The Coffee Hour — Battle for the Augsburg Confession, Ep. 5: Synods Unite and the Civil War Divides

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How did Samuel Simon Schmucker and Benjamin Kurtz influence the development of American Lutheranism? The Rev. Dr. Cameron MacKenzie (the Forrest E. and Frances H. Ellis Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN) joins Andy and Sarah for a series on the Battle for the Augsburg Confession in American Lutheranism to explore the historical tensions within American Lutheranism during the 19th century, including the rise of American Lutheranism, the conflicts within the General Synod, and the attempts to establish a definitive platform that reflected American values while grappling with traditional Lutheran confessions. Dr. MacKenzie highlights key figures, such as Samuel Simon Schmucker and Benjamin Kurtz, and the formation of new synods, including the Melanchthon Synod, as they navigated the complexities of faith and identity in a changing America.

Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/battle-for-the-augsburg-confession-series.

As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Today’s episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University, Nebraska. You can learn more about Concordia University, Nebraska at cune.edu.