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A Simplified Guide to Worshiping As Lutherans. By James Alan Waddell. Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2009. Paper. xviii + 136 pages. $14.40.
Pre-publication Reviews:
“I believe this is the best tool I’ve seen to encourage congregations to pray, discuss, and look historically at worship, worship style, as well as visiting or revisiting our confessions in The Book of Concord. You properly recognize the precious gift we as Lutherans have in our liturgy. You also use many good illustrations to help define your points of emphasis. I think the study/discussion questions at the end of each chapter are a good idea and help the book become a study/Bible study tool when congregations want to begin discussions regarding worship style. For congregations embroiled in ‘worship wars’ you encourage an objective Christian direction for continuing discussion and sharing viewpoints in an effort to avoid polarization and non-Christian grudge holding and relationship destruction.
I have served or been a member in churches where the ‘worship wars’ have been the cause of church implosions. The damage is inconceivable considering it happens within the Christian church. For those young in the faith, it has the potential to drive them from Lutheran congregations or organized church altogether. For others it forces them to go to another church where they can worship unimpeded by ‘stuff’ that distracts/separates them from God and their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have experienced both sides of these issues and like you take the middle ground. You have helped me immensely. Your historical research and application are within the grasp of the majority of the laity, yet still will not bore or fail to stimulate those with higher education or seminary graduates. I remain hopeful for those congregations struggling with worship style to be helped by your excellent work.”
A.B.
“The book is quite readable. I need to read some parts again, and perhaps more than once, since you brought up things I had not considered before. I was able to follow your points with little difficulty. I especially liked the fact that you restated throughout the book the most important teachings you were hoping to pass on. Great repetition! Lutheran theology for Lutheran worship. The teaching on liturgy in the broad and narrow sense, adiaphora, justification, what is the Gospel. The book is quite readable.”
M.K.
“Wow. Easy to read, follow, and understand. Thanks for sharing it with me. It was a blessing to read it.”
C.R.
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