Posts in Resources
Rereading Niebuhr’s The Kingdom of God in America

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Mark A. Granquist, Rereading Niebuhr’s The Kingdom of God in America, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

This seminal work, now eighty-six years old, by American theologian H. Richard Niebuhr, remains a crucial text informing Christians about how they should understand the kingdom of God, especially as it relates to the Chris- tian faith. Niebuhr emphasizes how this concept refers to the primacy of God’s sovereignty in the world over all other allegiances.—Mark A. Granquist

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ELCA Worship's January Highlights: Music, Devotion, and Global Concerns

Discover enriching resources for Lent, the Three Days, and Easter with "All Creation Sings," featured on ELCA Worship's latest blog post. Additionally, explore the newly available worship resources for the crisis in the Holy Land and learn how you can support and nominate talented young musicians for the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival 2024 at Valparaiso University. Plus, delve into the daily Lenten devotions offered in "Gathered Into One," a reflection on unity and diversity in faith.

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Faith Lens: Is Seeing Really Believing?

In a world where AI-generated content blurs the line between reality and fiction, ELCA's Faith Lens challenges us to explore the authenticity of our faith experiences. How do we discern the truth in what we see and share a genuine testament of God's love in our lives? Dive into a thoughtful discussion on the intersection of faith and perception at ELCA.org.

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“Oh, Those Words Are So Divisive, Pastor!”: Christian Nationalism and Identity Expression in the United States

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Marie Olson Purcell, “Oh, Those Words Are So Divisive, Pastor!”: Christian Nationalism and Identity Expression in the United States, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

The phrase “America is a Christian nation” is a highly polarizing statement in the contemporary United States. But like many such polarizing statements, the situation surrounding it is much more complex than it might seem. These complexities are actually openings for a deeper discussion of national identity and Christian faith, if such conversations can be had.—Marie Olson Purcell

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Faith Lens: Believe Me

Explore the power of belief and the importance of listening to women's voices in this week's Faith Lens post. Drawing inspiration from Britney Spears' memoir and her #FreeBritney movement, we delve into the societal tendency to dismiss women's stories and the impact of such attitudes. This post connects this theme to the Gospel, emphasizing the significance of believing Mary's account of Jesus' divine origin and the ongoing struggle to give women a voice in the church and society.

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Faith Lens:

Explore the challenging yet enriching call to step beyond our comfort zones in the latest Faith Lens blog, which delves into the history and current impacts of Indigenous people’s subjugation, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's unsettling call for change and repentance. Engage with thought-provoking questions and activities that encourage embracing Jesus' liberating message of love and justice.

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Faith Lens: An Unsettling Call

Explore the challenging yet enriching call to step beyond our comfort zones in the latest Faith Lens blog, which delves into the history and current impacts of Indigenous people’s subjugation, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's unsettling call for change and repentance. Engage with thought-provoking questions and activities that encourage embracing Jesus' liberating message of love and justice.

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Bonhoeffer’s Stellvertretung: A Christ-Like Ecclesial Ethic for Serving “Galilean” Neighbors

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Will Fredstrom, Bonhoeffer’s Stellvertretung: A Christ-Like Ecclesial Ethic for Serving “Galilean” Neighbors, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

“The ideas of America as either a “Christian” or “post-Christian” nation both reduce a complex relationship between church and state to a simplistic one. If the church is, as Bonhoeffer states, a representative of Christ’s redemptive presence in the world, then the church is primarily bound to serving all neighbors, both directly and through cooperation with the state.” —Will Fredstrom

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ELCA Worship News: November, 2023

The latest ELCA Worship newsletter offers valuable resources for spiritual growth and worship. It includes prayers for the crisis in the Holy Land, the Spanish edition of "Hear My Voice: A Prison Prayer Book," and insights from "All Creation Sings" for Advent and Christmas. Also featured are videos from the World Council of Churches' assembly, details of the ALCM’s PONDER ANEW conference in 2024, and the "Sundays and Seasons: Preaching, Year B 2024" guide.

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Faith Lens: Exploring Mattering and Our Worth in God's Eyes

Exploring Mattering and Our Worth in God's Eyes" dives into the concept of 'mattering' - feeling valued and adding value to others' lives. This edition of Faith Lens engages with this crucial aspect of human well-being, examining how it shapes our relationships, self-perception, and spiritual life. The discussion extends to the Parable of Talents, inviting us to reflect on how we use our God-given gifts and understand our inherent worth as children of God.

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ELCA Worship's November 2023 Partner Organization Resources and Events

Discover a wealth of resources the latest roundup of ELCA Worship partner highlights. Engage with the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) at their upcoming conference, embrace free musical compositions from the Lutheran Summer Music Academy and Festival, explore the Institute of Liturgical Studies' focus on combating consumerism through liturgy, and navigate the path to discipleship with Journey to Baptismal Living's new website.

Plus, prepare for the seasons of gratitude and expectation with Music that Makes Community and delve into fresh perspectives on preaching, allyship, activism, and campus ministry with Augsburg Fortress. Join the Calvin Institute in their mission to rejuvenate worship with their grants program.

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Faith Lens: Listening for Hope

In the wake of recent harrowing events in the world, the latest ELCA Faith Lens explores the complexities of coping with distressing news, seeking understanding, and finding hope amidst despair. Read this week’s Faith Lens for a profound discussion on the importance of empathy, justice, and maintaining faith when confronted with the world's stark realities, and discover ways to find solace and strength through community, prayer, and action.

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All Creation Sings Resources for Advent, Christmas, and Time after Epiphany

This month we celebrate the third anniversary of All Creation Sings, the worship and song supplement to Evangelical Lutheran Worship. As you look ahead to the incarnation cycle of the church year (Advent, Christmas, Time after Epiphany), consider these resources to support your new or continued exploration of All Creation Sings.

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Faith Lens: A Matter of Perception

In this week’s Faith Lens, explore the intriguing realm of perception, from the color of a dress that once divided the internet to deeper questions about truth and freedom in the context of Reformation Sunday. Explore discussions about personal beliefs, discerning the real truth in an era of "truthiness", and the significance of Martin Luther's 95 theses in shaping our understanding of faith.

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