Florida State University Libraries

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Florida State University Libraries Florida State University Libraries Electronic Theses, Treatises and Dissertations The Graduate School 2017 A Mighty Fortress: American Religion and the Construction of Confessional Lutheranism Adam S. Brasich Follow this and additional works at the DigiNole: FSU's Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected] FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES A MIGHTY FORTRESS: AMERICAN RELIGION AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONFESSIONAL LUTHERANISM By ADAM S. BRASICH A Dissertation submitted to the Department of Religion in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2017 © Adam S. Brasich Adam S. Brasich defended this dissertation on June 19, 2017. The members of the supervisory committee were: John Corrigan Professor Directing Dissertation Michael Ruse University Representative John Kelsay Committee Member Michael McVicar Committee Member The Graduate School has verified and approved the above-named committee members, and certifies that the dissertation has been approved in accordance with university requirements. ii To my parents, with love. To Zach and Grant, with gratitude. To Stephen H. Webb, in memory. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I appreciate all who, in various ways, helped me see this project through to completion. First, I would like to thank my advisor, John Corrigan, for encouraging me to pursue this project and for his help at every stage of my graduate career. Second, I thank the members of my committee – John Kelsay, Mike McVicar, and Michael Ruse – for their help along the way. An early draft of Chapter Three was originally a seminar paper for Dr. Kelsay, who always supported my interests concerning theology’s role in American religion. Finally, I particularly would like to thank Tucker Adkins, Kevin Burton, and Dan Wells, for stimulating conversations on the relationship between faith and responsible historical scholarship. Additionally, I thank the Graduate School for a Dissertation Research Grant, which provided me with the opportunity to travel to the Midwest for research purposes. Others outside of the FSU community assisted with this dissertation as well. I thank that the staff at Concordia Historical Institute (St. Louis, Missouri), the staff at the Evangelical Lutheran Synod Archives (Mankato, Minnesota), Pastor Nathan Strutz, Pastor Doug Tomhave, Dr. Wayne Wagner, Pastor Don Moldstad, Prof. Erling Teigen, Pastor Gaylin Schmeling, and Pastor Joel Russow for guiding my research and for providing various materials and fruitful conversations. Finally, Phil Barlow’s mentorship throughout my graduate career – and beyond – has been appreciated. This dissertation was not produced in an academic vacuum. I am thankful to two communities which have provided me with succor and strength during my Southern sojourn. Faith Lutheran Church in Tallahassee has been my second home, and it has been a privilege to learn and serve there in various capacities. While there are too many people at Faith to thank by name, I need to single out Phil Biedenbender, whom I met my final year in Tallahassee but provided many stimulating conversation about our shared experiences with Wisconsin Synod iv Lutheranism that, probably unbeknownst to him, encouraged me during the final stages of this project. Many of the ideas in this dissertation are the result of discussions with him over dinner or in the church parking lot. Also, he agreed to read the entire dissertation manuscript, bless his heart. Additionally, the Sacred Harp community of Lower Alabama provided needed distractions from my academic work. Their friendship and acceptance helped make the South feel like home. Finally, I am thankful for the dear family and friends who supported me in innumerable ways over the last six years. My parents have been unbelievably generous with financial support during my graduate career, and I will never be able to adequately express my appreciation for them. Alongside my family have been good, old friends who, despite distance, were always there. Nolan Eller joined me “down South” and kept me grounded in reality (and Cajun food). Zach Rohrbach made the trip to Tallahassee several times, though I suspect he was more interested in Apalachicola oysters than seeing me. Our conversations over the last decade on every subject under the sun have been a constant joy, and his encouragement and support in every aspect of my life is a tremendous blessing. My friendship with Grant Farnsworth has always been a source of adventure, fun, and great memories. I am glad that we have been able to visit with each other as often as we have, and I appreciate his abundant generosity, his tolerance for late night (and lengthy) conversations, and his patient explanation of the story of the Three Witnesses. Finally, I am grateful to Steve Webb for everything he did for me at Wabash College and afterwards. I would never have pursued this journey if it was not for his guidance, and it saddens me deeply that he is not here to see its fulfillment. He was a dear friend and inspiration and the epitome of a Christian scholar. v TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Figures ............................................................................................................................... vii Abstract ........................................................................................................................................ viii INTRODUCTION: THE ANTICHRIST, MICHELE BACHMANN, HISTORIANS, AND CONFESSIONAL LUTHERANS ...................................................................................................1 1. “THE