The Lutheran Handbook: A Field Guide to Church Stuff, Everyday Stuff, and the Bible

Wonderful book that combines humor and Christian beliefs. Very easy to read and apply to every day life

As a born and bred Lutheran living in the Southeast (where you drive by 15 "other" denominational churches before finding the closest Lutheran church) I find this book to be a necessity for people who ask the question, "Just what is a Lutheran anyway?" With the characteristically Lutheran sense of humour (that'd be a dry one that makes more fun of the self than anyone else) this book approaches the core beliefs of the Lutheran church in a witty and entertaining way that still does an excellent job of informing the reader. As someone who slept through much of confirmation class, this book reminded me of many pieces of information I should have known as well as brought along some interesting trivial points that just made me laugh.

When I first saw this book I thought that it would be boring and full of theological "how to's" - I was surprised! This little book contains some humor, some practical applications and some Biblical information. Clearly a joy to read and have as reference.

What a great little book! Anyone negotiating the Lutheran church (especially the ELCA) will enjoy it as it covers, in a concise and occasionally humorous manner, all the things you need to know, want to know and already know about the church. I particularly enjoyed the simple way the Reformation and Martin Luther were presented. It is packed full of interesting items such as: Comparative religion History of the church Anatomy of a Baptism How to receive communion How to stay awake during the sermon How to share your faith How to identify a miracle What to bring to a potluck The top 10 Bible miracles and their meanings The five biggest misconceptions about the Bible The list goes on and on. There are also illustrations, maps, diagrams and other essential tips. This is informative and fun and a book you'll want to keep and give as a gift. Armchair Interviews says: You don't have to be a Lutheran to enjoy and receive benefit from this book. Actually this is a light-hearted look at all things Lutheran. Frankly it is wonderful -- and it's a hoot!

You have no idea how excited I've been about this book. It's a thing of pure beauty. It is history, geography, sociology, practicality, theology, and -- perhaps most importantly -- great oozing masses of offbeat humor. It is hands-down the best single piece of popular religious writing and armchair theology that I've seen. Funny, intelligent, down-to-earth, comically illustrated, and irreverent. It's everything you need to see what good, orthodox, traditional Christianity is all about. (And it's a good tool for defense against extremist nutjobs!) It's set up in the same format as the ever-famous Worst Case Scenario guides. From chapters on camparative religion, a family tree of Christian denominations, and anatomical drawings of a proper Crucifixion, to a history of the Church, Medieval life, and good orthodox Christian theology, this book is perfect for people who know nothing of religion, perfect for Christians of any stripe, and perfect for life-long Lutherans. My home parish bought 100 of them and sold out immediately. My work parish just ordered 25 and we've already pre-sold several. Did I mention there's a section on HOW TO AVOID BEING BURNED AT THE STAKE? Also tips on what to request if you can't avoid being burned at the stake. I kid you not. Another list includes ways to cast the Devil out from your presence. #6 is "break wind," and is noted as one of Luther's favorites. Also included: How to Stay Alert During a Boring Church Service Five Grossest Bible Stories Five Weirdest Old Testament Laws How to Perform a Crucifixion How to Reform the Church History's Six Most Notorious Heretics Three Most Rebellious Things Jesus Did Five Funniest Stories in the Bible I've highlighted the humor, but this handbook is no satire. It is a serious, joyous, and thoroughly Christian document meant to educate, entertain, and deepen one's relationship with God and Christ's Church. It also includes guides on how to appreciate liturgy, how to deepen your experience of a worship service, how to find famous stories in the Bible, how to understand miracles, how to approach Scripture, how to live as a Christian in your everyday life... Honestly, this book is simply priceless. By all means, buy it, and pick a few copies up for your friends and loved ones.