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Departments
Departmental articles in the print edition of Lutheran Forum generally run around 2000-3000 words.
OT and NT exegesis
If we are to defend the authority of Scripture, then it is fitting to devote time and space to exegeting it. We’re looking for exegesis about God, not only about texts and traditions. Both OT and NT exegesis will appear in every issue. The OT exegesis should neither simply provide prooftexts for the NT nor disregard the NT with nearly irrelevant religion-of-Israel type stuff. Preference will be given to texts not in the lectionary.
American Lutheran history
Any aspect of American Lutheran history is welcome, but the chief purpose in conveying the information should be to help us understand how we got to where we are now.
Doctrine
Any and every theological topos is up for discussion here.
Beyond Augsburg
This department is reserved for Christians not of the Lutheran tradition but with enough knowledge of it to discuss it accurately. Each article should have the following format. The member of a different Christian faith tradition will give an account of the meaning and beliefs of that tradition within the logic of said tradition; then state what that tradition has that Lutherans need; and finally state what Lutherans have that the other tradition needs. (Lutherans are welcome to suggest non-Lutheran writers for this department.)
Studies in Luther
Historical, systematic, and idiosyncratic approaches to our favorite reformer are all encouraged to apply.
Global Lutheranism
These articles can take two basic forms. One discusses mission work of Lutherans in the world; the other describes indigenous Lutheran churches and their work, struggles, triumphs, etc.
Philosophy
Clear and careful analysis of philosophy is essential in explaining theological trends, past and present. This is distinctly a “handmaiden” approach to philosophy, with the goal of illuminating theology.
Lex Orandi Lex Credendi
As awful as the term “worship wars” is, worship is probably the only thing really worth warring about. Here we want both historical and theological consideration of any and all liturgical practices.
Seminarians
Seminarians have had no one to advocate for them publicly—until now. Seminary students are especially invited to write for this department.
The Goat Azazel
Azazel is the scapegoat of Leviticus: it’s what you slap on the rump and send out of the community. While the general tone of LF is constructive, this is the place we will devote to breaking down whatever really richly deserves it.
Book Reviews
These need not be timely. In fact, it would be quite fine to review a book long since out of print if it is worth knowing. Reviews of books worth reading rather than not worth reading are preferred. The best book review is an essay whose occasion is the publication of a particular book. Please do not use the first-person pronoun or express personal feelings of like or dislike. Write an interesting essay in which the book plays an essential role. The web is our preferred location for book reviews, and 1000 words is generally just about right.
Public Witness
This department is concerned with ethics, social issues, and culture, with specific attention to how our Lutheran-informed Christian faith expresses itself in the left-hand kingdom.