BIBLE OF THE LAITY”: THE BOOK OF CONCORD AND AUTHORITY IN CONFESSIONAL LUTHERANISM ............................................................................................24 2. “GOD’S WORD AND LUTHER’S DOCTRINE”: MARTIN STEPHAN, C. F. W. WALTHER, AND LUTHERAN PRIMITIVISM .........................................................................79 3. THE LONELY LUTHERAN: HERMANN SASSE AND CONFESSIONAL ECUMENISM..............................................................................................................................133 4. “DOGMA PRAYED”: THE DIVINE SERVICE, LUTHERAN HYMNALS, AND AMERICAN EVANGELICALISM ............................................................................................196 5. SERMONS OF STONE: LUTHERAN CHURCH ARCHITECTURE AS A CONFESSIONAL STATEMENT ...............................................................................................252 CONCLUSION: GOOD FRUIT AND GOOD SEEDS ..............................................................318 References ....................................................................................................................................328 Biographical Sketch .....................................................................................................................354 vi LIST OF FIGURES 2.1 C. F. W. Walther’s grave in Concordia Cemetery, St. Louis (photo by the author). .............132 5.1 The altar at St. John’s Lutheran Church (LCMS), Decatur, Indiana (photo by the author). .304 5.2 Grave art with baptismal and eucharistic symbolism at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Decatur, Indiana (photo by the author). ................................................................................................305 5.3 The sanctuary of Resurrection Lutheran Chuch (WELS), Verona, Wisconsin (photo by the author). ...................................................................................................................................306 5.4 Altar with the triptych in the background (photo by the author). .........................................307 5.5 Baptism stained glass window at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Verona, Wisconsin (photo by the author). ........................................................................................................................308 5.6 Note the positioning of the baptismal font in relation to the stained glass window depicting Jesus’s baptism (photo by the author). ...................................................................................309 5.7 The Trinity relief sculpture at Bethany Lutheran College’s Trinity Chapel in Mankato, Minnesota (photo by the author). ...........................................................................................310 5.8 The trinitarian triangles in Trinity Chapel’s guard railing (photo by the author). ................311 5.9 Note the three levels of steps towards the altar (photo by the author). ..................................312 5.10 Trinity Chapel’s triptych altar (photo by the author). .........................................................313 5. 11The exterior of the Chapel of the Christ, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, Minnesota (photo by the author). .............................................................................................................314 5.12 The Chapel of the Christ’s sanctuary (photo by the author). ...............................................315 5.13 The chancel at the Chapel of the Christ (photo by the author). ...........................................316 5.14 The fifth cross on the mensa (photo by the author). ............................................................317 vii ABSTRACT This dissertation focuses on the beliefs and practices of confessional Lutherans in North America (particularly those of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod) as a form of religious conservative intellectual
Recommended publications
  • Theoretical Implications of the Beachy Amish-Mennonites DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Th
    Theoretical Implications of the Beachy Amish-Mennonites DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Cory Alexander Anderson Graduate Program in Rural Sociology The Ohio State University 2014 Dissertation Committee: Joseph Donnermeyer, Advisor Richard Moore Edward Crenshaw Copyrighted by Cory Alexander Anderson 2014 Abstract One of the hallmarks of social science is the interaction of theory and methods/data, the former guiding the latter and the latter refining the former, in a cyclical relationship. The goal of theory is to provide explanations for and even predict a range of human behaviors. One potential cause of theoretical stagnation is an over focus on a singular, usually easily accessible group. Given the persistence of plain Anabaptists like the Amish as a highly distinct subgroup in American society, their utility for refining sociological theories is persuasive, but has rarely been employed to this end because of their social inaccessibility, shyness towards social science research, and the popular interpretive frames placed on them that distract would-be investigators. Even with Amish-focused scholarship, the emphasis has been largely on describing the population or applying theory to understand the Amish case, but not returning findings back to theory in critique and revision. This dissertation introduces and contextualizes the plain Anabaptists, then describes the Beachy Amish-Mennonites, a group within the Amish religious tension, but dealing markedly with tensions between separatism and assimilation. Following this introduction are three independent studies that demonstrate the use of plain Anabaptists to refine theory.
