The Future of Lutheran Confessional Studies: Reflections in Historical Context

: The Augsburg Confession of 1530 inaugurated a new form of ecclesial self‐definition: confession binds the church together. The compilation of confessional documents that make up the Book of Concord of 1580 bind Lutherans around the world today, even though the historical paths from the 16th to the 21st century have been quite various. As Lutherans face the future, they find themselves in a pluralistic world where they enjoy no cultural privilege, or even shared understanding of fundamental theological commitments. The task of confession and apologetic mission will be most challenging.