unhappy face
The whole premiss of this book is rather sad (as well as most of the comments made praising it). I urge all prospective buyers to not form your opinions on such propaganda, but rather by actually visiting different congregations and seeing things as they are. Lutherans should not be attacking each other - bring back the peaceful discussion.

MISSED THE BULLET
This book was written before the decisive defeat of the move to permit practicing homosexual into the clergy and allow "blessings" on same-sex couples.Since the individual synods rejected such moves and the national assembly confirmed those rejections, much of the rancor has dissipated within the ELCA.It is also fair to say the "pro-reform" bishops lost their nerve with the unexpected strength of the opposition and the serious prospect of schism within the American Episcopal Church.Naturally, the "pro-reform" party still seeks more "prayer and dialogue" in order that the door would not be definitely closed; but only time will tell.Frankly, the average ELCA Lutheran is tired of the issue and feels the Church "missed the bullet" which would have precipitated in a civil war.They are not interested in introducing anything which could prove to be cataclysmic.

While there is a kind of peace for now, what all the disagreements point to is a basic conflict in how Scripture is read and explained.Truth be known:there are actually very few "literalists" within whatever variety of Lutheran Church you look into. Almost all Lutherans are open to one school of Biblical scholarship or another. Instead, it is more useful to speak of a continuum of "high" to "low" views of Scripture.Those of the "high" view tend to be respectful of academic Biblical scholarship--even the historical/critical school--but ultimately believe that Scripture is inspired.Those of the "low" view tend to view Scripture as human-made and not divinely inspired--or inspired only in the loosest sense.Naturally, there are degrees along each side of the continuum; but the description holds up pretty well.The ramifications come out in the question of how seriously to take the actual written text of Scripture and what weight to give individual experience in discovering the "truth". Those of the "low" view tend to speak of discovering what Scripture has to say in light of the "modern context".More to the point, what was true at the time a particular passage was written may not be true today.Instead, the focus should not be on the particulars within the passage, but with the underlying theme as we understand it today.Such a theme may in fact overrule the apparent lesson of the passage.Those of a more radical bent will hold that there is no objective truth in Scripture except that which is discovered to be "true for me". Those of a "high" view accept the human origins of Scripture; but also believe that Scripture came about by the intentionality of God.Thus the written text is taken seriously.Not every piece of Scripture is of equal value and this is where the proper division of Law and Gospel is helpful.In this view, scholarship is respected when it helps explain the meaning of Scripture.Scholarship which destroys meaning and is hostile to the devotional use of Scripture is viewed with critical suspicion.As opposed to those of the radical "low" view, "high" view folk hold the God's truth is true whether it is experienced or not.While there is rarely a Lutheran who is a "pure" high or low, there is actually very little middle ground between the two sides. What is at stake is not just how to interpret any particular passage of Scripture; it is a conflict on what meanings will be assigned to the world around us.Taken on a national scale, it is easy to see why the ELCA finds it so difficult to achieve real consensus on any particular issue.

All this is compounded by the real world disconnect between the national leadership and the local congregation.This is hardly a situation unique to Lutherans but it results in different visions of what the Lutheran Church is supposed to be.The national offices tend to be of the more progressive bent.More important than that the milieu the leadership moves in is that of the university and the upper leadership of other Christian denominations. Thus many of the enthusiasms which animate the national leadership proceed directly from the current social vapors of higher education.This at times results in a vision of the Church as a university writ large with all the features of multi-culturalism, a wide variety and number of points-of-view, and a one-sided initiative for social advocacy.Local congregations, however, are more customarily Lutheran--in a word:conservative. While the local ELCA congregation's frequency will have women for Pastors and will have "open" communion for other Christians, in many ways there are little practical differences between an ELCA Lutheran and other Lutherans belonging to the more strict Missouri or Wisconsin Synods.Life of the congregation centers around
Word and Sacrament as it has for the last 500 years.Preaching the Gospel and the spread of the Faith are the primary concerns.As a rule, most congregations do not engage in direct political activities; on the other hand, most do engage in charitable measures. While in practice there are Lutherans of many different stripes, most do not see diversity of viewpoints as a virtue in and of itself. Indeed, there are boundaries beyond which one can no longer meaningfully call oneself a Lutheran.

