June 17, 2005

Minneapolis, MN

"How to Avoid Being Burned at the Stake" . . .

"How to Survive for One Hour in An Un-air-conditioned Pew" . . .

"How to Stay Alert in Church. . . .With how-to's like these within its pages, it's no wonder that The Lutheran Handbook is flying off the shelves. Those wacky Lutherans sure know how to have a good time.

Since the launch of The Lutheran Handbook in April, Lutherans have been clamoring- really, truly clamoring-for this humorous, albeit cheeky, guide to all things Lutheran. So much so that the book is now in its fourth printing with 50,000 copies in print.

"I can't remember a time when we've had a title that has sold this fast, particularly in the church market," says Bill Huff, publisher of the Congregational Life and Learning unit at Augsburg Fortress. "Clearly, The Lutheran Handbook has met a longstanding, untapped need for a substantial and innovative resource for Lutheran theology and culture."

And that it does. The Lutheran Handbook is an easy-to-read, reliable all-in-one collection that helps readers understand the essential information about the theology, culture and Lutheran way of life. Organized by Church Stuff, Everyday Stuff and Bible Stuff with how-to's like "How to Forgive Someone" and lists like "The Top-10 Bible Villains," this resource encapsulates essential principles of the Christian life, making many of the complexities of the Lutheran religious tradition accessible for confirmation students, or anyone looking for an introduction to Lutheranism.

But most evident is the humor. Just ask anyone who has read The Lutheran Handbook's selections: "What to Bring to a Church Potluck (by region)," "How to Respond When Someone Sits in Your Pew" and "How to Tell the Difference Between a Sinner and a Saint."

Fans of the Handbook are also tuning in to http://www.Winkingluther.org/, the official site of The Lutheran Handbook for wacky webisodes inspired by selections in The Lutheran Handbook featuring the Winking Luther icon.

Pastor Ron Luckey, in Lexington KY, sums up the The Lutheran Handbook's appeal best, "When was the last time a church book made you laugh out loud?"

The Lutheran Handbook: A Field Guide to Church Stuff, Everyday Stuff and the Bible – 0-8066-5179-2; $14.99; 5" x 7," 4-color cover, 2-color interior, 264 pp.

To purchase or to find more information on the related confirmation program, visit http://www.augsburgfortress.org/ or call Augsburg Fortress at 1-800-328-4648.

Augsburg Fortress