Issues, Etc.
Resource Guide- Articles and Links

 

Topics

Apologetics, Evangelism, & Catechesis

What Is Apologetics, And How Is It Done?
  Do we simply speak the truth of God's Word, or should we also be ready and willing to defend that truth against error and deception? by Rod Rosenbladt

"Evidence for the Resurrection"
Dr. Rod Rosenbladt, Co-host of "The White Horse Inn" and Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Apologetics
Concordia University-Irvine

"Answering Objections to Miracles"
"The Objective Truth Claims of Christianity vs. Other World Religions"
Dr. John Warwick Montgomery, Professor of Law and Christian Apologetics
Trinity College and Theological Seminary

Apologetics, Evangelism & Human Rights
Dr. John Warwick Montgomery, Professor of Law and Christian Apologetics
Trinity College and Theological Seminary

Link to the J. W. Montgomery's International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism & Human Rights

"The Use and Abuse of Reason"
Dr. Steven Hein, Headmaster
Shepherd of the Springs Lutheran High School-Colorado Springs, CO

"Defending the Truth Claims of Christianity"
Craig Hawkins, President
Apologetics Information Ministry

"The Absolute Claims of the Christian Message"
Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Host 
"Let My People Think"

"Defending the Faith in College"
Dr. J. Budziszewski, Associate Professor of Government and Philosophy
University of Texas-Austin

"Catechesis: Instruction in the Christian Faith" 
Rev. Peter Bender, Director 
Concordia Catechetical Academy 

"The Historicity of the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ" 
Dr. Paul Maier, Professor of Ancient History
Western Michigan University

"The Dead Sea Scrolls"
Dr. Nathan Jastrum, Associate Professor of Theology
Concordia University-Mequon, WI

Rev. Bill Cwirla, Pastor
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church-Hacienda Heights, CA

"Urbanology:  Reflections on Mission for the City" by Detlev Schulz. 

Baptism

Check out additional April 2002 articles on baptism in  "For the Life of the World".

The Baptism Hymn, 'God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It'"

Characteristics of God

Charismatic Issues

"Experientialism"
by Craig Hawkins

"Experiencing God’" by Greg Koukl

Christian Doctrine

"The Results of the Incarnation" 
Dr. Ken Schurb, Pastor, Professor, & Theologian
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

"The Incarnation"
- Creation and The Fall
Dr. Norman Nagel, Professor of Systematic Theology
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis 

"Reincarnation"
Rev. Joseph Gudel, Doctoral Candidate
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne

"The Divine Providence of God"
Rev. William Terjesen, Pastor
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church-Peekskill, NY

"Eternal Punishment"
Dr. Mike Horton
"The White Horse Inn"
Dr. David Scaer
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN

"Eternal Life" 
Dr. Louis Brighton, Professor Emeritus of New Testament
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO
"Once Saved, Always Saved?"
Dr. Steven Hein
Shepherd of the Springs Lutheran High School-Colorado Springs, CO

"The Doctrine of Original Sin"
Dr. Karl Barth, President Emeritus
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO

God and Man in Early Christianity - The Church Impotent: The Feminization of Christianity by Dr. Leon Podles

"The Doctrine of the Trinity"
James White, Director
Alpha and Omega Ministries

"Simultaneously Saint & Sinner"
Dr. Lane Burgland, Author
Reading the Bible with Understanding

Prophecy- Check out two great articles: Matthew 24:1-4 & Matthew 24:37-44 by Jeff Gibbs

"The Catholicity of Christianity" 
Dr. John Armstrong, Director
Reformation & Revival Ministries

An Issues, Etc. exclusive - the article on "Tithing" by Dr. James Bollhagen

"Parables of Atonement and Assurance"
Dr. Jeff Gibbs, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO

"Church Discipline" 
Dr. Raymond Hartwig, Secretary 
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 

"Repentance"
Dr. David Smith, Pastor
St. Paul Lutheran Church-Des Peres, MO

Angels:  Fact & Fiction  by Ron Rhodes

Christian Education & Vocation

"Vacation Bible School"
If you want to help support or if you want more information on Vacation Bible School, contact:
Deaconess Pam Nielsen 
6600 N. Clinton Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
(219) 452-2256 or pamjniel@aol.com

