Hope Lutheran Bible Class

Welcome to the Hope Lutheran Bible Class page! We have just finished a long study of St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans and are now beginning a study of the Book of Concord. Over the next several weeks the class will look at the different documents in the Book of Concord in an effort to gain a better understanding of sixteenth-century Lutheranism and what it means to be a confessional Lutheran today. All are welcomed to join us at 9:00 am in the fellowship hall for coffee, the occasional donut, and good Lutheran theological discussion!

Below you will find various resources related to our Bible Class and discussions. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Pastor Beckwith (clbeckwi@samford.edu).

Book of Concord resources:

1. We are using the Tappert edition of the Book of Concord for our study. For those wishing to own their own copy, you may purchase it from Amazon.com at a reasonable price (no shipping, no tax!). If you own a different edition, no worries, bring it along and use it. Note: you do not need to own a copy of the Book of Concord to attend the Bible Class. Copies are distributed.

2. The Book of Concord webpage is a highly recommended resource. You may read the entire Book of Concord online in English or German. You may also download a copy of the Book of Concord.

3. If you would like to read an introduction to the Book of Concord and a discussion of the various Lutheran controversies of the sixteenth century, you may read Bente's Historical Introductions to the Book of Concord online or download it. Another good book is Sources and Contexts of the Book of Concord.

4. For information on Philipp Melanchthon, take a look at this Concordia Historical Institute online exhibit.

Nicene Creed and Early Church Trinitarian debates

1. As promised in class, here is the Nicene Creed with scripture references.

2. If you are feeling adventurous, you may brave my book on Hilary of Poitiers and the fourth-century Trinitarian debates.