hi, i'm sorry to bother you. would you happen to have any resources like specific books or podcast episodes for beginner Lutherans? i've been thinking a lot about it but i've felt very directionless and lost and not quite sure where to start. thank you for your time and have a wonderful day.
Hi friend I’m sorry I take so incredibly long to answer asks.
Luther’s Small Catechism is the place to start. I like this one produced by Concordia Publishing, I find that it breaks things down in the minute details the best. You should be warned, though, that the Missouri Synod branch of Lutheranism adheres strongly to biblical literalism and inerrancy. I have found this book to hold the readers hand the most, it is the one that I was confirmed with and my pastor uses, but it should absolutely be taken with a grain of salt. The framework the denomination operates under has very much gotten in its own way, it does not affirm queer people, ordain women, or have room for very many different interpretations. It is not a denomination where I have a home anymore, even if I find value in this handbook. If you are new to faith or deconstructing from a rigid one, this edition should absolutely be read alongside something like God and the Gay Christian. Luther’s Small Catechism, the short original tract, is also available for free online, and while it does not feature the same break downs (such as defining what ‘daily bread’ means), I believe in your ability to read and understand it without the addition gendered commentary!
Something by Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship is my favorite.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (the church that has given me a home), has a wide range of social teaching and messages available on all sorts of issues. While they can be long, and sometimes a bit overwrought, I find them helpful and above all, I am glad we can at least discuss modern questions.
I’m afraid podcasts are just not the way I consume theology. Lastly, I, via my inbox or my messages, am always a resource! So is any pastor in your area, if you can get to one. Lutherans very much enjoy talking about our theology, and we require more schooling before ordination than most denominations, so they should be able to do it.