"Classical Education"
If you want to help support or if you want more information on Classical Education, contact;
Dr. Steven Hein, Headmaster
Shepherd of the Springs Lutheran High School
9550 Otero Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
(719) 598-7446

"Preaching vs. Bible Study"
Dr. Carl Fickenscher, Associate Professor of Homiletics
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN 

Church & State

"Two Kingdom Theology"  by Gene Veith

Reason and the Two Kingdoms by Steven Hein

"Romans 13: Christians & Governing Authorities" by John  Montgomery

Peace for the Warrior by Daniel Gard

To be a chaplain means to know the joys and sorrows, the pleasures and suffering, the courage and fears of warriors. If they are deployed to a forward position, he is deployed with them. If they face imminent attack, he faces it with them. If their lives are in danger, his life is in danger. To a chaplain who truly serves Christ, there is no being "in the rear with the gear." Where his people are, there he must be. Why? Christ must be there with them.

"Judicial Activism"
Edwin Meese III, former U.S. Attorney General

"The IRS vs. Indianapolis Baptist Temple" by David Adams

Link to the J. W.. Montgomery's International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism & Human Rights

"Can the Religious Right Save America?" by Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnist and former vice president of Moral Majority, Co-author of the new book Blinded by Might: Can the Religious Right Save America? (Newsweek Magazine May, 1999?)

Christianity & The Arts

"A Christian Guide to Literature"
Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Professor of English and Director of the Cranach Institute
Concordia University-Mequon

"The Work of C. S. Lewis"
Dr. Angus Menuge, Associate Professor of Philosophy Concordia University-Mequon, WI & Author
Lightbearer in the Shadowlands

Church Year

A Fresh Look at the Colors of the Liturgical Seasons by the LCMS Commission on Worship

Advent

"The Advent Hymn, 'Hark, A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding'"
Rev. Henry Gerike, Director
Concordia Seminary Chorus

"The Season of Advent" 
Rev. Richard Stuckwisch, Pastor 
Emmaus Lutheran Church-South Bend, IN 

Christmas

"The Incarnation"
Dr. John Warwick Montgomery, Professor of Law and Christian Apologetics
Trinity College and Theological Seminary

"The Christmas Hymn, From Heaven Above to Earth I Come"
Rev. Henry Gerike, Director
Concordia Seminary Chorus

"The First Christmas" 
Dr. Paul Maier, Professor of Ancient History 
Western Michigan University 
 

Epiphany

"The Magi"
Dr. Paul Maier, Professor of Ancient History
Western Michigan University

"The Season of Epiphany"
Dr. Paul Grime, Executive Director
Commission on Worship-The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

"John the Baptist"
Dr. Jeff Gibbs, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO

Reflections on the Seasons of Christmas and Epiphany

"Revelation 12 & The Birth of Christ"
Dr. Louis Brighton, Professor Emeritus of Exegetical Theology
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO

"Is Christmas Christian?"" 
Gretchen Passantino, Co-Founder 
Answers in Action 

"The Origin & Meaning of Christmas Symbols"
Gretchen Passantino, Co-Founder
Answers in Action

Lent

"The Season of Lent"
Dr. Paul Grime, Executive Director
Commission on Worship-The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

Holy Week

"The Events of Passion Week"
Dr. Lane Burgland, Author
Reading the Bible with Understanding

"The Humiliation of Christ"
Dr. Robert Kolb, Mission Professor of Systematic Theology
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO

From John R. Brockhoff’s Lectionary Preaching Workbook:

Easter

"The Ascension of Jesus Christ"
Dr. Louis Brighton, Professor Emeritus of New Testament
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO

"Evidence for the Resurrection" 
Dr. Rod Rosenbladt, Co-host of "The White Horse Inn" and
Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Apologetics
Concordia University-Irvine

"A Legal Case for the Resurrection of Christ"
Craig Parton, Author
Richard Whately: A Man For All Seasons

"Handel’s Messiah"
Dr. Carl Schalk, Professor Emeritus of Church Music
Concordia University-River Forest, IL

Pentecost

Reformation Day

Reformation Sunday Celebration 1998
Courtesy of For the Life of the World
A quarterly journal published by Concordia Theological Seminary- Fort Wayne

Creeds & Confessions

"Classical Christian Creeds"
Rev. Peter Bender, Director
Concordia Catechetical Academy-Sussex, WI

