A Seminary in Crisis

This book recounts events in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) leading up to the 1974 walkout at Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis. Beginning with the 1947 division over church fellowship, the author sheds light on the numerous small controversies that culminated in charges against the faculty for teaching contrary to the LCMS position on biblical authority. Zimmerman shares his personal account of the Fact Finding Committee interviews, coupled with pertinent passages from convention documents, bylaws, and findings of the committee. This book includes the full report of the Fact Finding Committee, never before made public, and the “Blue Book,” the complete 1972 report of the synodical president. Paul Zimmerman, retired college president and pastor, has served in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod for more than 50 years. He is one of two living members of the Fact Finding Committee appointed by LCMS President J. A. O. Preus to investigate charges of false doctrine being taught at Concordia Seminary.