By the Rev. Scott Stiegemeyer, Admissions Counselor

C. S. Lewis once commented that he felt it is not as important to read a large number of books as it is to read a few good ones often and well. Let’s face it. Pastors are readers. They are also talkers and their reading goes a long way in shaping their talking. One of our objectives in the admissions office is to suggest various texts to our prospective students that will help them to grow as Christians and serve as pastors. We have, therefore, produced a basic list of recommended literature that is available upon request for those considering the study of theology. With this in mind, here are a couple of titles from our list, plus one or two besides.

How To Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading (Simon & Schuster, Inc.), by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren.

Maybe it seems obvious, but we think that too often the fundamentals of reading for understanding is a skill overlooked. Adler discusses the different levels of reading necessary for various types of literature and gives concrete suggestions for improving one’s ability to grasp and digest all sorts of written matter. Some books warrant only surface skimming. Others must be thoroughly chewed and digested. How can you tell the difference? What keys are most important when it comes to improved reading comprehension? Every reader will benefit from the lessons Adler teaches.

The Book of Concord (Augsburg-Fortress Press), the confessions of the Lutheran Church.

In a time when the doctrinal commitments of various church bodies are waning, our synod continues to pledge its allegiance to the creedal and confessional books of the Lutheran Church. Because the Book of Concord renders a faithful exposition of the teachings of Scripture, it must remain a vital part of every Lutheran pastor’s mental and spiritual diet.

Luke 1:1-9:50 and Luke 9:51-24:53 (CPH) by Arthur Just. 2 volumes.

Our own Dr. Just, professor of exegetical theology, offers this recently published commentary on the Gospel of St. Luke. It is part of a new series from our synodical publishing house. The editor’s preface states, "The purpose of this series, simply put, is to assist pastors, missionaries, and teachers of the Scriptures to convey God’s Word with greater clarity, understanding, and faithfulness to the divine intent of the text." Dr. Just shows the Christ-centered, life-oriented, sacramental focus of Luke’s Gospel.

Ministry, Word and Sacrament: An Enchiridion (CPH), by Martin Chemnitz.

It has been stated that if the second Martin (Chemnitz) had not come, the first Martin (Luther) would not have stood. This handbook is highly recommended especially for any man who desires to become a pastor. In simple question-and-answer form, the author walks us through the basic points of Christian teaching.

From Volume 2, Issue 6, November/December 1998