And this is really the final unanswered question:will the ELCA continue on until it is not longer Lutheran in essence? All Churches must change in order to be the Church for each succeeding generation.The reality is for most Churches the question isn't "what shall we change?' but rather "what shall we keep?" In this regard, the passing of time is ruthless and thousands of valuable treasures are lost along the way.So it is and so it always has been. For all our worries and gnashing of teeth, the Lord will decide what his Church will look like and will rescue her when all looks dark--as He always has.

ELCA has abandoned Lutheranism
I found this book interesting; furthermore, I no longer felt alone.When the LCA (Lutheran Church in America) made the decision to merge with the ALC, I noticed a change in the doctrines I had studied and agreed with.When I asked my pastor about them, his response was, "The Bible was written a long time ago, and times have changed.Some of those things are no longer applicable."This statement to me is blasphemous.I can honestly say, I didn't leave the ELCA, it left me.Faith alone, Grace alone, Scripture alone.I still believe it's true.The ELCA doesn't.

Bigotry at its best!
This book is not worthy of publication. It distorts the truth, it is biased towards liberal religiosity, it is homophobic to its core, it is affraid of pluralism, and it does not really understand the theology of the ELCA or Lutheranism for that matter. If you want to gripe about a denomination that is really making a difference in people's life; then by all means read this nonsense. You would think that in this day and age we would be past the name calling and hate ladden rhetoric. Oh, and by the way Luther was neither a fundamentalist nor a literalist. As you read history you will understand that reading the Bible literally is a recent phenomena. It is blasphemous to consider the Bible inerrent; that designation belongs to God alone. Here I stand... those who take it upon themselves to determine if any group is Christian or Lutheran or orthodox or anything for that matter is deluded. Our task is to spread the word of God and not judge others. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Theology is for Divine Service
This is a great book.The Lutheran Quarterly Books series has concentrated on publishing works from two crucial Lutheran theologians- Gerharde Forde and Oswald Bayer.One easy way to summarize the thesis of Bayer's book is to say that, just as Forde stated that "theology is for proclamation," Bayer here argues that "theology is for divine service."

What does he mean by this?His basic thesis is that theolog has two inseparable sides- the "monastic" side, its liturgical spirituality, the first order discourse of worship.And then it has an "academic" (wissenschaft) side, the secondary discourse on the primary texts (forms of speech and worship).The two are inseparable, just as in Forde's thought, theology drives and leads to proclamation, but also emerges from proclamation and so leads to further proclamation.

The book is also an excellent resource because Bayer summarizes and introduces Luther's understanding of theology.He focuses especially on Luther's three "rules", rules Luther learned from his repeated praying of Psalm 119.In his introduction to the New Testament translation, Luther offered three rules for theology: Oratio (reading out loud), meditatio (praying or contemplating), and tentatio (suffering or undergoing the text).

Along the way, Bayer addresses issues in the philosophy of science, the study of speech acts, and critiques the main modernist proposals- Schleiermacher, Kant, Hegel, and Bultmann.

Anyone could read this book as a fascinating introduction to theology the Lutheran way.Lutherans will be edified, and will be pushed to clarify their own assumptions and reading of Luther. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Ultimate Comfort Food
Well, ja. These women do write better the longer they do this, then. The Martin/Nelson collaboration is funnier - and not as strained - in their later books, (see They Glorified Mary... We Glorified Rice.)But this book is still pretty good. ("Pretty good" meaning "really good" in the self-effacing vernacular of the hardy populace.)

For the unfortunate few unfamiliar with the delicacy, the authors include variations of the basic recipe for Cream ("The correct way to say this is probably `Cream*ed' Peas on Toast, but the `ed' is silent like the `p' in pneumonia") Peas on Toast.And note that: "One Thing that maybe made Cream Peas on Toast Special was that it was always Served on Town (Boughten) Bread. There was a Practical reason for this, too. Homemade Bread didn't fit so well in the Flip-Down-the-Sides Toasters. (See cover photo.) Topped with a Dish of Sauce for Dessert, this Meal was as close to Heaven as most thought they could get here on Earth." Oh, ja, then, and speaking of Heaven and Earth, there is also a `Pea-in-cheek' explanation of the significance of Peas to Martin Luther and his Protestant Reformation.

