Concord, Book of

A Lutheran statement of doctrine published in 1580. Widely adopted, it brings together the nine most important texts of Lutheran belief. These are: the Formula of Concord; two catechisms by Luther; the Confession of Augsburg by Luther, Melanchthon, Jonas, and Bugenhagen; the Apology for the Confession of Augsburg by Melanchthon; the Schmalkaldic Articles; and the Nicene, Athanasian, and Apostles' Creeds.

The book was accepted by nearly 90 rulers, princes, and imperial cities, but rejected by many others, including the king of Denmark, who is reputed to have thrown his copy into the fire. It was first published in German in Dresden, and a Latin edition appeared in 1584.