Is God's grace given to everyone? Is the human race really estranged from God? What's the difference between a Presbyterian and a Lutheran Church? What does the sacrament of baptism really mean? Do Lutherans believe people can "lose" their salvation? In these pages you will find biblical answers to questions that you may have pondered about for a long time. You'll find summaries of what various churches teach about salvation, worship, living by faith, life after death, and end times. There is information about the Protestant Reformation and warnings about heresies. It's all in a user-friendly handbook format, written for the lay person. * * * Rooted in the Word is a rich education on salvation, interpretation and application. Although the author is specifically presenting a Lutheran view of faith, she does not omit varied viewpoints and resources from other schools of thought. This demonstrates God's universal love and shows that she is not closed-minded even though she has specific personal beliefs on theology. The book is fully comprehensive. The author wants her readers to think critically and assess intellectually, which edifies them and glorifies God. The fact that the author has been so thorough and succinct at the same time makes this book especially valuable . . . As an overview, a tool for study and a piece that can be added to other tools, this book serves a specific purpose and does so excellently. Ruth Vallevik is the National Director of Women's Ministries of the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. She travels widely, teaching and encouraging women in their faith. A graduate of Bethel University and a former teacher, she served the Lord alongside her pastor-husband, Bruce, for over thirty years before his passing in 2005. She lives in Billings, Montana.
