More than 1,400 downloads of the book titled “Witness and Worship in Pluralistic America” have taken place during the first four weeks of the book’s availability on the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Web site (https://www.csl.edu/WitnessandWorship.htm).

“The incredible popularity of the book attests to its quality and to the relevance of its subject matter,” commented Rev. Glen Thomas, Concordia Seminary’s vice president for seminary relations. “We have received many messages expressing gratitude for this book and for the fact that it is being made available free of charge.”

Printed copies of the book were sent in mid-April to all active and retired pastors in The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS). Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, faculty members authored the book, and Dr. John F. Johnson, the Seminary’s president, served as general editor and wrote the introduction. The book and its distribution were made possible by the generous gift of a donor who
desires to remain anonymous.

The book is divided into two major sections. The first addresses subjects facing the Christian church in “Pluralistic America” and includes the following chapters:

• “Christians and the Disestablishments of Religion in the United States” by Dr. Joel P. Okamoto;
• “Strategies for God-Talk in a Pluralistic Society” by Dr. Charles P. Arand;
• “The Challenges of American Civil Religion for the Church” by Dr. David L. Adams;
• “The Pastor as Religious and Civic Leader: Breaking with Quietism” by Dr. Richard H. Warneck.

Chapters in the second section of the book include:

• “No Other Gods” by Dr. Andrew H. Bartelt;
• “Proclamation, Intercession, and Praise in Mixed Company” by Dr. Paul R. Raabe;
• “Unionism and Syncretism in the LCMS Constitution: Historical Context and Interpretive Development” by Dr. William W. Schumacher;
• “‘What Am I Doing Here?’: The Semiotics of Participation in Public Gatherings” by Prof. Paul W. Robinson and Dr. James W. Voelz;
• “That God’s Kingdom May Advance with Power Throughout the World” by Dr. Robert Kolb.

For more information, contact Communications, Concordia Seminary, 801 DeMun Ave. St. Louis, MO 63105; 314.505.7374; [email protected].