by Frank Imhoff, ELCA News Service
More than 60 Lutheran pastors and teaching theologians contributed
to a new Lutheran Study Bible that Augsburg Fortress, Minneapolis,
published in coordination with the Book of Faith initiative of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Augsburg Fortress
is the publishing ministry of the ELCA. "The release of the
Lutheran Study Bible feels like a calling of our ministry," said
Beth A. Lewis, Augsburg Fortress president and chief executive
officer. "We hope that the reading and sharing of God's word will
foster new opportunities for personal growth, renewal and the
deepening of faith."
"This is truly a study Bible for the church," said Dr. Diane L.
Jacobson, director of the Book of Faith initiative for the ELCA
and professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.
"A group or an individual can certainly use the study Bible as a
basis for a Book of Faith class or informal discussion group. I
can picture folks meeting in living rooms and coffee shops using
this wonderful resource to open Scripture and join the
conversation," she said.
The publication includes the New Revised Standard Version of the
Bible, introductions, notes and articles that "invite readers to
experience the Bible and its message through solid background
material, unique Lutheran insights and opportunities for faith
reflection," according to Augsburg Fortress promotional
materials. Study notes are arranged in four categories: The World
of the Bible, Biblical Concepts, Lutheran Perspectives and Faith
Reflections. "Plain-language notes assume little to no prior
understanding of theological terminology, making it accessible
to the youth and adults alike," the materials state.
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
