New Book Describes The 'Lutheran Way Of Life'

Chicago (ELCA)-MRC — What to bring to a church potluck, learning how to survive for one hour in an un-air-conditioned church and how to forgive someone are three topics among many explored in "The Lutheran Handbook: A Field Guide to Church Stuff, Everyday Stuff and the Bible" published by Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Augsburg Fortress is based in Minneapolis.

Part of the Augsburg Fortress "Here We Stand" confirmation program, the 240-page handbook provides a combination of historical and theological information alongside some "fun facts" and practical tips on being a church-going Lutheran. The handbook is organized into four primary sections: "Church Stuff," "Everyday Stuff," "Bible Stuff" and "Luther's Small Catechism."

The Lutheran Handbook was first published March 28 and quickly sold out its first printing. The second printing of the handbook became available May 11.

The cover of The Lutheran Handbook depicts a "winking" Martin Luther, a 16th century German church reformer. "Lutheran" was the name applied to Luther's teachings and his followers.

Here We Stand offers an approach to confirmation — a pastoral and educational ministry of the ELCA — that is both theologically sound and teen-relevant, according to an Augsburg Fortress news release.

"We've developed this program in response to long-standing demand among congregations for a substantial, innovative and affordable confirmation program that is decidedly Lutheran," said Beth A. Lewis, president and CEO, Augsburg Fortress.

"I think [the handbook] could be the biggest success story for this publishing house since 'With One Voice,'" Lewis told Augsburg Fortress' Board of Trustees at its April 22-23 in Minneapolis.

The "icon of Luther winking at the reader combines the serious, formal scholarship that was his life's work with the humor and lightheartedness that characterized his personality," according to the inside cover of the handbook.

Information about the "Here We Stand" confirmation program is available at www.herewestandconfirmation.org on the Internet.