Peer Reviewed and Peer Recommended

Want to be better informed about what’s going on in the scholarly world on topics like the Bible, archaeology, culture and society, world religions, church history, missions, worship, or pastoral theology? Let Grow in Grace help you keep up. Our new newsletter feature, Peer Reviewed and Peer Recommended, will link to five full-text, peer-reviewed articles each month selected from the more than 2,000 journals indexed in the ATLA Religion Database for their timeliness and possible interest to pastors. The seminary subscribes to this database and you will need a seminary Microsoft365 account to access the articles. Request an account here if you don’t already have one.

Litfin, Duane. “‘To Fulfill All Righteousness’: What Did Jesus Mean?” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 65, no. 4 (2022): 667–88. Summary: The author examines the two most commonly offered interpretations of Jesus’ words in Matthew 3:15 and rejects them because of their dependence on speculation and lack of textual support. He then offers a theologically more satisfying alternative based on exegesis. Usefulness: For the pastor preaching on or teaching about the baptism of Jesus.

Korcok, Thomas. “Weaponizing the Word: A Lutheran Look at Christian Nationalism.” Lutheran Theological Review 36 (2024): 82–101. Summary: The author presents the history of today’s Christian Nationalism and critiques it with respect to its ecclesiology, eschatology, and Christology. Usefulness: For those seeking a better understanding of Christian Nationalism.

Granquist, Mark Alan. “American Lutherans and Their Hymnals.” Word & World 44, no. 2 (2024): 177–88. Summary: A historical look at hymnody and development of hymnals among Lutherans in America. Usefulness: For anyone interested in Lutheran hymnody.

Biermann, Joel D. “The Star-Spangled Luther.” Concordia Journal 50, no. 3 (2024): 13–23. Summary: The author examines, on the basis of Luther’s exposition of Psalm 82, the roles of government and of the Church. He carefully explains how one’s culture will affect one’s theology and shows how often the desire for a common good or for social justice will be impossible if the goals of the Church and the goal of government are not the same. Usefulness: For any Christian who wants to gain clarity on living their Christian goals in our often anti-Christian culture.

Paroschi, Keldie. “On God’s Side of History: Time and Apocalyptic History in Paul’s Speech at the Areopagus.” Andrews University Seminary Studies 59, no. 2 (2021): 227–50. Summary: This paper considers Paul’s speech to the Areopagus from the frame work of Jewish apocalyptic historiography and determines that although there is some similarity between Paul’s thought and Stoicism, his message is only intelligible through a Judeo-Christian point of view. Usefulness: For a pastor preaching or teaching on Acts 17:22-31.

Hornik, Heidi J, and Mikeal C‏ (Mikeal Carl) Parsons. “The Feast of Pentecost and Trinity Sunday: Liturgical Art in Context.” Interpretation 66, no. 1 (2012): 55–66. Summary: The author surveys depictions of the Pentecost event and the doctrine of the Trinity in art and suggests how such resources can inspire the contemporary Christian to a deeper understanding of their Christian faith. Usefulness: To help a pastor or teacher use exisiting art to aid understanding of Pentecost or the doctrine of the Trinity.

Hood, Jared C. “Yhwh Tsevaot in Samuel: God of the Davidic Age.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 62, no. 3 (2019): 495–513. Summary: The author examines the use of YHWH Tsevaot in three blocks in the books of Samuel and concludes that the introduction of this name in Samuel has redemptive historical significance. Usefulness: For a pastor preaching or teaching on the books of Samuel or on God’s names.

Lindberg, Carter. “Luther on Poverty.” Lutheran Quarterly 15, no. 1 (2001): 85–101. Summary: A well-referenced historical examination of Luther’s view of poverty and the role of government and the Christian toward the poor. Usefulness: An aid to understanding and evaluating current social justice issues regarding the poor.

Powell, Kara, Brad Griffin, and Tyler S Greenway. “Identity, Belonging, and Purpose: New Research on Three Big Questions That Change Every Teenager.” The Journal of Youth Ministry 21, no. 1 (2023): 7–28. Summary: A qualitative interview-based study that probes the questions of identity (Who am I?), belonging (Where do I fit?), and purpose (What difference can I make?) in today’s teenagers. The results of the study provide valuable insights for youth ministry. Usefulness: Useful for helping a pastor understand how today’s teenagers see themselves.

Garrison, Brianna. “Transforming the Narrative of Aging and Dementia in Faith Communities: Toward a New Paradigm of Inclusion.” Journal of Religion, Spirituality & Aging 33, no. 4 (2021): 413–29. Summary: This paper examines the role of faith communities in dealing with persons living with dementia and their caregivers. Usefulness: This article gives insight into how to include the elderly with dementia into the life of the congregation.