Lutheran Logomaniac

I love the historic lectionary. The rhythm of the readings, the Psalms and Introits, the use of traditional hymnody that speaks references it directly, it flows in a way that is beautiful, reverent and stirring. It stirs up the faith, just as the historic collects remind us as we prepare for Adventtide.

That is why I am so utterly mystified by confessional Lutheranism today.

As Rev. McCain pointed out to us in a recent survey his offered in connection with Cyberbrethren, there is little uniformity amongst practitioners of the historic lectionary. This is no surprise. Since no major publishing house has really supported it in a couple generations, those of us who use it are left to our own devices to come up with translations and practices that fit our given parishes. I can understand that, but it doesn’t make me happy.

But that’s not the real problem. The real problem as I see it is this:

1. While it is in the hymnal, it isn’t really supported or “resourced” by Concordia Publishing House, beyond the production of the lectionary book for LSB.

2. It isn’t taught or supported in any meaningful way to my knowledge at either seminary. I am very happy to be proven wrong on this.

3. It’s been dropped from the Thrivent Calendar, and I don’t believe it is in the more recent CPH pastor’s calendar either.

4. It is not only not taught or “resourced”, I hear pretty consistent anecdotal evidence that it is specifically disdained by liturgical scholars throughout the synod.

Please don’t get me wrong here. I’m not pointing fingers, trying to start a fight, incite liturgical or lectionary rebellion, or in any other way be difficult. It’s really this simple:

Why? Is it marketing? Is it money? Is it ecumenism with other churches today? Why is there not only a lack of interest, but a near irrational hostility to this lectionary? What is the deal?

Please. Help me out here. This is truly a mystery to me.

-LL

Below you will find a link to a survey that Concordia Publishing House is conducting regarding the lectionary. I would urge every Lutheran pastor and congregation to fill this out. CPH does a lot of wonderful things for Lutheran congregations, and I would dearly love to see them provide more resources for the one year lectionary. But in order for them to do that, they need to know that we are out there and that we’re interested. Please fill it out.

Thanks!

-LL

Lectionary Survey

Originally posted on HistoricLectionary.com

This “little” (829 pages) book is fantastic! It is a daily devotion book based on the historic lectionary by one of the great lights of confessional Lutheranism in the 20th century, Bishop Bo Giertz. He is best known in our circles for his book, The Hammer of God, but he’s written many wonderful works, including Preaching from the Whole Bible, The Liturgy and Spiritual Awakening, and others.

The devotions are around 2 pages each, with a prayer composed primarily by Giertz himself. They are sound Lutheran, pious, engaging and prayerful. It is an especially good deal for only $20.

Check it out. It’s worth your time.