Cream Peas on Toast can be the Full Nutritious Meal Deal:
"Grains and Cereals in the Bread Portion,
Dairy from the Cream Portion,
Green Vegetables in the form of Peas
[and] ... if ... Served...with a Side of Spam and some Rhubarb Sauce [there you] have a complete Meal."

In the Beginning, the authors write "A Note ... To Our Former Teachers: In case any of you are reading this Handy Dandy Book, we would like to explain that you taught us well - especially grammar. However, in keeping with the Tradition of many of our general readers and Relatives, you will find that the important words ... are capitalized. These are Comfort words like Services, Congregation, Bread; words for White Foods or things that come from a Cow, words related to God, Religion, Country, ... words for staples such as Lard or Fat ... Moral Decay, Hot as in Hot Meal, Wholesome Wife, Normal, ... `Puttin'Up,' and `Makin'Do,' ... The Mrs., The Wife, ... Snow, Prairie."This gentle Minnesota reader found the style somewhat disconcerting - like someone SHOUTING AT ME ONLINE!Being a congregant of the "Minnesota Nice" Synod, all this Shouting makes me uncomfortable.

Also included are nice surprise bonuses - like "A Kryssord for N-LFK's." But the Crossword, and the book, are fun for all.As the full title says, this is "Comfort Food for Norwegian-Lutheran Farm Kids (and Others.)Enjoy! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Confessional Lutheranism: does anyone care?
Arand shows he cares by giving us a careful, articulate look at the systematics history of this confessional movement, sorting it into the categories of: protestant consensus, catechesis and teaching, doctrinal norms, historical decision, consolidation and crisis, ancient heirlooms, work in process confessions, catholic and evangelical witnesses and ecumenical proposals.

Weighing in with this question, does anyone else care about how, when or where we use our Lutheran confessions anymore?Arand purports that if Lutheran confessionalism is to continue to be a vital force in the future, then this is a most relevant question to resolve.Confessional hermenutics as well as current application go hand in hand.Amen.

Most valuable resource for digesting and re-examination. ... Read more

Product Description
The essays in this book, by distinguished musicologists, teachers, and church musicians, reflect the Lutheran musical heritage of the church and contribute new insights into the vibrant and diverse traditions of twenty-first century church music. Thine the Amen is a practical, instructional, and scholarly book.These essays contain something for everyone interested in sacred music—the teacher, the singer, or the listener.

Carl Schalk, author, editor, and lecturer, is one of the modern church’s most influencial composers of choral music and hymns.He has lifted for the church the importance and excellence of the Lutheran heritage of music and faith. In 1965 he returned to his alma mater, Concordia College, River Forest, where he taught until he retired in 1994.Carl has served with the Hymn Society and the Inter-Lutheran Commission on Worship.His 80-plus hymn tunes and carols appear in the hymnals of more than 30 denominations in the U.S.A., Canada, Europe,Japan, and Southeast Asia. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

History of music in the Lutheran church
Subtitled: Essays on Lutheran Church Music

A collection of essays written for the music student or someone who simply loves the history of music in the Lutheran church, Thine the Amen is full of fascinating and educational information. Up to 16 authors are included in this book from Editor Carlos Messerli all the way to Paul Westermeyer and Paul Bouman.

All authors give wonderful history lessons behind the music used currently in the Lutheran church, as well as many other denominations, and insight as to what the composers were thinking and feeling during their times of writing. Martin Marty states it well in the foreword, "...it occurred to me that what the readers hold in their hands is not so much a book as a reference library. ... not so much to be read as to be used."

The book is divided into three parts:

-- Part I covers music in the Lutheran Heritage, dating all the way back into the 1500s.

