John A. Braun has written Positively Lutheran in an easy reading style. For many, being Lutheran is a life-long experience. Consequently, what it means to be Lutheran is taken for granted. In this encouraging book, Braun uses the early Christian ID symbol, the fish, as a framework for his simple statement of what Lutherans believe.

Why is the fish a symbol for Christians? The five letters in the Greek word for fish serve as an acronym. Each letter has a significance pertaining to our Christian faith. I (iota) stands for Jesus, X (chi) for Christ, TH (theta) for God, U (upsilon) for Son and S (sigma) for Savior. Because of persecution, early Christians used this picture shorthand to identify one another.

Each of these words symbolized by the Greek letters has great significance to us as Lutherans. Braun cites historical references and modern applications, with each letter serving as a focal point of what it means to be Lutheran. The reader finds the truths of Scripture frequently applied in support for our beliefs. Reading this book reassures Lutherans that what we believe and profess is firmly grounded on God’s Word. We are reminded that forgiveness is God’s gift to all humans, and we rest our confessions on grace alone, faith alone, and Scripture alone.

Those who have wondered why we are called Lutherans, those who want to know what Lutherans believe, and those who need reminding of God’s love for all are encouraged to read this book.

Ron Wels, St. Paul, New Ulm, Minnesota.