Are children little angels or little devils, or are they like their parents a little of each? Must they go through a definite moment of conversion or can they grow up always knowing themselves to be Christian? How do theological ideas about human nature, sin and salvation affect how parents see and treat children? Starting with Horace Bushnell's classic 19th-century study, Christian Nurture, Leander Harding brings the discussion up to date with the help of insights from contemporary psychoanalytic thought and Family Systems Theory. Included are practical suggestions for parents and parishes.

Johann Gerhard (1582-1637) holds a place of honor among the great theologians of the Age of Lutheran Orthodoxy. Remembered not only for his 'academic' works such as the "Loci Theologi," but also for his 'devotional' works such as "Sacred Meditations, The Daily Exercise of Piety," and the "Schola Pietatis," Gerhard's influence on the teaching and piety of the Lutheran Church is felt to this day. "The Daily Exercise of Piety"consists of 46 devotionals written in the form of 'prayed catechesis.' These devotions are divided under four major headings: (1) Meditations on Sins; (2) Contemplation on Divine Gifts Bestowed; (3) Mediation on our Need; and (4) Meditation on the Need of the Neighbor. First published by Repristination Press in 1994, this English translation of "The Daily Exercise of Piety"marked the beginning of a new wave of interest in the theologians of the Age of Lutheran Orthodoxy.