The Church and Civil Religion

Resource List

In response to questions raised following the recent news stories about the Rev. Robert Morris of Newtown, Conn., we encourage everyone to read Pastor Morris’ statement and President Matthew Harrison’s pastoral letter for themselves. Please also make use of the following resources.

 Resource List | Download PDF Version

Books

• Postmodern Times—A Christian Guide to Contemporary Thought and Culture by Gene Veith
• The Anonymous God: The Church Confronts Civil Religion and American Society by the Rev. Dr. David Adams
• The Church and the Office of the Ministry by Dr. C. F. W. Walther (particularly Thesis VIII on the church) 
• Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions by the Rev. Paul T. McCain, general editor (particularly Formula of Concordia, Epitome X 7) 

Articles

• “The Challenge of Confessing and Teaching the Trinitarian Faith in the Context of Religious Pluralism”
  by A. R. Victor Raj in Concordia Theological Quarterly, July/October 2003

Pamphlets

• “The Church Is a Mercy Place!” by the Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison 
• “Guidelines for Participating in a Civic Event” – LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations
• “Theology and Practice of Prayer: A Lutheran View” – LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations

Miscellaneous

• “Comfort Dogs Bring Solace to Sandy Hook Students” by Kim Plummer Krull, regarding the nine Lutheran Church Charities golden retrievers sent to Newtown, at reporter.lcms.org