    [Show full text]
  • Bishop's Newsletter
    Bishop’s Newsletter June 2016 North/ In this Issue: West Lower Michigan Synod 500 Years of Reformation Youth and Faith Formation 2900 N. Waverly Rd. Tables Lansing, MI 48906 Upcoming Events 517-321-5066 Congregations in Transition 500 Years of Reformation — 500 Trees for Wittenberg "Even if I knew that the world were to collapse Trees are planted in the Luthergarten by the Castle tomorrow, I would still plant my apple tree Church, along the drive, and by the new town hall. today" (ascribed to Martin Luther). The main garden is fashioned in the shape of the Luther Rose. The center trees, or the foundational As the opening paragraph trees of the garden were planted by The Roman on the Luthergarten Catholic Church – Pontifical Council Promoting webpage Christian Unity; The Orthodox Church; The (www.luthergarten.de) Anglican Communion; World Alliance of Reformed explains: Churches; World Methodist Council; and The Lutheran World Federation. In 2017, Lutheran churches will commemorate the On May 31, as part of a sabbatical trip to Germany, I 500th anniversary of the was privileged to “officially” plan our synod tree. As Reformation (Jubilee) that the sign indicates, our tree is # 282 and is located had its beginnings in along Hallesche Strasse, the southern boundary of Lutherstadt Wittenberg, the garden. Our Germany. As a means of giving expression to synod verse is commemoration, the Luthergarten has been John 12:32 "And I, established in Wittenberg on the grounds of the when I am lifted former town fortifications. In connection with this up from the earth, project, 500 trees will be planted at different places will draw all in the city region, giving a concrete sign of the people to myself." optimism so clearly expressed in Luther's apple tree quote.
    [Show full text]
  • “Here I Stand”
    “HERE I STAND” The 50th Biennial Convention of the Nebraska District of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod Gathered at Nebraska Evangelical Lutheran High School Waco, Nebraska June 6-8, 2016 - 2 - 2016 Nebraska District Convention Proceedings Table of Contents Nebraska District Convention Roster ............................................................................................................. 5 Report of the Nebraska District President .......................................................................................................... 9 Statistical Report of the Nebraska District President ................................................................................... 12 Report of the Synodical Council ...................................................................................................................... 18 Report of the Board for Home Missions – Colorado Mission District ............................................................ 23 Report of the Board for Home Missions - Nebraska Mission District ............................................................. 30 Report of the Board for World Missions ......................................................................................................... 37 Report of the Ministry of Christian Giving ...................................................................................................... 41 WELS Ministry of Christian Giving (MCG) Director’s Report .................................................................. 46 Report of the
    [Show full text]
  • New Board Members Join the Minnesota Private College Council
    NEWS RELEASE Contact: John Manning (651) 228-9061 [email protected] College of Saint Benedict President Mary Dana Hinton Chairs the Board of the Minnesota Private College Council and the Minnesota Private College Fund Other board changes include four new members ST. PAUL, July 20, 2017 — Mary Dana Hinton, Ph.D., president of the College of Saint Benedict, has been elected chair of the board of the Minnesota Private College Council and the Minnesota Private College Fund, effective July 1. Hinton became the president of the College of Saint Benedict in 2014. She has been active on the Council’s board as well as several others, including Minnesota Campus Compact, the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, The Aspen Institute/Association of American Colleges and Universities Wye Seminars Advisory Council and the Women’s College Coalition. Hinton earned a Ph.D. in religion and religious education with high honors from Fordham University, a Master of Arts degree in clinical child psychology from the University of Kansas, Lawrence and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Williams College. Prior to coming to the College of Saint Benedict, Hinton served as the vice president for academic affairs at Mount Saint Mary College, a Dominican college in New York. For more on Mary Dana Hinton and the College of Saint Benedict visit https://www.csbsju.edu/about/college-of-saint-benedict/office-of-the-president. Other board changes Four new directors joined the board on July 1: . Walter Chesley, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Hennepin County Medical Center; .
