Living the Faith: A Lutheran Perspective
on Ethics

This congregational study invites you to think and talk about how your faith in Jesus Christ shapes the way you live your daily life. “Living the Faith” introduces you to the basics of Christian ethics as viewed from a Lutheran perspective. By drawing upon the Lutheran tradition in the midst of contemporary confusion and debate about ethics, this study offers congregations an insightful and accessible guide for talking together about the Christian life.

This study is meant for small groups of adults or youth who are interested in thinking through how Lutherans approach ethics. The questions in the text and the two sections “Guides for Leaders” and “Small Group Session Questions and Activities” are intended to facilitate discussion of the study. “Living the Faith” follows upon the publication of The Promise of Lutheran Ethics (edited by Karen L. Bloomquist and John R. Stumme, Fortress Press, 1998). This study refers to the essays in that book and helps introduce readers to it. Reading The Promise of Lutheran Ethics and having a copy at hand for reference will enhance your study.

The author of this study is the Rev. Dr. Paul Jersild. Dr. Jersild is Professor Emeritus of Theology and Ethics at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, where he also served as Academic Dean. Before going to Southern, he was Dean and Professor of Ethics at Wartburg Theological Seminary. He is now Visiting Research Professor at the Bioethics Center, University of South Carolina.

This study is a joint publication of the Division for Congregational Ministries (DCM) and the Division for Church in Society (DCS) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Rev. Paul Lutz (DCM) and the Rev. Dr. John R. Stumme (DCS) are the study’s editors. They have been assisted by the Rev. Ted Schroeder (DCM).

This study is available in multiple formats. 

• To view the study online, use the following link:
  Living the Faith: A Lutheran Perspective on Ethics
  
  

• To download a copy of the study in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format, use the following button:
  
  

• To obtain a printed copy, phone the ELCA Distribution Service at 800-328-4648 and ask for item 69-6330. The cost is $1.25 (plus s/h)