Cults, Movements, & Sects

"Millennialism, Gnosticism & Postmodernism"
Rev. Larry Nichols, Co-author
Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult

"Cults, Sects, Religions & the Occult"
Dr. H. Wayne House, Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies and Apologetics 
Faith Seminary, Tacoma, WA

"A Course in Miracles"  
John Weldon, Senior Researcher
The Ankerberg Theological Research Institute

"The Martial Arts Phenomenon"
Dr. Ron Rhodes, President
Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries

"Gnosticism"
Dr. Bill Weinrich, Professor of Historical Theology 
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN

"Millennialism, Gnosticism & Postmodernism"
Rev. Larry Nichols, Co-author
Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult

"The Word-Faith Controversy"
Rob Bowman, Director
Institute for the Development of Evangelical Apologetics

"The New Age Movement"
Elliot Miller, Editor
Christian Research Journal

"Scientology:  A Religious Mafia?"
Bob Minton,
Founder
Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network, Inc. 

"Gwen Shamblin & The Weigh Down Workshop"
Greg Koukl, Founder
Stand to Reason

"The Weigh Down Workshop"
Don Venoit, President 
Midwest Christian Outreach

"The Holistic Health Movement" 
Dr. Paul Reisser, Author
New Age Medicine

"The Health, Wealth & Prosperity Gospel" 
D.R. McConnell, Author 
A Different Gospel

"The Media Conspiracy"
Paul Coughlin, Author
Secrets, Plots & Hidden Agendas

"The Two Covenant Theory of Atonement" by Joe Gudel

 "The Animal Rights Movement" by Harold O. J. Brown

The Man, His Ministry, And His Movement: Concerns About the Teaching of T.D. Jakes by Jerry Buckner

Anthony Robbins and the Quest for Unlimited Power The Personnel Power of Anthony Robbins by Ron Rhodes

Alleged Trips to Heaven & Hell by Bob Liichow

Eastern Religions


"Reincarnation"
by Joseph Gudel

"Chinese Religions & Human Rights"
Dr. John Warwick Montgomery, Professor of Law and Christian Apologetics
Trinity College and Theological Seminary

"Buddhism vs. Christianity" 
Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Host 
"Let My People Think" 

"The Resurrection vs. Reincarnation"
Craig Hawkins, Director
Apologetics Information Ministry

"World Religions & Human Rights"
Dr. John Warwick Montgomery, Distinguished Professor of Apologetics and the History of Christian Thought
Trinity College and Theological Seminary

Ecumenical Movement

"The Ecumenical Movement"
Dr. Ron Feuerhahn, Associate Professor of Historical Theology
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO

"The National Council of Churches"
Rev. Parker Williamson, Editor
The Presbyterian Layman

"Protestant & Catholic Ecumenicity"
Dr. Mike Horton, Co-host
The White Horse Inn

End-Time Issues

The Great Premillennial HOAX by Don Matzat 

"Prophecy in the Book of Matthew"
Dr. Jeff Gibbs, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis

"Biblical Prophecy" 
Dr. Kim Riddlebarger, Co-Host 
"The White Horse Inn" 

"The Left Behind Series”
Rev. Al Loeschman, Pastor
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, North Zulch, TX

"The Left Behind Series"
Brent McGuire, Author
Will You Be Left Behind?

Millennial Madness in the Aftermath of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11"
Dr. Louis Brighton, Professor Emeritus of New Testament
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO

"Judgment Day" 
Dr. Louis Brighton, Professor Emeritus of Exegetical Theology 
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO 

"End-Times Theology"
Dr. Reed Lessing, Assistant Professor of Old Testament
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO

Evangelical Revivalism

"The Roots and Fruits of Evangelicalism"
 Dr. Kim Riddlebarger, Co-Host
 The White Horse Inn 

 "Born Again Theology"
Dr. John Johnson, President
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis

"Seeker Sensitive Christianity: Fact & Fiction"
Dr. Mike Horton, Co-Host
"The White Horse Inn"

"The Influence of Pentecostalism on Evangelicalism"
Dr. Mike Horton, Co-host
"The White Horse Inn"

"The United Pentecostal Church"
Dr. H. Wayne House, Distinguished Professor of Biblical Studies and Apologetics
Faith Seminary-Tacoma, WA

"American Revivalism" 
Rev. Larry Rast, Assistant Professor of Historical Theology 
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN 

"Pop American Christianity vs. Reformation Theology"
Rev. Larry Rast, Assistant Professor of Historical Theology
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN
Dr. Martin Noland, Executive Director
Concordia Historical Institute

Evolution & Intelligent Design

 "Intelligent Design"
Dr. David Menton, Associate Professor of Anatomy
Washington University

Is God an Evolutionist?

