American Lutheranism vindicated

The author reexamines the Lutheran symbolical books and contemporary polemics to determine what the confessions actually teach, responding to criticism that questions prior interpretations. After reviewing original documents and writings of early Reformers, he defends the General Synod's practice of qualified assent and offers textual analysis on seven disputed topics: ceremonial aspects of the Mass, private confession and absolution, the Christian Sabbath, sacramental efficacy, baptismal regeneration, the nature of Christ's presence in the Lord's Supper, and exorcism. He also clarifies his position on inherited depravity, rejecting imputation of natural disorder as personal guilt while affirming its reality.