Historical Introductions to the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church

The Project Gutenberg EBook of Historical Introductions to the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, byFriedrich BenteThis eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it,give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online atwww.gutenberg.orgTitle: Historical Introductions to the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran ChurchAuthor: Friedrich BenteRelease Date: October 13, 2008 [EBook #26909]Language: English*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BOOKS OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH ***Produced by Kurt A. T. Bodling, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Class of 1980Historical Introductions to the Symbolical Books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church by F. BenteI. The Book of Concord, or The Concordia.1. General and Particular Symbols.Book of Concord, or Concordia, is the title of the Lutheran corpus doctrinae, i.e., of the symbols recognized and published under that name by theLutheran Church. The word symbol, sumbolon, is derived from the verb sumballein, to compare two things for the purpose of perceiving theirrelation and association. Sumbolon thus developed the meaning of tessara, or sign, token, badge, banner, watchword, parole, countersign,confession, creed. A Christian symbol, therefore, is a mark by which Christians are known. And since Christianity is essentially the belief in thetruths of the Gospel, its symbol is ...