Lutheranism 101: The Course works closely with Lutheranism 101 to take the reader deeper into the teaching, doctrine, or practice being presented. Sometimes that means digging into the text of Lutheranism 101 and exploring connections that are being made. Other times it means working with Scripture or some of the primary Lutheran resources for doctrine and practice.
The Course can be used by groups, families, and individuals who want to dig deeper into what it means to be Lutheran. After reading a chapter in Lutheranism 101, turn to the corresponding chapter in The Course and work through the questions.
Other Resources That You Can Use With The Course:
Besides your personal copy of Lutheranism 101, it will be useful to have these books with you as you work through The Course:
A Bible
Comments and quotations in Lutheranism 101 and The Course are based upon the English Standard Version (ESV). When choosing a Bible, we suggest that it is best to use a translation instead of a paraphrase. A study Bible includes added notes and resources that help explain the Bible. The best Bible to use with The Course is The Lutheran Study Bible.
Book of Concord
The Book of Concord is a collection of statements of faith written by Lutheran Christians in the sixteenth century when they were risking their lives to stand up for the Bible being the basis for belief and practice in the Church. It was first published in 1580. The best version of the Book of Concord to use with Lutheranism 101 is the edition specifically prepared to aid understanding:Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, 2nd ed. (St. Louis: Concordia, 2006).
Hymnal
Hymnals offer excellent resources for individual worship and prayer in addition to settings for worship (Divine Service) and hymns. Throughout The Course you will be directed to Lutheran Service Book, which is the hymnal used my much of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Small Catechism
While the Small Catechism is included in the Book of Concord and in many contemporary Lutheran hymnals, recent English editions include extra explanations that make the catechism even more helpful as a teaching and learning tool. The best edition of the Small Catechism for this purpose is Luther's Small Catechism With Explanation.
Books in the Lutheranism 101 Family
Lutheranism 101 - The book that started it all, offering a quick, concise, yet comprehensive book that offers a fresh examination of Lutheran beliefs and heritage.
Lutheranism 101 The Course - The Course works closely with Lutheranism 101 to take the reader deeper into the teaching, doctrine, or practice being presented.
Lutheranism 101 The Lord's Supper - This volume examines what Scripture and the Confessions have to say about Jesus’ gift of His true body to eat and His true blood to drink.
Lutheranism 101 Holy Baptism - This volume gives an overview of what Baptism is, what it does, how it does it, and what it means for our lives now and into the future.
Lutheranism 101 For Kids - Designed to teach pre-confirmation children about the Lutheran faith and God’s love for them in Christ.