The Abrahamic Religions: An Evaluation from the Theological
Perspective of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, published by the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) of the LC-MS, is a short document of only six
pages, including end-notes. In spite of its brevity, it covers both significant
points of commonality as well as some significant points of divergence between Judaism,
Islam, and Christianity.
In Christendom today you can divide individuals, broadly
speaking, into two groups. Group one follows one of the historical streams of
Christian thought. Group two approaches the faith in what has been called “cafeteria-style.”
“Cafeteria-style” Christians not only pick and choose what they like from
different Christian traditions, but may also pick and choose from entirely
different faith traditions.
When this document refers to what Christians believe, it is
not referring to the “cafeteria-style” Christians. When it refers to a belief
that is much more common in Lutheran circles, the document points that out.
In general, the report is well written and easy to read,
well document, and non-inflammatory in its vocabulary. It clearly is not
intended to be a comprehensive review of the belief systems of these three
religions, but would be a good jumping off point.
As has been my experience with all CTCR documents I’ve read,
I can give this one “two thumbs up.”
You can download it by following this link: THE ABRAHAMIC RELIGIONS
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John Rickert
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