"A Six-Day Creation"
Dr. David Adams, Associate Professor of Old Testament
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO


Feminism & Multiculturalism

"The Feminization of Christianity"
Dr. Leon Podles, Author
The Church Impotent

"Christianity & Feminism"
Betty Talbert Wettler, Author
Witnessing to Radical Feminists

"The Role of Women in the Church"
Dr. H. Wayne House, Distinguished Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies
Faith Seminary, Tacoma, WA.

"Feminism & Abortion"
Serrin Foster, President
Feminists for Life

"1 Corinthians & Women in the Church"
Dr. Walter A. Maier II, Emeritus Professor of Exegetical Theology 
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN


Holy Communion

"The Lord's Supper: Gospel, Gift & Eschatological Eucharist" 
Dr. Jack Preus, President
Concordia University-Irvine, CA

Two articles on the Christian Doctrine:  Lord's Supper published by the LCMS President's Office:

"The Lord’s Supper"
Dr. Arthur Just, Professor of Exegetical Theology
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN

"The Lord’s Supper Hymn ‘Now My Tongue the Mystery Telling’"
Dr. Norman Nagel, Professor of Systematic Theology
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO
Rev. Henry Gerike, Director
Concordia Seminary Chorus

"The Lord’s Supper" 
Dr. Charles Manske, Director
Institute for World Religions

Dr. Charles Manske also produces a weekly TV show called Point of Truth which can be viewed Sunday afternoons from 3-4 p.m. EST on The Church Channel (Direct TV, Channel 371).

Life of the World  magazine - January, 2000 (Volume 4, No. 1 - The Holy Supper):

Islam

"Is the Father of Jesus the God of Muhammad?"
Dr. Timothy George, Dean
Beeson Divinity School

"Islam vs. Christianity" 
Rev. Joseph Gudel, Contributing Editor of the Christian Research Journal and Doctoral Candidate 
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN

Do you want to get to know a Muslim friend or acquaintance better?
Check out these two classic articles: "Islam's Worldwide Revival" and "To Every Muslim An Answer" by Joseph Gudel.
You will have something to talk to them about!

"The Popularity of Islam in a New Age of Spirituality"
Dr. Fred Baue, Author
The Spiritual Society: What Lurks Beyond Postmodernism

September 30, 2001
"Islam"
Dr. John Warwick Montgomery
Distinguished Professor of Apologetics and the History of Christian Thought
Trinity College and Theological Seminary-Newburgh, IN

Jehovah's Witness

"Jehovah’s Witnesses & Christ’s Resurrection"
Rob Bowman, Publications Editor
Watchman Fellowship

Judaism

"The Messianic Congregational Movement" 
Rev. Ed Balfour, Pastor
Redeemer Lutheran Church-Cape Elizabeth, ME

“The Life & Works of Jewish Historian Flavius Josephus”
Dr. Paul Maier, Professor of Ancient History
Western Michigan University

The Roman Governors by Paul Maier 

"Messianic Prophecy" 
Dr. John Saleska, Director 
Concordia Bible Institute 

"Religious Pluralism" 
Dr. Albert Mohler, President 
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary 

Justification

"The Joint Declaration on Justification"
Rev. Kurt Marquart, Professor of Systematic Theology
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN

and consider the LCMS article "A Betrayal of the Gospel" ~ A Statement from The Office of the President.

