The Spirituality of the Cross: The Way of the First Evangelicals

This work provides excellent surface level insight into the Lutheran faith, especially for someone who may be interested in getting their feet wet into the Evangelical Catholic world. It walks through a number of crucial doctrines, particularly revolving around Christian living, biblical interpretation, church service/worship, etc. The extended version with its footnotes were very enjoyable. The author is clearly well read, and the additional content was, in my opinion, worthwhile

Thank you so much! I haven't cracked the book open yet since I have so many on my list, but I'm truly grateful. Books look great, was sent and received quickly. I would definitely recommend anyone to purchase from them if you're looking for great books! Thank you again!

This is a great book that provides a succinct and accessible overview of the distinctiveness of traditional, historical Lutheran theology. If you're a Lutheran pastor, I'd suggest considering this book for use in new member classes or possibly even confirmation classes as well as adult Bible studies. If you're a Lutheran, this is a great way of reviewing or learning the basics of Lutheran theology, and makes a helpful companion to the Small Catechism as well as more weighty Lutheran writings such as The Book of Concord. If you're not a Lutheran, this is still a very helpful book that discusses some important aspects of Christian theology (How are we saved? What is the role of Sacraments in the church? What can we know about God? How do we live our lives? What is worship?). Of course these topics will be treated from a Lutheran perspective, but you should find value if you're interested in how conservative Biblical Christianity approaches some of these topics.

I am liking this book although I can take exception with some of his foundational work relative to the Lutheran Church, I can see that it is a well meaning attempt to define one mans walk to the cross. Reformation History can be and is many things to many people with as many critics today as back in 1519. Before one can criticize either the Catholic or the new born Lutheran church during that period one has to have a reasonable understanding of the political arena in and around central Europe. I am still working my way through this material since I prefer to fragmentize the history of the church relative to political and social history of the periods, still for one who is trying to gain greater insight into the development of the reformation churches I would recommend this book as a good resource material but never the only one.

This book is a well-written, gentle, and yet unapologetic introduction to Lutheranism. It's not simply a list of theological stances, but it gets at the heart of confessional Lutheranism and paints a beautiful picture of who Jesus is and the distinctive nature of cross-centered theology. I recommend this book for anyone curious to know more about Lutheranism, as well as anyone looking for a spirituality that is focused on answering the question, "What has God done for me?" instead of the much more common questions, "What does God want for me?" or "What must I do for God?" I found this book full of comfort and Jesus.

A great little primer on the Lutheran Faith. As a Reformed Christian who is investigating Lutheranism, this book was much better than I expected. I very much appreciated the first part of the book, which discusses the Lutheran approach to our relationship with God as well as a great discussion of the means of grace: Word and Sacraments. Even more so I appreciated Ch 3 on the Theology of the Cross, which gives what seems to me a very good theology of how we should view ourselves, Christ, and God. Even more was I enthralled with the Lutheran teaching on our vocations and God’s “two kingdoms.” I wholeheartedly recommend this book for every Christian (and everyone investigating the Christian Faith), whether he has any particular interest in Lutheranism or not. It will make you think about what is really important!

This is one of my favorite theological books ever, and not just because I am a Lutheran. I have given many copies of this book away to friends from other theological traditions and denominations as a sort of "Lutheranism 101", with positive feedback every time. Veith's way of describing (not trumpeting) his Lutheran view of things is very helpful for Lutherans who want to see what their denomination has to say in the world today, and also for non-Lutherans wondering why we are so "different" in so many ways -- to evangelicals we often look Roman Catholic, and to Roman Catholics we seem very evangelical. Veith's book describes how Lutheranism's ideal is the middle road between the two: Evangelical Catholicism, or perhaps catholic evangelicalism. Either way, the Gospel is clearly highlighted in this very scriptural book of "spirituality."

Dr. Veith nails it. I've heard other converted Lutherans say this book was a big part of turning their minds to Lutheranism. I had not had that experience, but read it after many growth years in Lutheranism. So I just finished it and am astounded at the simplicity and clarity of his run-down of Confessional Lutheranism. It's great work. Gonna share it.

It really takes something brilliant to write a book that is extremely clear and applicable without a lot of academic language and Veith does this fantastically. Reminds me of C.S. Lewis' ability to convey important concepts through humble means.

Excellent

In this book he really sums up the Lutheran faith as I see it. He also explains very important points really simply.