When it comes to worldviews—how one looks at life and the world—the confessional Christian is guided by Holy Scriptures to the only worldview that saves: justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. But God's people are influenced by other worldviews and often harbor deceptive philosophies unawares. You might be surprised when you realize how your thinking has been shaped when it comes to topics such as tolerance, situation ethics, the role of reason, multiculturalism, the religion of Islam, homosexuality, the role of church and state, "Mother Earth," the role of science, and liturgies (yes, liturgies). This book will help the reader distinguish truth from error and raise awareness of false worldviews and how they impact ethics, morality, practice, and thus, souls.

The essays in Here We Stand: A Confessional Christian Study of Worldviews divide into 11 chapters with the stage being set by an introduction that provides valuable focus. Eight different writers demonstrate that scholarship is alive and well in Lutheran circles. The first three chapters review the confessional and biblical worldview. Subsequent chapters stand alone as the authors zero in on specific topics. At times the reader will have to wrestle with the text. Some chapters go longer than may have been necessary to make the point. An index would have been helpful.

But, in these essays, God's Word and the work of the Holy Spirit are never diminished. In dealing with those caught up in false worldviews, "conversation starters" are often a prerequisite before people are ready to listen to a believer's witness. Many of the essays imply strategies individuals could use to initiate conversations. With that in mind, the book is recommended to any conscientious reader who wants to be better prepared to proclaim law and gospel within the cultural framework of false worldviews held by those around them.

Mark W. TackeHoly Trinity, Des Moines, Washington