Book of Concord (Concordia, 1580 AD)
Complete doctrinal standard of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
The Book of Concord (*Concordia*) was published on June 25, 1580 (the 50th anniversary of the Augsburg Confession), signed by 8,188 theologians, ministers, and magistrates, uniting fragmented Lutheran territories after decades of internal controversy (Crypto-Calvinism, Synergism, Majoristic debate).
Historical Context & Significance
It contains the three Ecumenical Creeds (Apostles', Nicene, Athanasian), the Unaltered Augsburg Confession (1530), the Apology of the Augsburg Confession (1531), the Smalcald Articles (1537), the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope (1537), Luther's Small and Large Catechisms (1529), and the Formula of Concord (1577).
Genealogical Lineage & Splits
This movement or council is an early root foundation with no preceding parent split in the dataset.
Theological & Hermeneutical Coordinates
Primary Scripture Proof-Texts
Key biblical passages central to this tradition's exegesis and historical debates.
Connected Theological Perspectives & Debates
Unanimous Christian consensus that corporate vocal praise of psalms, canticles, and spiritual songs with gratitude in the heart to God is an indispensable element of Christian worship.
Universal confession that the Lord's Supper is a divine ordinance instituted by Christ the night He was betrayed, proclaiming His atoning death until He comes.
Universal agreement that authentic salvation produces genuine love, obedience, and good works, and that dead, hypocritical faith cannot save.
Universal Christian confession that God Almighty is the sole Creator of all things visible and invisible out of nothing (*creatio ex nihilo*).
Universal confession that the Old Testament ceremonial sacrifices find complete fulfillment and termination in the atoning death of Jesus Christ.