In today's episode, Dr. Mark Braun of Wisconsin Lutheran College shares his perspectives on the 1916 book: Little Journeys with Martin Luther: A Real Book Wherein are Printed Divers Sayings and Doings of Dr. Luther in These Latter Days when He Applied for Synodical Membership in the United States. Carefully Set Down in Writing at that Time by Brother John, of the Order of Poor Brethren Commonly Known as Lutheran Pastors by William Nicholas Harley.  You can find the book here in google books.

The fictional book supposes that a Martin Luther came back to life in Washington D.C. in 1916 and had to visit various Lutheran synods to determine which church body he could join in good conscience.  Harley cleverly used many direct quotes from Luther's works to fabricate Luther's hypothetical response to the divergent churches that all bore his name and claimed to inherit his spirit.  Dr. Braun provides helpful context and insights, while clearly connecting this book with Lutheran issues that are still at play today.

Please note that I misspoke when I said that a question was "above" Dr. Braun's "pay grade."  By saying that I implied that he was not qualified to speak on the matter.  I meant the exact opposite!  Perhaps this is why composition teachers tell us to avoid idioms...

Lutheran History Shop

Support the show

• Confessional Languages Scholarship
• Youtube ( even more behind-the-scenes videos available for certain patron tiers)
• Facebook
• Website
• Interview Request Form
• email: [email protected]
• About the Host
  • Benjamin Phelps is a 2014 graduate from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Arts with a German emphasis. From there went on to graduate from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 2018.
    Ben loves all things history and enjoys traveling. A descendant of over a dozen Lutheran pastors, Ben has an interest in his family roots, especially 19th-century Lutheranism, and has written several papers and journal articles on the topic. His 2018 thesis on Wyneken won the John Harrison Ness award and the Abdel Ross Wentz prize. He is also the recipient of two awards of commendation from the Concordia Historical Institute.
    Ben is currently a doctoral student in historical theology through Concordia Seminary's reduced residency program in St. Louis.