-- Part II discusses Musical Heritage and Worship in the 21st Century, dealing with choirs, children's songs, the idea of music being music and not having doctrinal themes, and how passion for music creates new life. A particular essay in this section is a letter written by Paul Bouman to a new church choir director. He offers advice on how to pick music for the choir, how to get the best from the choir while also enjoying the music himself, and finally offers 30 pieces of music that were special to him.

-- Part III is a special essay written by Steven Wente on "The Life and Works of Carl Schalk," whom the book honors.

One thing that I learned from this book was the J.S. Bach composed and wrote music for the Lutheran church. I did not realize that Bach wrote religious music!! One quote I liked from Bach was, "With devotional music God is always present in his grace."

Armchair Interviews says: Great for music students or those who love to learn about music. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Insight for the Role of Music in Worship
As a Lutheran church musician, I found this book fascinating and informative.Many of us have favorite hymns, and love singing in worship, but I think we may have forgotten that for Luther music was a means to teach and reinforce Christians' understanding of Scripture.

I don't think that one need be Lutheran to appreciate this book, however some references will be unfamiliar to those who have not studied music.

Essential Reading
This is an absolutely excellent study of Luther's philosophy and theology of music and its use to proclaim the Gospel of Christ. It is extremely well researched, engagingly presented, and filled with wonderful insights. The title might be a bit misleading since this is not merely a study of Luther's use of liturgical music, but rather a comprehensive overview of the role of music in Martin Luther's theology and pastoral practice. The book is packed with information. This book will rightly take its place as one of the most definitive treatments of this subject, more or less neglected in much of Luther studies in English. Put this book together with the Lutheran Confessions and you have a very well rounded vision for church life and confession in the Lutheran Reformation tradition. Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions -- A Reader's Edition of the Book of Concord ... Read more

Product Description
The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by G. H. (George Henry) Gerberding is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of G. H. (George Henry) Gerberding then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

Product Description
Around the world people are experiencing the effects of climate change: water and air temperatures are rising at alarming rates, adversely affecting the habitats that sustain life for fish, animals, plants and human beings. Devastation caused both by more severe droughts and floods is increasing. Storms and hurricanes are becoming more frequent and intense. New diseases are appearing and old ones are spreading. In overly industrialized areas, the air quality is deteriorating. Climate conditions are affecting people s health and in some areas heat-related deaths are on the increase. Hunger is predicted to escalate as the climate changes. Many LWF member churches are deeply affected by and increasingly active in addressing concerns regarding climate change. Ecumenical, interfaith, and civil society collaboration is crucial in the efforts being made to seek changes in local, national, and global practices. Climate change is more than just a secular environmental issue; it is an issue that goes to the core of our faith and spirituality and is reflected in the ways we view the world. Climate change is moving us to reconsider how we have thought about God and the rest of creation.

This resource was developed to address the theological issues involved in the changes people are experiencing and to address many of the questions or assumptions in these terms. ... Read more

Product Description
Why should Lutherans care whether there are any ''Lutheran'' colleges and universities? Why should people who study, teach, and work in colleges and universities care whether they are ''Lutheran'' or not? And, maybe most significantly, what does the continued robustness of Lutheran higher education have to contribute to the church and to life and work in the broader public arena? Tom Christenson has thoughtful and persuasive answers to all these questions, and more. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Product Description
In the middle of the twentieth century, American Lutherans were newsworthy enough to find themselves on the cover of "Time" magazine. Their claim to fame? In an era when American churches were beginning to look and act alike, Lutherans' strong confessional nature and stress on theology as well as their liturgy and ethnicity set them apart. They were "Protestants with a difference" at a time when differences were supposed to be dissolving in the American melting pot.

Subsequent years have posed serious questions to Lutheran identity, as disputes about the true nature of Lutheranism and the meaning of the Lutheran confessions, the structure of ministry, ecumenism, sexuality, and multiculturalism have all left their mark on Lutheran denominations. In "Lutherans Today" several historians, social scientists, journalists, and other leading experts map out the place of Lutheranism in the landscape of contemporary American Christianity and explore the directions in which it is heading in the new millennium.

