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Concordia Theological Monthly

Article Title

The Unity of the Church

Publication Date

5-1-1955

Document Type

Article

Keywords

augsburg confession, unity, articles of faith, lutheran, apology, german, latin, melanchthon, theological, doctrine, luther, catholic, lutheranism

Submission Type

Bible Study; Lecture; Sermon Prep

Abstract

This is an anniversary year for the Lutheran Church. The Augsburg Confession, the foremost of our Lutheran symbols, came into existence 425 years ago. Prepared by Melanchthon and approved by Luther, it was read in German at the Diet of Augsburg on June 25, 1530. Copies of the German and Latin text were presented to Emperor Charles V. This 1530 version, known as the "unaltered" Augsburg Confession, has since that memorable day been the touchstone of what constitutes Lutheranism. It reflects in matchless form the deepest theological concerns of Luther, Melanchthon, and their colaborers. It served a threefold purpose: (1) it articulated clearly and concisely what ''Lutherans" believed and taught; (2) it demonstrated that "Lutherans" stood in the great tradition of the church of all the Christian centuries and were therefore no schismatics, much less errorists and heretics; (3) it aimed to effect, if possible, a reconciliation between "Lutherans" and the established church.

Disciplines

Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Scripture References in this Resource (separated by semi-colons)

Ephesians 4:5-6;

Submission Cost

Free

Submission Audience

Laity; Ministers; Scholars

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