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Lutheranism for Non-Lutherans
Studies in Protestant Irenics, Vol. 5
Short, scholarly studies in Rich Protestant Wisdom
What is Lutheranism? For many, it is a word which only appears in potted histories of the Reformation or in descriptions of churchgoing habits in unvisited parts of Northern Europe or Midwestern America. Even by those well versed in Christian theology, Lutheranism is often understood only in reference to other branches of Christianity. It is frequently placed somewhere in the middle of a spectrum between the extremes of Roman Catholicism and Protestantism and reduced to a few crude caricatures of its main tenets or to the idiosyncrasies of Martin Luther himself.
Yet with a 500-year-old tradition and nearly 80 million adherents worldwide, there is far more to be said about Lutheranism. With interest in historic forms of Christianity on the rise, many are examining Lutheranism seriously for the first time.
Lutheranism for Non-Lutherans,
Jordan B. Cooper provides a much-needed introduction to Lutheran Christianity, presenting the tradition accessibly yet thoroughly and on its own terms. Anyone from a non-Lutheran background who has been curious about the history, confessions, theology, and spirituality of this influential and storied branch of the universal church will be informed and enriched by this expert guide.
Endorsements
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“I cannot think of anyone better positioned to explain Lutheranism to non-Lutherans than Jordan Cooper. His sharp theological mind and familiarity with other perspectives allow him to cut through caricature and frame both where Lutheran commitments share common ground with other traditions as well as where they depart from each other. There is surprising ignorance and neglect of Lutheranism among other Protestants. This digestible, clear, and inviting book is a trustworthy guide for correcting this situation. Any non-Lutheran interested in understanding the Lutheran tradition would do well to begin here..”
— Gavin Ortlund, President, Truth Unites; Theologian-in-Residence, Immanuel Nashville
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“Foremost Lutheran ambassador to young Americans, Jordan Cooper offers an accurate, concise, and accessible guide to the Lutheran heritage for those curious about its core convictions. Cooper not only sensitively presents key Lutheran doctrines for a general audience but also how they shape a wider culture. Objective and winsome, this book superbly invites readers to consider Lutheranism’s claims.”
— Mark Mattes, Professor of Doctoral Studies, American Lutheran Theological Seminary
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“Some questions demand a deep breath and some careful thought before a response. It is evident that Jordan Cooper has been taking those deep breaths for quite some time, and in the process has inhaled not only the essence of Lutheranism but a library full of Lutheran thinkers and writers in the process. Ask Dr. Cooper about Lutheranism, and he is ready with a solid answer. Those curious about what Lutheranism is actually all about have the answer in their hands. With crisp writing that avoids distracting detours, Cooper sorts, explains, and balances the historical, political, theological, practical, and personal factors at work in the confession of Christian truth called Lutheranism. Even while making room for his usual penchant to honor some all but forgotten Lutheran thinkers of less distant past centuries, Cooper never loses sight of his central task and answers the reader’s question about Lutheranism with clarity.”
— Joel Biermann, Waldemar A. and June Schuette Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary
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“ Lutheranism for Non-Lutherans is easy to read and accessible. Dr. Cooper does an admirable job in presenting the basics of the Lutheran tradition in an understandable manner. This book serves as a good starting place for anyone curious about what Lutherans believe, teach, and confess.”
— Rev. Dr. Jason Gudim, Free Lutheran Bible College and Seminary , Co-host of the Being Lutheran podcast
