Dawn's Reviews > Being Lutheran

I read this book slowly, savoring and reflecting. As someone who grew up (at least) fourth generation Lutheran, and born-baptized-confirmed LCMS, attending a Lutheran school from nursery through grade eight, it is deceptively easy to think Iknow what it means to "be Lutheran." In some cases and on some days, it *is* easy. But it is also too easy to do it without thinking about it, considering it, *choosing* it...or understanding it. Being Lutheran is a catalyst for the deep contemplation and careful introspection that drive understanding.

Written in contemporary language, Sutton's book goes right for the heart, in the first half inspecting the aspects of Christianity we need to challenge, in the second reminding us what we need to cling to. It takes modern life and strips away the assumptions of modern culture in defining what Christians -- specifically Lutherans -- are and believe. It is so easy to hear the words of the world telling us how we view this or respond to that, distracting us from who we actually are and what we need to do.

There were convictions and guidance throughout this book, but Chapter 5 "Confused" and Chapter 7 "Ordinary" spoke to me especially. Even though I completed this book, I can see myself going back to these chapters again for additional thought. The Conclusion also felt especially poignant.

This book is not just for those who are generations-deep in the Lutheran tradition, it is for those curious about what Lutherans believe and what makes us different from other Christian traditions. It is for those who just joined a Lutheran church, those who have no church, those who feel like maybe there's something missing, and yes, for Lutherans who have been here a long while. I mentioned that this book is brimming in conviction, *but* like the Gospel on which the Lutheran tradition of Christianity remains steadfastly planted, it is rich in comfort through instruction. Don't assume you know what it means to "be Lutheran," whether you're looking in through the window or you've been a lifelong member of the Body of Christ. There is always *so* much to learn. I look forward to reading more of A. Trevor Sutton's works in my personal quest to continue the education process in my walk with Jesus.