i think vibrators should be gifts at confirmation

Heck I think most High Protestants have some sort of doctrine of the Real Presence - Anglicans sure do at least.

preserving the tag because oooooooooo boyyy it is both correct and important. saying "nobody really believes that" makes it sound -- intentionally or not -- like you think it's a stupid thing to believe and everyone with that sincere belief is either stupid or self-deceptive. so maybe don't be an asshole! if you sincerely think that a piece of theological doctrine is less relevant or less literally interpreted than it used to be in the same faith ... say that instead!!

Saint Roch, by Francesco Ribalta, c. 1625, Museo de Bellas Artes, Valencia

Hi friend I’m sorry I take so incredibly long to answer asks.

Luther’s Small Catechism is the place to start. I like this one produced by Concordia Publishing, I find that it breaks things down in the minute details the best. You should be warned, though, that the Missouri Synod branch of Lutheranism adheres strongly to biblical literalism and inerrancy. I have found this book to hold the readers hand the most, it is the one that I was confirmed with and my pastor uses, but it should absolutely be taken with a grain of salt. The framework the denomination operates under has very much gotten in its own way, it does not affirm queer people, ordain women, or have room for very many different interpretations. It is not a denomination where I have a home anymore, even if I find value in this handbook. If you are new to faith or deconstructing from a rigid one, this edition should absolutely be read alongside something like God and the Gay Christian. Luther’s Small Catechism, the short original tract, is also available for free online, and while it does not feature the same break downs (such as defining what ‘daily bread’ means), I believe in your ability to read and understand it without the addition gendered commentary!

Something by Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship is my favorite.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (the church that has given me a home), has a wide range of social teaching and messages available on all sorts of issues. While they can be long, and sometimes a bit overwrought, I find them helpful and above all, I am glad we can at least discuss modern questions.