Confessing the Faith: Reformers Define the Church 1530-1580

This book explores the implications of the fact that Lutherans have always viewed themselves as "confessional"-and thus "confessing." The bold confessions serve as a model and an inspiration for all contemporary Christians who likewise want to proclaim the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

"In a wonderfully lucid way, Kolb shows what it means–and does not mean–to be a confessional Lutheran. … The fruit of decades of scholarly work with the sources. … This book should inform both the substance and manner of future theological discussion within and across the various Christian faiths." –
Dr. James M. Kittelson
Professor of Church History
Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minneasota

"A superb study of the Lutheran approach to confession. … A well-tooled analysis and a bibliographically sophisticated approach to the 16th-century documents. … An accessible and highly readable introduction to the act of 'confessing the faith' that will assure its value for pastors and students of theology. … Necessary reading for anyone desiring a deeper understanding of the significance of the confessions of the Reformation era in and for the church, both then and now." –
Dr. Richard A. Muller

"A very helpful and illuminating investigation of what it meant for Lutherans to confess Christ in the 16th century. Kolb examines the context for confession and the varying understandings of what faithful confession of Christ demanded… An important book for all modern Christians" –
Dr. W. Robert Godfrey
President, Professor of Church History
Westminster Theological Seminary, Escondido, California