    [Show full text]
  • Prince of Peace News Volume LVII, Issue Ix OCTOBER 2018 Anno Domini for the Teachings of the Reformation
    Prince of Peace News Volume LVII, Issue ix OCTOBER 2018 Anno Domini for the teachings of the reformation. We 3496 E. Morgan Street The Luther Rose focus our faith on Jesus and how He saved Martinsville, IN by Grace Alone, that we embrace by Faith Dear friends in Christ, Alone, as taught in Scripture Alone. The Church: 765-342-2004 As we enter the month of October, I am teachings of the Bible continue to be the School: 765-349-8873 once again reminded of the rich history that focus of our education at Prince of Peace. Daycare: 765-342-2220 has established the Lutheran Church. One of As we reflect on the Reformation, we also Fax: 765-813-0036 the symbols of the Lutheran Church is the remember the documents contained in the Luther Rose that Dr. Martin Luther put before Book of Concord: The Augsburg Confession, the people to teach the truths of Scripture in a 1530; the Apology of the Augsburg Confes- Meet our staff: visual way. sion, 1531; The Smalcald Articles, 1537; The Pastor: Rev. Nathan Janssen Here is how Martin Luther explained it: Power and Primacy of the Pope, 1537; The Vicar: Christian Schultz First, there is a black cross in a heart that Small Catechism, 1529; the Large remains its natural color. This is to remind Catechism, 1529; The Formula of Concord, Secretaries: Sharon Raney & Beth Wallis me that it is faith in the Crucified One that Epitome, 1577; and The Formula of Concord, Director of Youth Ministries: Sharon Raney saves us. Anyone who believes from the Solid Declaration, 1577.
    [Show full text]
  • 2017-2018 Wisconsin Blue Book: Election Results
    ELECTION RESULTS County vote for superintendent of public instruction, February 21, 2017 spring primary Tony Evers* Lowell E. Holtz John Humphries Total Adams . 585 264 95 948 Ashland. 893 101 49 1,047 Barron. 1,190 374 172 1,740 Bayfield . 1,457 178 96 1,732 Brown. 8,941 2,920 1,134 13,011 Buffalo . 597 178 66 843 Burnett ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 393 165 66 625 Calumet . 1,605 594 251 2,452 Chippewa . 1,922 572 242 2,736 Clark. 891 387 166 1,447 Columbia. 2,688 680 299 3,670 Crawford ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 719 130 86 939 Dane . 60,046 4,793 2,677 67,720 Dodge . 2,407 1,606 306 4,325 Door. 1,602 350 133 2,093 Douglas. 2,089 766 809 3,701 Dunn . 1,561 342 147 2,054 Eau Claire. 5,437 912 412 6,783 Florence . 97 52 18 167 Fond du Lac ������������������������������������������������������������������� 3,151 1,726 495 5,388 Forest ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 241 92 41 375 Grant . 2,056 329 240 2,634 Green ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1,888 379 160 2,439 Green Lake. 462 251 95 809 Iowa . 1,989 311 189 2,498 Iron . 344 106 43 494 Jackson . 675 187 91 955 Jefferson ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3,149 1,544 305 5,016 Juneau . 794 287 110 1,195 Kenosha . 4,443 1,757 526 6,780 Kewaunee ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 619 218 85 923 La Crosse . 5,992 848 632 7,486 Lafayette ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 814 172 105 1,094 Langlade ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 515 201 103 820 Lincoln ���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 843 280 117 1,245 Manitowoc. 2,656 1,405 543 4,616 Marathon.
    [Show full text]
  • A Comparison of the Two Forms of the Roman Rite
    A Comparison of the Two Forms of the Roman Rite Mass Structures Orientation Language The purpose of this presentation is to prepare you for what will very likely be your first Traditional Latin Mass (TLM). This is officially named “The Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite.” We will try to do that by comparing it to what you already know - the Novus Ordo Missae (NOM). This is officially named “The Ordinary Form of the Roman Rite.” In “Mass Structures” we will look at differences in form. While the TLM really has only one structure, the NOM has many options. As we shall see, it has so many in fact, that it is virtually impossible for the person in the pew to determine whether the priest actually performs one of the many variations according to the rubrics (rules) for celebrating the NOM. Then, we will briefly examine the two most obvious differences in the performance of the Mass - the orientation of the priest (and people) and the language used. The orientation of the priest in the TLM is towards the altar. In this position, he is facing the same direction as the people, liturgical “east” and, in a traditional church, they are both looking at the tabernacle and/or crucifix in the center of the altar. The language of the TLM is, of course, Latin. It has been Latin since before the year 400. The NOM was written in Latin but is usually performed in the language of the immediate location - the vernacular. [email protected] 1 Mass Structure: Novus Ordo Missae Eucharistic Prayer Baptism I: A,B,C,D Renewal Eucharistic Prayer II: A,B,C,D Liturgy of Greeting: Penitential Concluding Dismissal: the Word: A,B,C Rite: A,B,C Eucharistic Prayer Rite: A,B,C A,B,C Year 1,2,3 III: A,B,C,D Eucharistic Prayer IV: A,B,C,D 3 x 4 x 3 x 16 x 3 x 3 = 5184 variations (not counting omissions) Or ~ 100 Years of Sundays This is the Mass that most of you attend.