"Reclaiming the Doctrine of Justification"
 Dr. Rod Rosenbladt
Co-host of The White Horse Inn and Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Apologetics
Concordia University-Irvine, CA 

"Protestant & Catholic Ecumenicity"
Dr. Mike Horton, Co-host
"The White Horse Inn"

"A New Ecumenical Statement on The Gospel of Jesus Christ"
Dr. John Armstrong, Director
Reformation & Revival Ministries

"The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification: A Year in Review"
Rev. Dan Preus, Director
Concordia Historical Institute  

"Understanding the Fullness of the Gospel" 
Dr. Jack Preus, President 
Concordia University-Irvine, CA

"The Doctrine of Justification"
Craig Hawkins, Director
Apologetics Information Ministries 

"The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification"
Dr. Gerhard Forde, Professor of Systematic Theology
Luther Seminary &
Dr. James Nestingen, Professor of Church History
Luther Seminary

Law & Gospel

From Luther's Large Catechism:

"Law & Gospel Witnessing"
Rev. Mark Cares, Author
Speaking the Truth in Love to Mormons

Also the article "Effective Evangelism".

"Simultaneously Saint & Sinner"
Dr. Mike Middendorf, Assistant Professor of Religion & Biblical Languages
Concordia University-Austin, TX 

The LCMS teaching regarding "Simultaneously Saint & Sinner" is still a central point dividing the Roman Catholic Church and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Apart from [Rome's Cardinal Edward] Cassidy's remarks, the Vatican's official statement alternately praised and criticized the declaration ["The Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification"].  Although the statement said "a high degree of agreement has been reached" in the Catholic-Lutheran [Lutheran World Federation] dialogue, it pointed out areas of serious difference.
The most important, according to the statement, is the Lutheran belief that a person can be both forgiven by God and yet still be a sinner.  Catholics believe that a person, once forgiven, has an inclination to sin, but is not permanently a sinner in God's eyes.
Lutherans approved the declaration on June 16, in a unanimous decision of the governing council of the Lutheran World Federation.  The federation represents a large majority of Lutherans worldwide.   It does not include, for example, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Excerpt from the article "Vatican Settles a Historic Issue With Lutherans", New York Times, June 26, 1998.

"From Judaism to Lutheranism"
Rev. Ed Balfour, Pastor
Redeemer Lutheran Church-Cape Elizabeth, ME

"The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel"
Dr. Carl Fickenscher, Professor of Homiletics
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN

"Law & Gospel Preaching"
Dr. Carl Fickenscher, Associate Professor of Homiletics
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN

"The Law & Self Accusation"
Dr. Carl Fickenscher, Associate Professor of Homiletics
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN

"Law & Gospel"
Dr. Tom Baker, Pastor
St. James Lutheran Church-University City, MO

Liberals- Old & New

The New Liberals   The new liberals believe the Bible is true but, as the old liberals, are driven by cultural relevance. by Don Matzat

"Fighting Liberalism in the Church"
Rev. James Heidinger Editor, Good News Magazine, United Methodist Church
Doug LeBlanc Editor, United Voice a publication of Episcopalians United
Rev. Jim Barnes, President of the Board of Directors, Biblical Witness Fellowship, United Church of Christ

"Liberation Theology" 
Dr. Ron Rhodes, President
Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries

"Inclusive Language Bibles" by Dr. William Weinrich, Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN

Please see the 1998 LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations Report entitled "Biblical Revelation and Inclusive Language" under the section heading "Scripture" (in the PDF* file format).

"The Faulty Gospel of Robert Schuller"
Rev. Joseph Gudel, Contributing Editor
Christian Research Journal

"Liberal Tolerance"
Dr. Frank Beckwith, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Culture and Law
Trinity Graduate School

"The National Council of Churches"
Rev. Parker Williamson, Editor
The Presbyterian Layman

"Confessional Christianity vs. Liberalism, Experientialism & Evangelicalism" 
Dr. Martin Noland, Director
Concordia Historical Institute

Lutheran Theology

  • Why Promote Reformation Theology?  The rise of Evangelicalism has undermined many of the great truths of the Reformation. A return to Reformation theology is a return to biblical truth. by Don Matzat

"What Does It Mean to be Lutheran Today?"
Dr. Laurence White, Pastor
Our Savior Lutheran Church-Houston, TX

"Lutheran Church Bodies in America"
Dr. Ron Feuerhahn, Associate Professor of Historical Theology
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO

'The Ecumenical Decisions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America"
Rev. Paul McCain, Assistant to the President
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod; and
Dr. Richard Muller, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology
Concordia Theological Seminary- Fort Wayne

"Lordship Salvation"
Dr. Karl Barth, President Emeritus
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis

"What’s Wrong with Evangelicalism?"
Craig Parton, United States Director
International Academy of Apologetics, Evangelism and Human Rights

