After listening to the series by Issues, Etc with Dr. Veith on the question of what a Lutheran identity is, I knew I also had to get his book on the subject. It seems as though I am pre-ordering more and more books these days. I can barely help it. So many recently published books have been so enticing that I’ve simply had to read them as quickly as I can get my hands on them. Embracing Your Lutheran Identity was unlike almost any book I’ve read, both in content and style. I was a little nervous upon opening it, but I quickly grew to appreciate Dr. Veith’s conversational and lecture-style of writing.

Now I know that description might not sound appealing, but it truly was. As Dr. Veith explains at the beginning, he formatted this book from a series of classes he gave. Thus, the writing feels as though you are listening to a conversational presentation by a teacher or a friend, including time for answering questions! Dr. Veith even leaves room to answer the many questions he places within the text. I liked this instead of the typical “after-book” study guide format that most similar non-fiction (and fiction) books include. Having these questions in-text allowed my mind to flow from what I was just reading to pause so I could ponder his words in light of the questions. He also notes that it is his desire for this book to be read with a group so that there can be thoughtful discussion. It really showed his desire not only to give information but to make sure his readers considered and understood what he was saying.

And along those veins, I got to understand how much I didn’t know about my own church’s history. I have an interesting history in my church walk. I won’t get into all of it here, but along the way, my family left the LCMS, and I (and now some of them) eventually returned. But, the education I got concerning church history generally and the Reformation specifically, not to mention the journey to the new world and building up our synod here, was sorely lacking. I had gotten a decent overview, but learning the intimate details of those times and their greater historical impact was so wonderful to me. Truly, I have learned so much from reading this book. I treasure the knowledge and understanding I have gained from these pages. (Also: a good book to pair with this one is Liturgical Worship.)

Even so, one might go into this book wondering why Dr. Veith takes so much time to include so much “other” background information in a book about a Lutheran identity. Why do we need to know the social, political, and secular info? Why does it matter what the protestants and Roman Catholics are doing? Indeed, he gives the answer. These things all are related to the story of Christianity, and the world. They are all interrelated in how they arose, and especially, in how they differ from each other. We have a unique confession from other denominations and the world. We as Lutherans are not the same, and we should not waver to the right nor to the left. Moreover, it is not just ok but good that we have a distinctly Lutheran identity. As he notes in the beginning, our church, like each of us, has a unique name or identity. We understand that as people to some degree, but we also need to understand that as a denomination (“the act of giving a name”). So, he writes, “There is nothing wrong with a church body, like a person, having a name; that is, having an identity. And the members of that church—since they belong to a common community, with a common history and common beliefs—to share that identity. This should reinforce their primary identity that they have in Christ. The goal of this study is to build up your Christian identity by helping you cultivate a Lutheran identity.” And truly, he does that through his survey of our history, our beliefs, our practices, and how they have interacted with one another from the start of the Church until today.

This is a phenomenal book. Though parts made me pause and ponder how we might face challenges today as our brothers and sisters of old faced them in the past, I was always encouraged. For we know that the Word of the Lord endures forever. Embracing Your Lutheran Identity is thought-provoking, educational, and inspirational. I learned so much from this book and am eager to share it with all of you. Even if you are not a Lutheran, if you simply want to know more about the history of Christianity, the truth of the Reformation (as reform, not rebellion) with the events unfolding from it, and how important sound doctrine is, as well as the importance of holding fast to that confession despite cultural changes and strong dissenters, then this is the book for you.

Blessings to you and yours,

~Madelyn Rose Craig