    [Show full text]
  • Love Is the Liberator from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy
    Love is the Liberator from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy Articles Destiny and the Woman Michael Pupko .........................1 The Woman Bliss Knapp .............................2 The Second Coming Has Commenced Judge Hanna ...........................4 Christian Science, A Practical Religion C. W. Chadwick ......................5 Loving Our Leader David Keyston ........................6 The Fulfillment of Prophecy Mattie Bird Clarke ..................6 Beware! Captain S. F. Linscott ..............7 True Estimate of God’s Messenger Irving C. Tomlinson ................9 The Woman in the Apocalypse Colleen Mostika .....................10 Beloved Leader Max Dunaway .......................12 The Law or Sense of Time Mary Baker Eddy ..................13 Grow in Grace Mary Baker Eddy ..................14 “The Rhythmic Round of Unfolding Bliss” Mary Baker Eddy ..................14 The Early Christian Science Movement William Lyman Johnson .......15 A Remarkable Prophecy Editor ......................................19 “Lest We Forget” Lewis C. Strang .....................20 The Door Faith Holmes Hyers ..............20 My Visit to Chestnut Hill Florence Roberts ..................23 Bible Teaching Useful Today Luanne Tucker .....................24 Our Textbook Jeremy Palmer .......................26 Overflowing Gratitude Amanda Miranda .................27 A Garden in the Midst of the World Lynda Spencer .....................28 God’s Protection During Storm Gary Singleterry ..................29 Their Inward Parts Carol Conroy .........................29 The Way of Holiness Mary Beth Singleterry ..........30 Mrs. Eddy’s Place as “The Woman in the Apocalypse” January 2018 Published in Plainfield, NJ • www.plainfieldcs.com “The lighthouse lights the way ... and points out the danger.” Love is the Liberator from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy Mrs. Eddy’s Place as “The Woman in the Apocalypse” January 2018 Copyright 2018 Plainfield Christian Science Church, Independent All rights reserved.
    [Show full text]
  • The Secret of the Strength What Would the Anabaptists Tell This Generation?
    The Secret of the Strength What Would the Anabaptists Tell This Generation? Peter Hoover This is the 2008 version of the text, with the original introduction, forward, cover picture, etc. The text has been revised, but is substantially the same as the original text, with the addition of pictures. Other inspiring books are available at: www.PrimitiveChristianity.org Introduction I well remember the first time I faced the stark realization that I was a Mennonite and different. My fourth-grade friend, Gregory, and I were riding home from public school on the bus. We were talking about our future, how we would always be friends and do things together when we grew up. Then he enthusiastically began to describe activities that from my upbringing I knew to be worldly. Desperate to save our lifelong friendship, I turned to Gregory and said, “You will have to leave your church and become a Mennonite when you grow up.” Thus, the inevitability of our way of life impressed itself on my eight-year-old mind. A year later I made my decision to follow Christ. Of course, Gregory never joined my church, and I do not even know his whereabouts today. The theme of separation from the world ran strong in the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania where I grew up. But I wrongly assumed that, except for our plainness, we believed the same things that other Christians believed. Then one evening at the Chambersburg Mennonite Church, where I was a member, a visiting speaker jolted me with a graphic picture of my martyr heritage.
