Contents News


8 For many, ‘Losing My Religion’ isn’t a song, it’s life 10 Study: Teens leave church seen as judgmental, unfriendly


14 A place where they count Cover story


20 Our Lutheran liturgy Raising a shout for its Bible roots


24 Liturgy is the ‘what’ Be ready to adapt the ‘what’ for the ‘why’ of worship


26 Study guide 20 Cheering for God’s word Features


18 Deeper understandings Justification: As always, it’s by grace through faith on account of Christ


27 What do you know about criminal justice? Read the ELCA’s draft social statement, ready March 15


30 Between us Half-a-lung ... backward


34 Out of the shadows What is it like for survivors of human trafficking?


36 Growing leaders to love the land 28 Lenten light Departments


3 10 Bible stories that breathe life


32 Cross is a labor of love


4 Editor 39 Two months out 40 Youngchurch 41 Pass the faith 42 Best this month 43 Faces


44 Higher education 45 Light side 46 Classifieds 47 Deaths 47 Crossword 48 Letters 49 My view 50 Presiding bishop


For breaking news, see www.thelutheran.org or www.elca.org/news COVER: The Red Hots dance team of Carthage College, Kenosha, Wis. Photo by Michael D. Watson. March 2012 5


MARCH 2012 VOLUME 25 NUMBER 3


The Lutheran is the magazine of the ELCA


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