Benjamin Kurtz

Benjamin Kurtz (1795-1865) declined his election to professorship at the Lutheran Theological Seminary because “He loved his work on the Lutheran Observer too well to give it up for any other… He was not under the control of any Synod or Board, and pursued his own independent way.”

“Dr. Kurtz stoutly maintained what was called the Evangelical standpoint… He was not what we call a learned man or a profound theologian… but he was uncommonly intelligent in all the ordinary affairs of life and achieved more good in the ministry than many of far greater attainments. The degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by the Washington College, and that of LL. D. by the Wittenberg College.” (source: John Morris in Jensson’s American Lutheran Biographies. 1890)

Why are you a Lutheran? by Benjamin Kurtz

“Those who know nothing of (Lutheranism) can here learn everything that is desirable to know, and those who know us well, will be pleased to find the whole matter so conveniently arranged. - from the Introduction”

22 Aug 2024

Sprinkling and Infant Baptism by Benjamin Kurtz

“…Arguments derived from Sacred Scripture and Sound Reason, Exhibiting the Necessity and Advantages of Infant Baptism, and proving Sprinkling… to be the most Scriptural and Appropriate Mode of Administering it, together with a number of essays on important subjects connected with Baptism.” - from the Preface

17 Apr 2024

The Evangelical Review Vol. 1, William M Reynolds, Editor

The Evangelical Review was edited by William M Reynolds, Professor in Pennsylvania College and assisted by John G Morris, H I Schmidt, Charles W Schaeffer, and Emanuel Greenwald. Many faithful and prominent Lutheran scholars and ministers are featured in the magazine. This first issue was published in 1849 in Gettysburg.

15 Jun 2023

The Evangelical Review Vol. 3, William M Reynolds, Editor

Volume 3 includes “The Lutheran Doctrine of Election”, “The Protestant Principle”, “Scriptural Character Of The Lutheran Doctrine Of The Lord’s Supper” and other articles. The Evangelical Review was edited by William M Reynolds, Professor in Pennsylvania College and assisted by John G Morris, H I Schmidt, Charles W Schaeffer, and Emanuel Greenwald. Many faithful and prominent Lutheran scholars and ministers are featured in the magazine. The first issue was published in 1849 in Gettysburg.

28 Mar 2023

The Evangelical Review Vol. 2, William M Reynolds, Editor

Volume 2 includes “The Ecclesiastical Year”, “The Doctrine of the Atonement of Christ as presented in the Symbolical Books”, “The Silent Influence of the Bible”, and many other articles. The Evangelical Review was edited by William M Reynolds, Professor in Pennsylvania College and assisted by John G Morris, H I Schmidt, Charles W Schaeffer, and Emanuel Greenwald. Many faithful and prominent Lutheran scholars and ministers are featured in the magazine. The first issue was published in 1849 in Gettysburg.

28 Mar 2023

How Should The Gospel Be Preached? by Benjamin Kurtz [Journal Article]

“There is a strait gait of knowledge through which [everyone] must pass on entering the kingdom, and many of the results of his reasonings must be abandoned at that entrance, while he confesses himself a mere disciple all the way in his progress.”

2 Aug 2019

Benjamin Kurtz: A Biographical Sketch

About Rev. Benjamin Kurtz, D.D., LL.D. Dr. Benjamin Kurtz came to Baltimore in August, 1833, to assume the editorial charge of the Lutheran Observer. He was at this time a widower and not in vigorous health. He had little experience in writing, and he had some difficulty in pruning his superfluous verbiage; but he acquired a vigorous, if not ornate style, and rendered invaluable service to the church in this position. He had no other employment and was ambitious of success. He was not under the control of any Synod or Board, and pursued his own independent way. He maintained this position by himself for about fifteen years, until the establishment of the book and publishing office, principally through his own agency. He superintended that institution with great ability and success, for he had eminent business capacity.

1 Feb 2019

Benjamin Kurtz

Benjamin Kurtz (1795-1865) declined his election to professorship at the Lutheran Theological Seminary because “He loved his work on the Lutheran Observer too well to give it up for any other… He was not under the control of any Synod or Board, and pursued his own independent way.”

1 Jan 0001