    [Show full text]
  • Immaculate Conception Catholic Church † Mission of the Sacred Heart 865 Hatchell Lane (70726); P
    Immaculate Conception Catholic Church † Mission of the Sacred Heart 865 Hatchell Lane (70726); P. O. Box 1609 Denham Springs, LA 70727 Phone (225) 665-5359 ◦ Fax (225) 665-4422 www.icc-msh.org ◦ [email protected] November 22, 2015 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Volume 38 ● Number 46 PASTORAL STAFF: Rev. Frank M. Uter. Pastor The Alpha The Rev. Amal Raj, I.M.S. Associate Pastor Paul Barnett. Parish Administrator and Beginning and Tammy Jackson. Assistant Parish Administrator Mike Chiappetta . Permanent Deacon The Omega The End Peter Schlette. .Permanent Deacon Rudy Stahl. Permanent Deacon MASS SCHEDULE Saturday Vigil. .4:00 p.m. Sundays . 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 9a.m. (MSH), 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday-Thursday-Friday-8:30 a.m. Tuesday . .6:00 pm followed by Novena/Benediction Holy Days. As announced SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Tuesday . 5:30-5:45 p.m. Friday . .8:00-8:20 a.m. Saturday . .2:45-3:45 p.m. Other times as announced or by appointment. BAPTISMS: Notify Parish Office during pregnancy. Instruction for parents and godparents is required. MARRIAGE: Contact the Parish Office at least six months before desired date. Come Join Us as We Give Thanks to God PRAYER LINE: (confidential ministry) Contact Ms. Pat Pastor at 664-1097. Thanksgiving Mass CelebraƟons CARE OF THE SICK: Emergency calls Wednesday, November 25 at 6 p.m. answered immediately. Home visitation for the (No 8:30 a.m. Mass) sick and shut-in weekly and upon request. Hospital visits weekly and upon request.
    [Show full text]
  • Mary Baker Eddy Pamphlets and Serial Publications a Finding Aid
    The Mary Baker Eddy Library Mary Baker Eddy Pamphlets and Serial Publications a finding aid mbelibrary.org [email protected] 200 Massachusetts Ave. Boston, MA 02115 617-450-7218 Collection Description Collection #: 11 MBE Collection Title: Mary Baker Eddy Pamphlets and Serial Publications Creator: Eddy, Mary Baker Inclusive Dates: 1856-1910, 1912 Extent: 15.25 __LF Provenance: Transferred from Mary Baker Eddy’s last home at Chestnut Hill (400 Beacon St.) on the following dates: August 26, 1932, June 1938, May 7, 1951, and April 1964. Copyright Materials in the collection are subject to applicable copyright laws. Restrictions: Scope and Content Note Mary Baker Eddy Pamphlets and Serial Publications consists of over 600 items chiefly from Mary Baker Eddy's files from her last residence at Chestnut Hill. All of the items in the collection were published during Eddy’s lifetime except "The Children’s Star" dated October 1912 (PE00030) and "A Funeral Sermon: Occasioned by the death of Mr. George Baker," 1679 (PE00109). Many of the items were annotated, marked, and requested by Eddy to be saved (see PE00055.033, PE00185-PE00189, PE00058.127). The collection consists of two series: Series I, Pamphlets and Series II, Serial Publications. Series I, Pamphlets, consists mostly of the writings of Mary Baker Eddy as small leaflets or booklets. The series also consists of writings by persons significant to the history of Christian Science (Edward A. Kimball, Bliss Knapp, Septimus J. Hanna, etc.). Some of the pamphlets were never published such as "Why is it?" by Mary Baker Eddy (PE00262). Pamphlets also include "Christ My Refuge" sheet music (PE00032) and a Science and Health advertisement (PE00220).
    [Show full text]
  • Biography of CFW Walther
    January 2011 Newsletter Article – Biography of CFW Walther “Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. (Hebrews 13:7) 2011 is the two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther (October 25, 1811 – May 7, 1887) He was the first president of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and is still the most influential pastor and theologian of our church body. This year I will be dedicating each of my newsletter articles to some aspect of his life and/or teaching. There is still much that Walther has to say to us today, even 200 years after his birth. CFW Walther was born in the village of Langenchursdorf in a part of Germany known as Saxony. His father and grandfather were pastors in Langenchursdorf, and his great grandfather was also a pastor. His childhood built a foundation of faith in God’s grace and mercy in Jesus Christ. At the age of three his father gave him a three-penny piece for learning this hymn verse: Jesus, thy blood and righteousness My beauty are, my glorious dress; Wherin before my God I’ll stand When I shall reach the heavenly land.1 Ferdinand went off to boarding school as a young boy. During that time Rationalism was broadly accepted in the German lands. He was taught that the Bible could not be trusted and that Christianity was nothing more than simple moralistic teachings. He would later recall, “I was eighteen years old when I left the Gymnasium (high school), and I had never heard a sentence taken from the Word of God out of a believing mouth.
    [Show full text]