What is book of faith all about?

[Bonnie Roach]

My Lutheran church (ELCA) is not participating in this. I wold like for someone to explain to me briefly what goes on. It sounds like we Lutherans are waking up to the fact that we don't study the Bible very well or very much. I have been blessed with excellent adult Sunday school teachers for the past 15 yrs. which created more interest and I am now an avid pursuer of the Bible. Most of the time, our lessons were the lectionary readings of the day; this group of 45-50 had no interest in discussing social issues and other such materials. The Augsberg offerings didn't meet our needs. I can say I have a better understanding of the NT - Jesus' teachings - from studying the OT. There were stories I had never heard before from a lifetime of church going. I agree that children are getting a mix of crafts, music, God Talk, but are we sure they know what comes from the HOLY BIBLE with so much media around. We need to isolate the readings or somehow teach what the Word of God is and what are other contributions. Thanks, Bonnie

[Paul Lutz]

Your Lutheran Church is participating in the Book of Faith Initiative, Bonnie. They are doing so in at least two ways - one, you are here posting on the BoF Ning site, and two, they use the "Book of Faith" - the holy scriptures - in worship, study and as service to the neighbor. Your personal history of Bible Study is another example of you and your congregation is a Book of Faith congregation. Ways to find out more about what the BoF Initiative can mean for you and your congregation are: talk to your synod’s Book of Faith advocate, visit the BoF website, take a look at some of the many new exciting BoF resources from Augsburg Fortress, and participate in some BoF training offered through your synod. Welcome. pl

[Katelyn]

The "Book of Faith" is an initiative to get us back to "the language of Scripture". It's about really digging in past the surface and studying Scriptures not just alone but with others, being open to interpretation.There have been studies created to help groups in congregations do this. It is not just about doing those studies though -- it is about getting back to Scripture. Info can be found here: http://www.bookoffaith.org/default.aspx

[Anna Marsh]

Bonnie,

Welcome! Both Paul and Katelyn are right on! You're already a part of this even if your congregation hasn't officially signed on. The Book of Faith Initiative is, in a sense, nothing more than a churchwide conviction that has spoken and continues to speak to us through the Bible and that this helps to create faith.

I would second the recommendation that you contact you Synod Advocate. (There is a link to a directory in the right hand column of this page so you can find your advocate.) Also, take a look at some of the excellent resources that Augsburg Fortress has been publishing to support this churchwide vision and the local efforts that are really its heart and soul.

In the meantime, poke around this site and see what conversations are happening and feel free to contact us with any questions you have--you can email us at [e-mail].

Welcome to the conversation!