"Seminary Training"
Dr. Dean Wenthe, President
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN

Liturgy and Pietism: Then and Now
John Pless, Pastor
University Lutheran Chapel- Minneapolis

The Roots and Fruits of Pietism Past & Present
Dr. Ronald Feuerhahn, Professor of Historical Theology
Concordia Seminary- St. Louis

"Tithing: The 10% 'Rule' and the Church"
Dr. James Bollhagen, Pastor
Grace Lutheran Church-Summerville, SC

Marriage & Family Issues

"A Christ-Centered Marriage"
Rev. Peter Kurowski, Author
The Lifelines of Love

"A Christ-Centered Marriage" 
Rev. David Shadday, Pastor 
St. Paul Lutheran Church-Indianapolis, IN

"Christian Spirituality for the Family" 
Dr. Beverly Yahnke, Executive Director
Christian Counseling Services-Milwaukee, WI


Mormons

"Mormonism" 
Rev. George Mather, Co-Author
Dictionary of Cults, Sects, Religions and the Occult

Postmodernism

"Defending Christianity Against the Challenges of Postmodernism”
Dr. Doug Groothuis, Associate Professor of Philosophy
Denver Seminary

"Biblical Interpretation in a Postmodern World"
Dr. Dean Wenthe, President
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN

"What Lurks Beyond Postmodernism?"
Dr. Fred Baue, Author
The Spiritual Society

Prayer

"Prayer"
Rev. William Terjesen, Pastor
The Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer-Peekskill, NY

"The Prayer of Jabez" 
Dr. Mark Talbot, Associate Professor of Philosophy
Wheaton College

Promise Keepers

Psychology & Christianity

"Jungian Psychology"
Dr. J. Budziszewski, Associate Professor of Government and Philosophy
University of Texas-Austin

"Christianity & Psychology"
Dr. Beverly Yahnke, Clinical Director
Christian Counseling Services-Milwaukee, WI

"Depression"
Rev. James Winsor, Pastor
Risen Christ Lutheran Church-Arvada, CO

"The Psychology of Atheism" by Dr. Paul Vitz, Professor of Psychology, New York University

Sanctification

"Holiness"
Rev. Harold Senkbeil, Author
Dying to Live: The Power of Forgiveness

Two Pieper Lectures- 1998, Concordia Historical Institute & The Luther Academy,

Satan

"Satanic Ritual Abuse"
Bob and Gretchen Passantino, Co-Founders
Answers in Action

"Spiritual Warfare" by David Powlison, Author, Power Encounters

Scripture

"How We Got the Old Testament"
Dr. Lane Burgland, Author

Excerpts from Reading the Bible with Understanding Lane Burgland

"The Old Testament Canon"
Dr. Andrew Steinmann, Adjunct Professor of Religion
Ashland University

Excerpts from The Oracles of God: The Old Testament Canon by Andrew Steinmann

"Is the Bible True?"
Jeff Sheler, Senior Writer
U.S. News & World Report

Social, Moral, & Cultural Issues

Social

"Reformation for the Black Church" by Rev. Ken Jones, Co-host "The White Horse Inn"

"Generational Segregation in the Church"
Dr. Michael Glodo, Assistant Professor of Old Testament
Reformed Theological Seminary-Orlando, FL

"Generational Segregation in the Church"
Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Director
Cranach Institute

"Religious Pluralism" by Ken Samples

"Racial Segregation in the Church" by Uwe Siemon-Netto

"Is the Church a Business?"
Rev. Rod Zwonitzer, Pastor
Emmanuel Lutheran Church-Dearborn, MI  

"Christians in a Dot Com World"
Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Culture Editor
World Magazine


"Feminism & Motherhood"
Carolyn Graglia, Author
Domestic Tranquility: A Brief Against Feminism

Moral

"The Ethics of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: On Abortion"
Dr. Charles Ford, Author
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the Resistance, and the Two Kingdoms

"The Abortion Debate Focus: Woman or Child?"
Scott Klusendorf, Director of Bioethics
Stand to Reason

Check out these three excellent articles by Scott Klusendorf:

"Abortion: Slaughter of the Innocents" by John Montgomery

"The Adoption Option" by Dr. Jean Garton, Author, Who Broke the Baby?

