THE BOOK OF CONCORD PART THREE – THE PREFACE by Vicar Trevor Flanick
Over the last two months, we’ve established the importance of the Lutheran Confessions, why we subscribe to the 1580 Book of Concord, and how these source documents root us in the ultimate source—Holy Scripture. Next, we will examine the Preface to the Book of Concord.
The first of the ten sections of our Lutheran corpus doctrinae—that is, “body of doctrine,” the symbols and writings that belong to Lutheran Christianity—is not a very long document. The Preface to the Book of Concord does not provide deep argumentation against false teachings, article by article, like the Augsburg Confession does. Nor does it equip the Christian with simple explanations of our theology, like the Small Catechism. Rather, the Preface seeks to provide the reader with a solid understanding of why such a symbol like the Book of Concord was even necessary. Appealing to both theological and historical reasoning, the signers of the Book of Concord describe the actions already taken during the Reformation and why, yet again, they were pledging their lives and livelihoods to this confession.
It is important to note that the signatures that appear at the end of the Preface are primarily of rulers. Yes, around 8,000 pastors, theologians, and teachers pledged their support and confidence in the Concordia, but their signatures were not at the front of the document. Altogether, three Electors, twenty Princes, twenty-four Counts, four Barons, and thirty-five Mayors of imperial cities in the Holy Roman Empire of Germany would affix their names to the end of the Preface. This is remarkable for at least two reasons. First, even though their vocation was to the office of earthly ruler, they understood it to be their solemn duty as Christians to uphold sound doctrine and support their clergy in furthering the Gospel in truth and purity. Second, they voluntarily gave their support, even at the risk of death, because they were so convinced in their faith by Scripture and their consciences. There were political benefits because they aligned themselves with one another, but their reasoning was primarily theological. “…it has always been our purpose that in our lands, dominions, schools, and churches no other doctrine be proclaimed and accurately set forth than that which is founded upon the Word of God…” (Preface, para. 21).
The Preface was penned in 1579 by Jakob Andreae and Martin Chemnitz. At the time the Book of Concord was written, there were over twenty different Lutheran corpora doctrinae floating around the Holy Roman Empire. The years between 1546 and 1580 had proved to be a tumultuous time, and the princes and electors were concerned that there was little unity and consensus in their lands, politically and theologically. They faced both external threats and internal controversies. The heresies of the Roman Catholic Church were not the only concern; the Reformation movement had unintentionally wrought a plethora of other church bodies and doctrinal opinions. Since the publication of the Augsburg Confession and the establishment of the Smalcaldic League in 1531, there had not been a document that so unified the Lutherans. It was by God’s grace and mercy alone that the Gospel message re-enlivened in the Reformation was not snuffed out in the years following Luther’s death in 1546. Many of the Lutheran territories were conquered by Emperor Charles V, and both clergy and congregations faced persecution with bravery and conviction. Many suffered terribly, and some, like Phillip Melanchthon, compromised for the sake of peace. Others stood firm, even in the face of death. While too long for this article, I encourage you to continue your own study on this time.
The Preface to the Book of Concord speaks generally of this time period. The signers specifically mention the Naumburg Conference of 1561 and its failed attempts to reconcile Christendom on the truth of Scripture, as described in the Augsburg Confession. This was due, in no small part, to the spread of the 2nd Edition of the Augsburg Confession. This edition contained altered language that sought to “cover and conceal corruptions with respect to the Lord’s Supper and other errors,” including justification, a chief article of the Christian faith (Preface, para 17).
With such conflict and controversies muddying the waters, Jakob Andreae and Martin Chemnitz sought to resolve the theological issues that plagued their day. Understanding this difficulty and the need to establish pure doctrine, the theologians “took up and accurately and in the fear of God pondered and explained the controverted articles, and accordingly in a special writing stated comprehensively in what way and by what method the dissensions which had arisen could be settled in a right and godly manner” (Preface, para 10). Their work resulted in the Book of Concord, and on June 25, 1580, it was published in Dresden, Germany, fifty years after the Augsburg Confession was first presented to the Holy Roman Emperor. Andreae, Chemnitz, and others stood in the shoes of their Lutheran forefathers, uniting Christians throughout the lands around the true and pure teachings of the Word of God. The Book of Concord superseded all the various collections of documents that were circulating Europe and reoriented Lutheran Churches to the foundations of Holy Scripture and work of Luther and others. Following the Concordia’s publication, the Lutheran Church was blessed with a period of growth and development, resulting in our Confession being spread throughout the world.
We owe a great debt of gratitude to the pastors and rulers who stood in the breach against both corrupt religious powers and swarms of false beliefs. Their commitment, which they communicate in the Preface to the Book of Concord, serves as an example to us for our faith. They did not seek to subvert earthly authorities but rather to “cultivate peace and harmony” so as to ensure the spread of the Gospel throughout all the world (Preface, para 23). We would be wise to do the same and to cultivate such faith in our own families and churches. “I will rather lose my head and suffer Wittenberg to be battered down than submit to a demand that violates my conscience.” – Elector John Frederick the Magnanimous
News:
Thank You
The Pastoral staff would like to thank the members of Good Shepherd for all the cards, gifts, and well wishes during the month of October. We truly feel appreciated and want to thank you for your love and kindness shown to us and our families. God’s blessings to you!
Preparing for Thanksgiving Meal
We look forward again to hosting our pre-Thanksgiving celebration at Good Shepherd for members aged 75+ and shut-in members on Thursday, November 21 with the meal at noon and Divine Service immediately following. We need help to make this happen! From donating ingredients and pies, to prepping and serving the food, to setting up and decorating, to picking up or arranging for transportation — please consider volunteering! All the sign-up sheets are in the narthex, and more info can be found in the News & Notes.
Youth Bible Study
The next opportunity for youth Bible study will be on Sunday, November 24th.
Children’s Christmas Program
It’s time to start thinking about the Children’s Christmas Program at church! All children (ages 3-14) are invited to participate. We will be learning several verses of six Advent and Christmas hymns and leading the congregation in singing those hymns on Wednesday, December 18th at the Advent Vespers service that night. We will practice during the Sunday school hour on Sundays from about 9:30 until 10:20 a.m. beginning November 24th. If you would like your child to participate, please see the News & Notes for points of contact so we can make sure we have enough copies of music, etc. Children who would like to participate need to attend at least 3 practices (so we can make sure everyone knows the music).
Thursday Bible Study
The Thursday afternoon Bible study and Matins service will be taking a break on November 21st and November 28th. We will be having the Thanksgiving meal for golden-agers followed by a Divine Service with communion on the 21st and celebrating Divine Service with communion on Thanksgiving Day.
Thanksgiving Day Service
Good Shepherd’s Thanksgiving Day service will be on November 28th at 9 a.m.
Last Chance: Free Cookbook
Pick up your free Good Shepherd cookbook at the LWIM table in the narthex. Donation envelopes are available. Any donations will be earmarked for the Kitchen Fund.