What began as a popular 18-booklet Bible study series, The Lutheran Difference gathers together all the rich content of the series and presents it in one accessible volume to help Lutherans understand how their beliefs differ from other Christian religions. Although many Lutherans may know the doctrines of the Church, they may not always have the full scriptural foundation to share the 'why.' The Lutheran Difference helps show readers, from the Bible, why Lutherans differ. This edition includes material from the original book and material from the 500th Anniversary Reformation edition. Special features: A preface essay on how American churches are changing or staying the same in the 21st century, based on research from the Alban Institute, the Barna Group, and on-site visits to congregations of the eight major denominational families. Additional content on the mission of God, the fall and original sin, homosexuality and biblical teaching, Luther's theology of the cross, church fellowship, and the kindest way to handle accusations in the church (Matthew 18 explained and applied). More than 30 cross-references to the second edition of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. A 50-page summary and hope-filled update of Bergendoff's Church of the Lutheran Reformation, tracing Lutheran history from the Reformation to the present.