Research and Reference
- Lutheran Church ArchivesThe Lutheran Church Archives consist primarily of administrative records documenting Minnesota affiliates of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) along with predecessor and supporting synods. In addition, there are congregational histories, biographical files regarding clergy and church leaders, and microfilmed church records (ending about 1930).
- Lutheranism: BritannicaLutheranism, branch of Christianity that traces its interpretation of the Christian religion to the teachings of Martin Luther and the 16th-century movements that issued from his reforms.
- Lutheranism: Credo ReferenceA Credo Reference landing page on Lutheranism. This page includes links to reference works, images, library resources, and a concept map.
Internet Resources
- Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region.
- Lutheran Belief & PracticeLutherans are Christians who believe in the Triune God that Jesus revealed. God is one, yet He is three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that God the Father created the world. We believe that Jesus Christ, true Son of God, and true man, is the world’s Savior from sin, death, and the power of the evil one.
Streaming Media
- The Lutheran ChurchIn this program, Dennis Wholey has a conversation about Lutheranism with the Reverend David Eberhard of Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, in Detroit, Michigan. Topics of discussion include Martin Luther, his 95 theses, and the Reformation; the doctrine of justification and other core beliefs; the Church’s two sacraments; The Book of Concord; how Historic Trinity Lutheran Church stays relevant to both its congregants and the city of Detroit; and concerns over the hectic pace and stress of modern life. The program also goes inside Historic Trinity to illustrate aspects of a typical liturgy-oriented Lutheran worship service. (27 minutes)
Perspectives
The A to Z of Lutheranism
On October 31, 1517, the German Priest Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses challenging the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church on the door of the church in Wittenberg. It is widely held that this act triggered the large exodus from the Catholic Church, which became known as the Protestant Reformation. Lutheranism, one of the many Protestant movements that were spawned as a result of this revolution, is largely founded on the teachings and writings of Martin Luther. The A to Z of Lutheranism sheds light on the many and varied concerns of the church, from its earliest manifestations in the 16th century to recent decisions at the turn of the 20th century. This is accomplished through a chronology, an introduction, a bibliography, an appendix, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on important persons, major events and institutions, the theology and ethics, significant concepts, and the broader social, cultural, and economic impact of Lutheranism and its worldwide expansion.
Martin Luther
Becoming a monk in an age of fear -- Luther ordained as a priest and visits Rome -- After doctorate, Luther reacts to Duke's treasure of relics -- Pope approves sales of indulgences in Germany -- Indulgence sales anger Luther and irritate Duke -- Luther's 95 theses provoke a storm of reaction -- Luther debates Eck at Leipzig -- Luther condemned by papal decree -- Duke Frederick defends Luther -- Luther's trial at Worms -- Luther finds sanctuary in Wartburg Castle -- Reformation zealots endanger new movement -- Luther marries, preaches and teaches -- The historic Reformation event at Augsburg.
Dear Church
Lenny Duncan is the unlikeliest of pastors. Formerly incarcerated, he is now a black preacher in the whitest denomination in the United States: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Shifting demographics and shrinking congregations make all the headlines, but Duncan sees something else at work--drawing a direct line between the church's lack of diversity and the church's lack of vitality. The problems the ELCA faces are theological, not sociological. But so are the answers. Part manifesto, part confession, and all love letter, Dear Church offers a bold new vision for the future of Duncan's denomination and the broader mainline Christian community of faith. Dear Church rejects the narrative of church decline and calls everyone--leaders and laity alike--to the front lines of the church's renewal through racial equality and justice. It is time for the church to rise up, dust itself off, and take on forces of this world that act against God: whiteness, misogyny, nationalism, homophobia, and economic injustice. Duncan gives a blueprint for the way forward and urges us to follow in the revolutionary path of Jesus. Dear Church also features a discussion guide at the back--perfect for church groups, book clubs, and other group discussion.