Concordia Journal Currents

A series of videos on books, movies and events at Concordia Seminary

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073. Ten Commandments and Lutheran Music from the Organ Bench

David Maxwell

Dr. David Maxwell, the Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, reflects on the Ten Commandments and the way they are expressed in Lutheran music, including a piece from J.S. Bach, from the organ in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus.
072. Always Reforming: Reflections on Martin Luther and Biblical Studies

Erik Herrmann, Mark Seifrid, Robert Plummer, and Channing Crisler

Dr. Erik Herrmann, associate professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary and director of Concordia Theology, leads a discussion about the new publication, Always Reforming: Reflections on Martin Luther and Biblical Studies from Lexham Press, as well as Luther, Lutheranism and Calvinism. The book is a festschrift, or collection of essays, in honor of Dr. Mark Seifrid, who is professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary and also a pre-eminent scholar of the New Testament letters of Paul. The discussion includes the book’s editors, Dr. Robert Plummer, who is the Collin and Evelyn Aikman Professor of Biblical Studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ken., and Dr. Channing Crisler, who is the associate professor of New Testament at Anderson University in Anderson, S.C. Plummer and Crisler are former students of Seifrid at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where Seifrid taught for more than two decades before he joined Concordia Seminary. “We are fortunate to be two of his former students,” Crisler says. “But he’s had quite an influence on countless students. We just wanted to find a way that we could honor him. If you know Dr. Seifrid, you know he’s a great New Testament scholar and he also has a great love for Luther. We tried to combine those two things” in the book. Plummer calls Seifrid a man “worthy of honor” who has “faithfully served the Lord.” Learn more at Concordia Theology.
071. Let the Gospel Lead

Travis Scholl, Douglas Rutt, Dale Meyer, and Erik Herrmann

Dr. Travis Scholl, managing editor of Seminary Publications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, leads a Concordia Journal discussion about the publication, Let the Gospel Lead: Essays & Sermons in Honor of Dale A. Meyer, with President Emeritus Meyer, Director of Concordia Theology Dr. Erik Herrmann and Provost Dr. Douglas L. Rutt. The book was published in 2020 in recognition Meyer and his contributions to the church and his retirement from service as Concordia Seminary’s 10th president last year. The festschrift, or honorary volume of essays, is available for purchase at Concordia Publishing House and Amazon. “We put this festschrift together in record time,” Scholl says to Meyer in the video. “One of the reasons that was able to happen is that every author that we asked to contribute said yes. We didn’t have a single person say no. That’s a testament not only to your leadership but to your churchmanship, as we’ve talked about, and your collegiality. So many relationships that you have, Dale, in the church, in the broader church, is a blessing to us all.” Read more about the book in a press release at Concordia Seminary Newsroom. Learn more at Concordia Theology.
070. Hope in Anxious Times

Leopoldo Sánchez and Jorda Schut

An interview by Leopoldo A. Sánchez M given on hope in anxious times, reflecting on themes from his book Escatología .

069. Lutheran Voices on Racism

Leopoldo Sánchez, Warren Lattimore, and Micah Glenn

Concordia Seminary Professor Leopoldo Sánchez engaged in theological conversation with Warren Lattimore and Micah Glenn, two African American Lutheran pastors, on how they have processed the events of the past few weeks since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, what are some factors that make it difficult at times for Lutherans to talk openly about racism, in what ways Lutheran theology contributes to our responses to the sin of racism, and what might be some practical ways of making a difference in these troubled times.
068. Christian Counseling with Dr. Rick Marrs

Richard Marrs and Erik Herrmann

Director of Concordia Theology Dr. Erik Herrmann talks with Dr. Richard “Rick” Marrs about Marrs’ new book, Making Christian Counseling More Christ-Centered, which focuses on the relevance of a Lutheran Law and Gospel dynamic in Christian counseling. Marrs is the director of the Master of Divinity and Residential Alternate Route (RAR) Programs and associate professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. A majority of proceeds from the book made through WestBow Press and the Concordia Seminary Campus Store to DOXOLOGY and the Christian care organization Ambassadors of Reconciliation.
067. Faith and Film Filmaker Philip Hohle