"The Influence of Christians on Labor & Economic Freedom"
Dr. Alvin Schmidt, Author
Under the Influence: How Christianity Transformed Civilization

"Euthanasia"
Wesley Smith, Attorney
International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force

"Homosexuality"
Rev. Joseph Gudel, Contributing Editor
Christian Research Journal

"The Gay Christian Movement"
Joe Dallas, Founder
Genesis Counseling

"Hate Crimes"
Greg Koukl, President
Stand to Reason

"Medical Ethics in America"
Wesley Smith, Attorney
International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force

"Human Cloning"
Dr. Bob Weise, Professor of Pastoral Ministry and the Life Sciences
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO

Culture

"Christianity in an Age of Terrorism"
Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Director
Cranach Institute
Dr. Fred Baue, Author
The Spiritual Society: What Lurks Beyond Postmodernism?

"Christianity & Culture"
Dr. Charles Manske, Founding President
Concordia University

"The TV Church" 
Dr. Robert Godfrey, President
Westminster Theological Seminary-Escondido, CA

"A Christian Response to Pop Culture"
Ken Myers, Director
Mars Hill Audio

“Politics and the Fall of Man”
Dr. J. Budziszewski, Associate Professor of Government and Philosophy
University of Texas-Austin 

"Church Growth Movement"
Dr. Mike Horton, Co-host
The White Horse Inn

"A Christian Response to Pop Culture"  
Ken Myers, Director
Mars Hill Audio

"Philosophical Problems with Moral Relativism"
Dr. Frank Beckwith, Associate Professor
Philosophy, Culture and Law
Trinity Graduate School

"Religious Symbols in the Public Square"
"Prayer in Public Schools" 
Dr. John Warwick Montgomery, Distinguished Professor of Apologetics and the History of Christian Thought 
Trinity College and Theological Seminary-Newburgh, IN 

"Sin & Salvation in Country Music"
Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Professor of English
Concordia University-Mequon, WI

"The Church in the World"
Rev. Matt Harrison, Executive Director
Board for Human Care Ministries-The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

"Christianity & Culture"
Dr. Laurence White, Pastor 
Our Savior Lutheran Church-Houston, TX 

"The Born-Alive Infants Protection Act" 
Hadley Arkes, Professor of American Institutions 
Amherst College 

"Embryo Stem Cell Research" 
Scott Klusendorf, Director of Bioethics 
Stand to Reason

"The Humanitarian Efforts of Christians" 
Dr. Alvin Schmidt, Author 
Under the Influence

Ethics and Suffering: From Healing to Relief of Suffering by Dr. Richard C. Eyer

"Public Discourse in an Entertainment Culture"
Dr. Neil Postman, Professor of Communications
New York University

"The Lord of the Rings"
Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Professor of English and Director of the Cranach Institute
Concordia University-Mequon, WI

Note: The link to the World Magazine article may require registration.  The "Powerful Rings" article is in the Cultural section of the January 12, 2002 issue.

"Christian Symbolism in Literature"
Dr. John Warwick Montgomery, Distinguished Professor of Apologetics and the History of Christian Thought
Trinity College and Theological Seminary

Theology of Glory Versus Theology of the Cross

A Theology of Glory and a Theology of the Cross  Everyday in every way we are getting better and better. Really? by Don Matzat

Part One- "Working out with the Word of God."

Do You Need Spiritual Exercise?  There is no doubt that God desires his church to grow, but what does that mean? The Bible speaks of spiritual growth. Are you growing spiritually? If not, what can you do about it? by Don Matzat

Part Two - "Working out with the Word of God."

"Word" Problems  by Don Matzat

Meditating upon the Word of God  There are many forms of meditation. What does it mean to meditate upon the Word of God? How is it done? by Don Matzat

"Christian Persecution & Martyrdom"  by Dr. David Adams, Executive Director, Office of Government Information for The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
Also see "Persecuted for Christ"

"Answering the Good God & Human Suffering Question" by Bob & Gretchen Passantino, Co-Founders, Answers in Action

"The Spirituality of the Cross" by Dr. Gene Edward Veith, Professor of English and Director of the Cranach Institute, Concordia University-Mequon, WI

See the article "Evangelical Catholics and Confessional Evangelicals:  The Ecumenical Polarities of Lutheranism" by Gene Edward Veith.

