Martin Luther’s Baptism

 

“How many Lutheran pastors does it take to baptize 525 people?”

 

The newsletter from Germany with this line – forwarded to me by the editor of my book – assures its readers this is not the beginning of a joke! Rather, it turns out to be an invitation, albeit a rather unique one.  

The great reformer Martin Luther was baptized November 11, 1483 in Eisleben, Germany, one day after he was born. This year, 2008, on the 525th anniversary of Luther’s baptism, the congregations of Lutherstadt Eisleben “would like to find 525 congregations around the globe to come together in baptismal remembrance.”  

 

Pastors Claudia Bermann and Scott Moore explain that their congregation worships in the church where they still use remnants of the baptismal font over which Luther himself received God’s promise. They’d love to have people receive baptism in Eisleben or in their own congregation on this occasion. Pastors might bring a group to Eisleben. A baptismal candidate, instructed by and with permission from his/her pastor, might go there for the sacrament. Not able to travel there? Check out the site www.Luther525.de for celebrate resources or celebrate in your own way and let them know.  

 

Luther loved the clarity of God’s grace given in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. I hope this invitation from the Eisleben congregation will inspire many others to “remember [their] baptism,” give thanks to God, and be renewed in faith and discipleship. 

 

 

Book Signings, Martin Marty, and More

        

There’s been a big gap in my postings: I haven’t been here since early March. This is what happens when a pastor’s life get filled with Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. But here we are again.

 

Since the March book signing at my church for Water for Your Soul, I’ve had three more signings: at The Blue Cup, Barnes & Noble, and the Luther College Book Shop. I just returned from Decorah and Luther College moments ago. What fun these events have been, renewing relationships with many old friends who appreciate my ministry and my writing. The real goal, however, is to get my book into the hands of many people to encourage their spiritual life in new ways. So the book signings are just the beginning.

 

A few days ago I noticed on Amazon.com that Martin Marty is scheduled to come out with a new book on baptism. My first thought? “Oh, darn. Here I a parish pastor write one little book on baptism and struggle to get it out there, and then prolific and ubiquitous Martin Marty comes along and writes a book on the same subject and he’ll have an instant audience.” After I got done grousing I thought, maybe this isn’t so bad after all. Baptismal spirituality needs fresh articulating by more people and who better than a big name like Marty to do it. Then I thought again, maybe people interested in his book will also notice mine, and the benefits will double. Later, trying to be humble, I thought, mine may even have the better title! Well, readers, you’ll have to be the judge of that.

 

If you haven’t purchased my book, always available from the publisher as well as from me, you might be interested to know that one of people who endorsed it warmed my heart when he told me it contained a combination of the best of Martin Luther, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Alvin Rogness (Luther Seminary professor and popular writer who died some years ago). I invite you to read Water for Your Soul yourself and decide if you agree with him.