In Pursuit of Religious Freedom: Bishop Martin Stephan's Journey

…Philip Stephan’s work is an interesting read.

Accessible and readable account of Martin Stephan and his ministry.

Displays a tremendous amount of research, including travel to the important sites in the life of Stephan.

The story of the beginning of the ‘Missouri Synod’ and its first leader deserves a renewed look simply because that church is the second largest Lutheran church body in America. Philip Stephan, the great-great-grandson of Martin Stephan, gives us that look through the lens of his great-great-grandfather’s life and work. . . . In this book Philip Stephan attempts to set the record straight by delving into the theological, social, ethnic and family background of his forebear. It is a contextual narrative that he presents. The author does not gloss over the moral weaknesses of Martin, nor is he defensive about them. On the other hand, his research has brought out heretofore unknown (or at least unpublicized) life and theology.

This is a fascinating book. It challenges standard assumptions about Martin Stephan by inviting the reader to consider his vision as well as his personal behavior. In doing so, it raises the continuing specter in so-called mainline denominations-namely that when faced with a fresh approach to faith, we fall into the abyss of personal credibility rather than engage in serious conversation about structures and images of faith.

Philip Stephan is a psychologist retired from private practice in Longmont, Colorado.