Presenting new and original research, the book is divided into two sections. The first examines change and movements within American Lutheranism. Distinguished church historian Mark Noll here sets the scene by arguing that the predicament of American Lutheranism has always been the struggle to remain faithful to the enduring witness of the European Reformation while also accommodating itself to the democratic pluralism of the New World. Six other chapters discuss the Missouri Synod, the "Lutheran Left," the Called to Common Mission agreement, the evangelical catholic movement within Lutheranism, the rise of "megachurches," and Lutheran charismatics.

The second section considers trends and issues related to Lutheran identity, including politics and the pastorate, the impact of immigration and multiculturalism, the loss of Lutheran identity at Lutheran colleges and universities, and conflicting patterns of commitment among Lutheran youth.

As a whole, "Lutherans Today" will be valuable not only to all Lutherans but also to those interested in the development and current state of religious life in America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

every body should at least the part I
The essays in the book are quite informative. The editor has collected essays from authors with wide spectrum of views. It was irritating to read Schmidt'sessay. But a few of the points he made make sense. As per the first resolution of ELCA's 2009churchwide assembly, we should respect opinions of all including the ones we don't like. It is better to stay united and work together acknowledging the differences than go separate ways and accomplish little.Lutherans Today: American Lutheran Identity in the Twenty-First Century

Lutheran Behavior Sampler and Survey
Here is a rather unique work among Lutherans: history and sociology.Various writers of these disciplines examine the identity and clash of American Lutheran movements competing the soul and future of the Lutheran presence and identity in this country.

Of special interest are the articles by Mark Noll on the identity and contribution nationally by Lutherans in the past, present and potential for the future.

The article by Alvin Schmidt "Multiculturalism and the Dilution of Lutheran Identity" is well done and raises necessary questions which have not been answered, but need to.

The Mega-Church survey report of Thumma and Peterson is revealing.Over 2/3 of the growth reported by these "Goliaths" are from transfer growth.See Wm. Chadwick's excellent work: "Stealing Sheep."

For this reviewer of particular interest was the essay on the LCMS by Mary Todd, controversial historian from the Chicago area.Her analysis is flawed and slanted, and shows a bias that is betrays the dysfunctional character of this confessional body for quite some time.

The question for Lutherans and Christians is, does sociology inform theology, or does theology inform sociology? ... Read more

Product Description
Illness is a great teacher, says the author. More convincing than an athlete's achievements, illness lets us know, in no uncertain terms, that we are intensely human. Drawing on the resources of years of pastoral experience and reflecting on key Scriptural texts, Bansemer provides comfort while encouraging honest reflection. The book consists of fifteen devotional readings followed by Scriptural texts, prayers, and reflection questions. Intended for use by those facing suffering and loss, those who provide them with comfort and care, and groups wanting to explore and share their experiences. ... Read more

Product Description
Commissioned in 1993, this new translation of The Book of Concord brings a new generation of scholarship and sensitivities to bear on the foundational texts of Lutheran identity. The fifth English translation since 1851, this edition succeeds that edited by Theodore Tappert published in 1959 by Muhlenburg Press.

A review of the text in light of a mountain of new scholarship and other factors dictated the new translation and apparatus, including changes in the English language over the past forty years, differences in the training and preparation of seminarians and pastors, limitations in the introductions and annotations to the various parts of the book, new knowledge of the history and theology of these very documents, and the occasional error in Tappert's translation.

Kolb and Wengert's team of leading Reformation historians was augmented by consultation with one hundred other scholars and teachers who use The Book of Concord continually, and two other teams of scholars who have reviewed the translations. In coming years, two volumes of related documents will follow.

Benefits of this new translation: Expanded introductions and annotations offer richer historical context New translation aims at accessible but accurate translation Format is easier to read and use Leading American scholars have been involved or consulted ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Great
This book has proven to be useful for the class I am using for. It was delivered in a very timely matter and I find that I am very satisfied by the service provided by Amazon

Book of Concord.
Good value for a book to be used as a college textbook my grqanddaughter.Could not let my "marked up" copy go.

why didn't my Pastor suggest I buy this sooner?
A must have for any Lutheran, or anyone interested in theology.Explains why there should be little separation between the church (clergy)and it's people & how truly liberal Luther really was! A true eye opener.