Travis Scholl and Philip Hohle

Hear from Dr. Philip J. Hohle, adjunct faculty member at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, who gave the keynote address at Concordia Seminary’s first Faith and Film Festival in January 2020, “Unsalted Popcorn: Niebuhr‘s Christ and Culture in Paradox.” Learn more at Concordia Theology.
066. Faith and Film Critic Abby Olcese

Travis Scholl and Abby Olcese

Dr. Travis Scholl, managing editor of Theological Publications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, chats with Kansas City-based freelance film critic Abby Olcese during an episode of Concordia Theology. Olcese was one of the presenters featured during the Seminary’s first Faith and Film Festival, held in January 2020. She frequently writes for Think Christian (digital magazine) and Sojourners. Learn more at Concordia Theology.
065. Faith and Film Festival

Travis Scholl; Jacob Wampfler; and Heather Choate Davis Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Dr. Travis Scholl, managing editor of Theological Publications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, explores the topic of movies as an art form and means for sharing the Christian faith and more with L.A.-based writer and speaker Heather Choate Davis and Rev. Jacob Wampfler (’14), pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, Kan. Davis and Wampfler were the co-creators of the Seminary’s first Faith and Film Festival, which was held in January 2020. Learn more at Concordia Theology.
064. Bach's Credo Fugue with Dr. Maxwell

David Maxwell and Erik Herrmann

Dr. David Maxwell, the Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, shares some insights about a piece from Johann Sebastian Bach based on a hymn from Martin Luther, “We All Believe in One True God,” from the organ in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Seminary Associate Professor of Historical Theology Dr. Erik Herrmann sings the first stanza of the hymn to assist Maxwell in exploring the piece. Learn more at Concordia Theology.
062. ‘Death, Heaven, Resurrection, and the New Creation’

Beth Hoeltke, Kent Burreson, and Erik Herrmann

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis’ Dr. Erik Herrmann, chairman of the Department of Historical Theology, chats with Seminary authors Dr. Kent Burreson and Dr. Beth Hoeltke about their new six-session Bible study, Death, Heaven, Resurrection, and the New Creation, from Concordia Publishing House (CPH). Burreson is dean of chapel and the Louis A. Fincke and Ann B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology and Hoeltke is the director of the Graduate School. Their study helps readers understand the nature of death, as well as how to facilitate the experience of death from a biblical perspective. It also considers Christ’s lordship over death through His resurrection, our participation through Baptism in His resurrection, and the nature of heaven and the new creation which the Father will establish in Christ when He returns. The book is available for purchase from CPH Death, Heaven, Resurrection, and the New Creation. Learn more at Concordia Theology.
063. Sculptor Spirit

Leopoldo Sánchez and Erik Herrmann

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis’ Dr. Erik Herrmann, chairman of the Department of Historical Theology, discusses the new book, Sculptor Spirit: Models of Sanctification from Spirit Christology from InterVarsity Press with its author, Dr. Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. Sanchez. Sanchez is the Werner R. H. and Elizabeth R. Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries. In the book, Sánchez carefully crafts a Spirit Christology, which considers the role of God’s Spirit in the life and mission of Jesus and leads to five models of sanctification that can help Christians discern how the Spirit is at work in our lives. Sánchez’s work on the book was supported by a sabbatical research grant from the Louisville Institute. The book is available at Sculptor Spirit. Learn more at Concordia Theology.
061. Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now

David Maxwell

Dr. David Maxwell, the Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, shares some insights about the hymn written by J.S. Bach, “Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now” (LSB 902), from the organ in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. Learn more at Concordia Theology.
060. Bach on the Holy Spirit with Dr. David Maxwell

David Maxwell

Dr. David Maxwell, the Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, shares some insights about the Pentecost hymn, “Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Blest” (LSB 498), from the organ in the Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus. He shares how J.S. Bach transforms, as only Bach can, an ancient hymn to the Holy Spirit. Learn more at Concordia Theology.
058. Maximizing the Midsize Church

