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Summary: For Lutherans and those who love them.
Review: Here are chronicled the conversion stories of 11 former Lutherans to the Catholic faith, as told by the converts themselves. This new compilation adds to the growing collection of conversion stories that have increased in popularity in the past several years. This collection is unique, however, in that it focuses on Lutheran converts, a population that is surprisingly not well documented in other conversion collections. This volume's contribution lies in what some of its writers reveal so clearly--that modern Lutheranism is so radically departed from even basic Christian teachings, not to mention its departure from what Luther taught or intended. It is this that comes through most clearly in these stories. Many of the converts' eyes were opened when they looked at what has become of the Protestant Reformation-a myriad of splinter groups, even among professed Lutherans, that in many cases resemble little of their namesake's own beliefs or ideals. The book explodes the conventional myth that says there is very little difference between contemporary Lutheranism and Catholicism. Were that true, conversion would have been either far easier for these men and women or simply not necessary at all. The stories reveal that it is precisely because of these differences that the Holy Spirit led these people where He has. The book includes the stories of six former Lutheran pastors, one of whom is now a Catholic priest, and four of whom are women. The female pastors had the additional task of crossing the divide of modern feminism to embrace a faith that, in radical feminist circles, is often criticized as oppressive to women. Their tales are eye-opening and revealing of the power of truth. The converts explore the depth of many of the theological issues that sparked the Reformation and that divide Lutherans and Catholics today. The Lutheran reader will gain a fresh sense of contemporary Lutheran thought; a non-Lutheran will learn much about the development of Lutheran theology and the history of the American Lutheran Church in the past several decades. In particular one learns of the variety of Lutheran synods and the critical divisions caused by the Seminex crisis in the mid-1970's. Catholic readers cannot help but gain a new appreciation for their faith. The reader will also delight in seeing among the influences on these converts' lives such notable personages as G.K. Chesterton, John Paul II, Al Kresta, Mother Angelica, and Rev. Neuhaus, himself a convert from Lutheranism. In a final helpful offering, Drake includes several appendices containing the 1999 Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification and several related statements and responses. This valuable addition proves the book to be an important resource for students and practitioners of true ecumenical dialogue between Lutherans and Catholics.
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Summary: This book confirmed my Lutheranism!!!
Review: There We Stood... contains some very touching stories of Lutherans who found depth and meaning by leaving the Lutheran Church and becoming Roman Catholic. I purchased and read this book because I too have considered leaving the ELCA in favor of Rome. However, the book, while being very well written and edited, convinced me that the ELCA is the right place for me. ... While it was great to read these stories of renewed faith and hope, I was saddened that the book was not more substantive in dealing with the ongoing dialogue between the Church of Rome and the Lutheran Church. The fact of the matter is that we are not as far apart from one another as many people think. Instead of encouraging "conversion" from one to the other, why not value our distinctions while praying the prayer of Jesus that "[We] all be one"? In conclusion, I would encourage Lutheran pastors and seminarians (such as myself) to read this book. It does help flesh out some of the questions and concerns our Lutheran parishioners may have, and can assist us in addressing those questions.
Rating: 
Summary: Great for Lutherans Considering Catholicism
Review: This book is a great resource for the Lutheran considering the Catholic faith. It is tailored for the Lutheran mind and experience. It would not be my first choice for non-Lutherans considering the Catholic faith. For non-Lutherans, I recommend Steve Ray or Scott Hahn. The book is a series of conversion stories set forth in the first person. The contributors are from ELCA, Wisconsin and Missouri Synods. The experiences of each of the converts reflect the particular concerns engendered by their particular Lutheran persuasion. To that end, the book is a broad spectrum of experience. This is its strength. This collection of conversion stories gives fair treatment to faith and doctrine. Religious experience is colored in as well. In all, this book is worth the purchase. If you are Lutheran or desire to understand concerns that Lutherans may have with the Catholic faith, this is a must read.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing and insightful
Review: Tim Drake presents us with the conversion testimony of eleven former Lutherans who found their way home to Rome. I found the stories extremely interesting, having made the same move myself in 1989. Since most of the conversion stories published in recent years seem to be by former Evangelicals and Calvinists, it was very meaningful to hear others coming from Lutheranism, which has a theology distinct from those groups. I was especially impressed with the former female pastors who had to give up their ministries to enter the Church. Talk about commitment to finding the truth at any cost! The orthodoxy of the writers is generally very high. There were one or two places where I partially disagreed with certain assertions made, generally concerning (can you guess?) faith vs. works. Stylistically, the individual stories were pretty well written; they kept my attention and were related in language understandable to non-clergy. I highly recommend this book to Lutherans considering conversion, to Catholics who have converted from Lutheranism, and to anyone interested in apologetics and conversion stories.
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