heatherdean

[1] Martin Luther said that parenting was holy work. He also admitted it was hard work. He was not a single parent, but Katie was after he died. Not only did she care for her own children, but those Martin and Katie had adopted children who were orphaned. This article is about the difficulties of […]

[1] In 1525, Martin Luther encountered both the horror of the Peasants’ War and the joy of marriage. In his work, he acknowledges this—this constant presence of evil in the world and the comfort and joy of a loving home. This article presents lessons from Luther on the importance of acknowledging the existence of real […]

Introduction [1] How should a paper on the marriage of Katharina von Bora and Martin Luther begin? You might expect it to begin with the colorful and well documented escape of twelve nuns, including Katharina, on Easter Eve, April 4, 1523, from the Cistercian convent of Marienthron, near Grimma, about 100 kilometers from Wittenberg, which […]

For Congregational Discussion: This year marks the 500th anniversary of the wedding of Katharina Von Bora and Martin Luther. We at the Journal of Lutheran Ethics invite congregations to celebrate this event and discuss its meaning. Below is a four part series meant to help those organizing adult education in congregations to embrace this anniversary […]

[1] The Wedding of Katharina von Bora and Martin Luther on June 13, 1525 was an event that re-formed the understanding of marriage and family.  This issue of the Journal of Lutheran Ethics explores what this wedding meant to Luther, to Bora, and to us today. [2] The first essay is an abridged version of […]

[1] This special edition of Journal of Lutheran Ethics contains the theological reflection given by Rev. Dr Chad Rimmer at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix.  This reflection brings together theology and action.  Immediately after the address, there were calls by listeners for the text.  JLE is grateful to Rev. Dr. Rimmer for providing the […]

 Rev. Dr Chad Rimmer, Rector and Dean of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary of Lenoir-Rhyne University Theological Keynote Address to the ELCA 2025 Churchwide Assembly, July 30, 2025   [1] Greetings from the faculty and staff of your Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, of Lenoir-Rhyne University, one of your seven ELCA Seminaries and one of three embedded […]

[1] In Sharing the Wisdom of Time, Pope Francis presents a compelling narrative that underscores the ethical duty of elders to share their life experiences with younger generations, and the respect younger generations owe them. The book is a collection of stories about elderly role models from across the world, interviewed by young interviewers, for […]

[1] Our church confesses: “As a church we confess that we are in bondage to sin and submit too readily to the idols and injustices of economic life. We often rely on wealth and material goods more than God and close ourselves off from the needs of others. Too uncritically we accept assumptions, policies, and […]

[1] I remember an encounter with a professor in graduate school regarding my membership in the ELCA. “A Puerto Rican Lutheran,” he said. “You must be the only one in the state of Florida.” Nervously, but visibly shaken, I just nodded, gave a crooked smile, and hurried away. Over the years, I lament not saying […]