The Forgotten Luther III: Reclaiming a Vision of Global Community
About this ebook
Against the growing disparity in wealth and the rising tide of economic refugees throughout the world, this book reflects on Luther's_largely forgotten_social and economic reforms (to overcome poverty, lack of health care, illiteracy,_and old-age insecurity) that flowed from the central doctrine of justification by grace through faith. The book is also a call for informed engagement with partner churches in a critical area of ministry that is frequently neglected._
_This study book draws_global_implications from Luther's reforms and from the theology that shaped them. It is informed by ways in which churches in the Global South_have_moved beyond world-denying forms of pietism to address the_systemic_causes of hunger, poverty, and injustice. It is addressed to the whole church at a critical time in history as vast threats to the natural world converge with acute economic hardship for hundreds of millions of people._
Accompanied by videos of lectures and interviews, this study is designed to provide guidance for congregations who want to be actively engaged in the global mission of the church, including ways in which they can both accompany others and be accompanied_by_others on a common journey._
About the author
Conrad A. Braaten is a retired ELCA pastor responsible for initiating the Forgotten Luther project. He has also served on the staff of the ELCA's division for Congregational Life in the areas of urban ministry and social ministry.
Ryan P. Cumming is the director of ELCA World Hunger Education.
Paul A. Wee is an ELCA pastor who has held various leadership roles in worldwide organizations, including the Lutheran World Federation, The Luther Center in Wittenberg, Germany, and Lutheran World Ministries. He is the author of numerous articles.
Carter H. Lindberg is professor emeritus of church history at Boston University School of Theology and is best known for his book The European Reformations.
Born in Bethlehem, the Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb is a powerful advocate for peace in the Arab-Israeli conflict. His thought-provoking book, I Am a Palestinian Christian, is a landmark work in interfaith and intercultural communication. Dr. Raheb earned his doctorate in theology from the University of Marburg in Germany in 1987 and has been pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land) in Bethlehem since 1988. Fortress Press will soon release his latest book, Bethlehem Besieged: Stories of Hope in Times of Trouble, which tells the untold story of the siege of Bethlehem.
Dr. Raheb is also the founder and General Director of the International Center of Bethlehem. The ICB's mission is to promote civil society in Palestine by strengthening Palestinian identity, cultivating artistic talent, and facilitating intercultural exchange. The Palestinian name for the International Center is Dar al-Nadwa, literally ''the House of Worldwide Encounter.'' The name was chosen deliberately because of the need for dialogue among people from different cultures and contexts. An integral part of the Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land's ministry among the Palestinian people, the Center has provided services for more than 20,000 people annually, both local and international.
Under the auspices of the International Center, Dr. Raheb founded the Dar al-Kalima Academy in 1998 for Palestinian children in Bethlehem from kindergarten through 10th grade. The first of its kind, the school employs a holistic, self-based learning approach that focuses on students' creativity, potentials, talents, abilities, and interests. The school is coeducational, and its nearly 250 students reflect the social, economic, and religious diversity of the Palestinian community.
In 2003, the school expanded its offerings to include a Wellness Center. With the support of Wheat Ridge Ministries in Illinois, the Wellness Center provides a safe haven for children, youth, men, and women who are the victims and potential victims of violence. The Center focuses on general preventive medicine, community health awareness, and psychological health issues associated with the current situation in Palestine. Its medical facility is composed of several clinics, including an audiology department and a multipurpose room to accommodate health awareness meetings, workshops, and training sessions. The Health and Wellness Center is also equipped with a swimming pool and several fitness rooms.
In addition to his duties with the ICB and Dar al-Kalima, Dr. Raheb is the pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church. Located near Manger Square in Bethlehem, the church must deal with many challenges related to occupation. In April 2002, the church, Dr. Raheb's home, and the ICB were hit by shelling from Israeli tanks and soldiers. Tanks damaged the church and destroyed the entrance to the parsonage. Dr. Raheb and his family were relegated to the upper floor of the house, fearing for their safety. Fortunately, Dr. Raheb, his family, and the parishioners of Christmas Lutheran were unhurt in the attack. But amid the dangers and challenges that confront his ministry in Bethlehem, Dr. Raheb is an undaunted worker for the gospel, for peace, and for reconciliation.
Dr. Raheb was awarded the 2011 Deutschher Medienpries International Award for his tireless work in creating room for hope for his people, who are living under Israeli occupation, through founding and building institutions of excellence in education, culture, and health. He was also awarded the 2003 Wittenberg Award from the Luther Institute in Washington, D.C., which recognizes Lutheran laity and clergy from around the world for distinguished service to church and society. He was also presented with the 2003 HECF Award, which is given to individuals who have made a lifetime commitment to assisting the Christians living in the Holy Land.
Karen L. Bloomquist has served for ten years as Director for Studies in the Division for Church in Society of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She is also Associate Professor of Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa.