David Peter and Erik Herrmann

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis’ Chairman of the Historical Theology Department Dr. Erik Herrmann interviews Dean of Faculty Dr. David Peter about his recent book, Maximizing the Midsize Church: Effective Leadership for Fruitful Mission and Ministry with Kregel Publications. In the book, Peter draws on years of research and pastoral ministry to navigate the specific needs of midsize churches — congregations with an average worship attendance of 150 to 400. In the United States alone, nearly 25 percent of all congregations fall into this size category. The book is aimed to be a handbook for pastors and church staff. The book is available from Kregel at Maximizing the Midsize Church: Effective Leadership for Fruitful Mission and Ministry and on Amazon at Maximizing the Midsize Church Learn more at Concordia Theology.
059. Artificial Intelligence Demonstration

David Maxwell

Dr. David Maxwell, the Louis A. Fincke and Anna B. Shine Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, explains artificial intelligence works with a demonstration.
057. Martin Luther as He Lived and Breathed

Robert Kolb and Erik Herrmann

Dr. Herrmann interviews Dr. Kolb about his new book on Martin Luther that gives the reader a view of Luther from those who knew him.
056. Pastoral Ministry: Theology and Practice

Richard Warneck and Charles Arand

Concordia Seminary’s Dean of Theological Research and Publication Dr. Charles Arand interviews Professor Emeritus Dr. Richard Warneck about his new book, Pastoral Ministry: Theology and Practice from Concordia Publishing House in this Concordia Journal Book Blurbs segment. The book addresses the many challenges faced by pastors and presents the theological foundation of pastoral ministry that aims to inspire and restore the vision of parish ministry for pastors and their congregations.
055. Word Alive! with Dr. Dale A. Meyer

Dale Meyer and David Schmitt

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis President Dr. Dale A. Meyer discusses his new book, Word Alive!, with Dr. David Schmitt, the Seminary’s Gregg H. Benidt Memorial Professor of Homiletics and Literature. From the pulpits of small country churches, large urban congregations and the Seminary chapel — and across the airwaves as Speaker of The Lutheran Hour, Meyer has been bringing God’s Word to the people for more than 40 years. Word Alive! is collection of 52 inspirational sermons, spanning decades of Meyer’s ministry. Each of the 52 weeks in Word Alive! features a powerful sermon, questions for further reflection and discussion and a personal retrospective written by Meyer. The book is available for purchase from Tripillar Publishing at http://www.tripillarpublishing.com/books/wordalive/.
054. Zeigler Performative Reading

David Schmitt and Michael Zeigler

Dr. Schmitt interviews Dr. Zielger about the use of performative reading of the Bible as part of the sermon or the Gospel in order to help the congregation understand the setting and become involved in the Word. This is followed by Dr. Zeigler doing a performative eading of Romans 1-3.
053. Christian Hope Among Rivals

Charles Arand and Michael Zeigler

Dr. Arand interviews Dr. Zeigler about his book "Christian Hope Among Rivals: How Life-Organizing Stories Anticipate the End of Evil".
052. The Press of the Text in honor of Dr. James W. Voelz

Andrew Bartelt, Paul Raabe, and James Voelz

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Professors Dr. Andrew Bartelt, Dr. Paul Raabe and Dr. James W. Voelz discuss the new book, The Press of the Text: Biblical Studies in Honor of James W. Voelz. The Festschrift in honor of Voelz by Wipf and Stock Publishers is a collection of articles from 21 scholars in four continents. “The Press of the Text” is a phrase often used by Voelz to reminding us that we stand under and not over the text. It presses upon us, and as God’s Word, it presses in ways that both condemn and save.
050. Building Up the Body of Christ

Bruce Hartung and Charles Arand

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Emeritus Professor Dr. Bruce Hartung discusses his books, Holding Up the Prophet’s Hand and Building Up the Body of Christ, with Dr. Charles Arand, dean of Theological Research and Publication.
051. Wholly Citizens

Joel Biermann and Charles Arand

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis’ Dr. Joel Biermann discusses his new book, Wholly Citizens: God’s Two Realms and Christian Engagement with the World, with Dr. Charles Arand, dean of Theological Research and Publication.
049. A New History of African Christian Thought: From Cape to Cairo

Joel Elowsky and Charles Arand

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Professor of Historical Theology Dr. Joel Elowsky discusses his contribution to the new book, A New History of African Christian Thought: From Cape to Cairo, with Dr. Charles Arand, dean of Theological Research and Publication. Elowsky wrote a chapter called “Early Alexandrian Theology as a Way of Life.”