As Expected
A review of a doctrinal work first published in 1580 by someone such as myself must of necessity confine itself to format.
The Book of Concord is the doctrinal basis of Lutheranism.The content is self explanatory.This edition compares most favorably with the Tappert edition of 1959.Differences in translation are noted.The typeset is clear and good size.I believe this edition is preferable to the Tappert.

Outstanding
Excellent reading for serious students of Lutheran theology/doctrine.

Layout is excellent, with translation of German text opposite that of the Latin.Footnoted material provides additional historical material.

A great read! ... Read more

Product Description
By virtue of Lutheranism's spiritual heritage and identity in America as an immigrant church, Lutherans are specially placed to give hopeful leadership about the controversial issue of immigration in the United States today. They Are Us explores the biblical, historical, theological, and cultural foundations for Lutheran participation in a public conversation that has important implications for the future of this nation. Based on professional experience and grounded in Christian faith, the authors make the case for immigration reform and call the church to a mission of evangelical hospitality. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Honest and Biblical
This book presents an honest, factual look at the history of immigration....from Biblical times to present. It reviews in greater detail the history of immigration relevant to Lutherans coming to the US, and the history of US immigration policy since Colonial times. Strong Biblical evidence is given in support of "welcoming the stranger", a command that God has given us since the Exodus from Egypt.

I have used this book as the basis of an adult Sunday School class.....and left the question of "What do WE do, in our local community" open to the class's leadings.

Well worth the price.

A Sinister Agenda Masquerading as Christianity
This book tries very hard to make the case that in order to be a good Christian, one MUST invite aggressive, violent, and utterly alien foreigners to live in peaceful, crime-free small towns in midwestern America. This sounds suspiciously like something utterly unlike Christianity to me. It sounds like the precepts of Cultural Marxism put forth by the Frankfurt School. Google "Who Stole Our Culture" to find out more about this subversive school of thought which has been destroying traditional American values since the 1930s. It is not charity for the poor that motivates this agenda, because the poor could be looked after in their own lands without causing the violent, disruptive culture clash now underway in formerly peaceful small towns across the upper midwest. No, the destruction wrought by these aggressive, intolerant, Islamic Africans IS the agenda. It may be clothed once in altruism and again in a cassock, but the effect is undeniable and perfectly predictable to anyone with half an ounce of common sense. We are expected to change our culture for them, we are expected to bow to precepts of their sharia law. What next? Are we supposed to mutilate our daughters' genitals and make them wear burkhas unless we expect them to be raped? This has gone too far already... these authors are traitors to their own people and culture, and anyone who agrees passively with their subversive agenda is just as guilty as they are. "They" are most assuredly NOT "us," and we have our OWN culture and heritage to look after, and should look upon anyone wishing to destroy it as our blood enemies.

1 Timothy 5:8 - "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

Certainly charity does not end with one's own, but to deny one's own their safety, their culture, their identity, and their posterity, and use "Christian charity" as an excuse is no charity at all... it is in fact a knife in the backs of all Germanic American children.

A different and optimistic look at immigration, and a must read for Lutherans
Love thy neighbor is a commonly trumpeted virtue of Christianity, and "They Are Us: Lutherans and Immigration" echoes this sentiment. Authors Stephen Bouman & Ralston Deffenbaugh explains this viewpoint in regards to immigration calling for Lutherans to take these lost souls under their wing and help them to the best of their power, stating that charity and generosity is the Christian way of life. "They Are Us" is a different and optimistic look at immigration, and a must read for Lutherans.

Great resource for teaching
This is a very good resource for teaching in congregations about immigration and our call as Christians to welcome the stranger among us.Although it is written by Lutherans it would be applicable to any Christian denomination. As a Lutheran and a mission developer in an immigrant community I am thankful to have this resource to use as I visit other congregations to teach about the reasons for the presence of and our response to the immigrants living in our midst. ... Read more