To borrow a phrase from Luther, the Bible is "the manger in which the Word of God is laid." While Lutherans recognize
differences in the way the Bible should be studied and interpreted, it is accepted as the primary and authoritative witness to the
church's faith. Written and transcribed by many authors over a period of many centuries, the Bible bears remarkable testimony
to the mighty acts of God in the lives of people and nations. In the Old Testament is found the vivid account of God's covenant
relationship to Israel. In the New Testament is founding the story of God's new covenant with all of creation in Jesus.
The New Testament is the first-hand proclamation of those who lived through the events of Jesus' life, death, and Resurrection.
As such, it is the authority for Christian faith and practice. The Bible is thus not a definitive record of history or science. Rather,
it is the record of the drama of God's saving care for creation throughout the course of history.
*Prepared by the ELCA Department for Communication (11/95); adapted from a pamphlet of the same name published by Evangelical Outreach, Division for Parish Services of the former Lutheran Church in America, now out of print.
