Bible and Confessions? Lutheran Perspectives on Confessing the Faith (ebook Edition)

What does it mean to confess the faith - and why does it matter?

In an age of theological drift and individualism, Bible and Confessions recovers the bold Lutheran conviction that true faith demands articulate confession. Featuring foundational essays by C. F. W. Walther and Charles Porterfield Krauth, this volume confronts a critical question: Can the church maintain its identity without unconditional commitment to its doctrinal standards?

Walther dismantles the illusion of "conditional subscription," revealing how it undermines the very purpose of confessional unity. Krauth delivers a philosophical tour de force, arguing that rejecting creeds in favor of "Bible only" is intellectual dishonesty—every believer has a system; the question is whether they'll own it.

This collection of essays demonstrate that confessions aren't human additions to Scripture but faithful witnesses of Scripture. For pastors, theologians, and anyone wrestling with the tension between freedom and orthodoxy, this book offers a compelling case: authentic mission requires honest confession.

Praise for Bible and Confessions?:

"Bible and Confessions? underscores the ongoing vitality and relevance of the confessional Lutheran heritage. As our churches around the world are impacted by modern ecumenism, neo-Pentecostal movements, the prosperity gospel, and other manifestations of cultural Christianity, the well-crafted essays in this collection help explain why the Book of Concord remains important. With more than twenty-five years teaching the Lutheran Confessions, I recommend this book to anyone wishing to deepen their Lutheran self-understanding and service. It truly is an outstanding and timely contribution."

— Naomichi Masaki, The Rev. Victor H. and Lydia Dissen Professor of the Lutheran Confessions, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana

"At a time when bodies carrying the name Lutheran claim to be “Confessional” and yet embrace a biblical hermeneutic that is far from that which is faithful to the name, Bible and Confessions? reclaims the name in no uncertain terms for the sake of the consciences that would be comforted by the full counsel of God. Harrison and Pless have done a marvelous service to the church in bringing together these significant essays that encourage every pastor to hold fast to “the doctrine and all its articles,” knowing that our confession is not made out of “confessional obstinance,” but rather out of pastoral concern and in view of its eschatological implications. This book belongs in the hands of every pastor who desires to hold fast to his ordination vows."

— Matt Anker, President, Lutheran Mission—Australia