"Luther’s Theology of the Cross"
Dr. Steven Hein, Headmaster
Shepherd of the Springs Lutheran High School-Colorado Springs, CO

"Theology of the Cross"
Dr. Robert Kolb, Director
Institute for Mission Studies

"Theology of Glory vs. Theology of the Cross" 
Dr. R. Scott Clark, Associate Professor of Church History 
Westminster Theological Seminary-CA 

Worship, Liturgy, & Hymnody

Worship

"The Theology of Church Architecture"
Rev. Larry White, Pastor
Our Savior Lutheran Church-Houston, TX

"Reforming Our Worship Music"
Dr. Leonard Payton, Music Director
Redeemer Presbyterian Church-Austin, TX

"For All the Saints Who from Their Labors Rest" by Henry Gerike

"Worship & Emotions"
Dr. Ron Feuerhahn, Associate Professor of Historical Theology
Concordia Seminary-St. Louis, MO

"Ministry to Soldiers"
Dr. Jack Preus, President
Concordia University-Irvine, CA

"The Millennial Generation & Worship"
Uwe Siemon-Netto, Religion Editor
United Press International

"Christ-Centered Worship"
Dr. Mike Horton, Co-Host
"The White Horse Inn"
Dr. Paul Grime, Executive Director
LCMS Commission on Worship

Liturgy

"English Bible Translations"
Dr. Cameron MacKenzie, Professor of Historical Theology
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN

"The Epiphany Hymn ‘Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning’"
by Henry Gerike

For your reference:

Hymnody

"Luther on Music"
Dr. Carl Schalk, Emeritus Professor of Church Music
Concordia University-River Forest, IL
Rev. Henry Gerike, Director
Concordia Seminary Chorus

"Go, My Children, with My Blessing" by Dr. Jaroslav Vjada, Lutheran Hymn writer

"Teenagers and Church Music" - What Do They Really Think?
Dr. Barbara Resch, Professor of Music Education
Indiana-Purdue University-Ft. Wayne

Interview regarding 1995 survey of 500 teenagers- excerpts:

"Pastors, youth directors, parents, teachers, church musicians, and anyone else who works with and cares about teenagers have probably asked at some point: 'How can we keep these kids interested and involved in the Church?'"
"Contrary to expectations, these representative teenagers do not bring to the church service their own musical preferences (e.g., rock and pop music) as the right music for that occasion.  Rather, they tend to accept as appropriate for that context the music that the church has already put in place, whatever that music may be."
"Many expressed a respect for the corporate nature of their worshiping congregations.  One said she made her decisions based on how the 'little old ladies' in her church would react:  'If I thought they would be upset, I said it was not appropriate, because people shouldn't get upset by church music.'   Another wrote:  'This would give my Grandma cardiac arrest, so better not!'" 

"The Contemporary Christian Music Industry"
Lori Lewis, Former CCM Disc Jockey

"The Hymn, Abide with Me’" by Henry Gerike

"The Hymn ‘Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness’" by Henry Gerike

"The Hymn, ‘Jerusalem the Golden’" by Henry Gerike

"The Hymn ‘Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face’"
by Henry Gerike

"The Life & Works of Johann Sebastian Bach"
Uwe Siemon-Netto, Author
The Gospel According to J. S. Bach

"The Gospel According to J. S. Bach"
Dr. Robert Bergt, Conductor and Music Director
American Kantorei

Want to know more about the "Fifth Evangelist"? Check out  J. S. Bach: A Biography 

"The Season of Lent"
Dr. Paul Grime, Executive Director
Commission on Worship-The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

"The Hymn ‘Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!’" by Henry Gerike

"The Christmas Hymn, Of the Father’s Love Begotten’"
Dr. Art Just, Professor of New Testament 
Concordia Theological Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN 
Rev. Henry Gerike, Director 

"Reforming Our Worship Music"
Dr. Leonard Payton, Music Director
Redeemer Presbyterian Church-Austin, TX

"Charismatic Worship Music" 
Dr. Leonard Payton, Author 
Reforming Our Worship Music 

"Worship Music"
Dr. Dan Zager, Associate Professor of Music
Eastman School of Music

Did Martin Luther really use barroom melodies for sacred hymns?

Find out when you read the article Music: Gift of God or Tool of the Devil by Richard Resch