The Art of Exegesis: An Analysis of the Life and Work of Martin Hans Franzmann

Although he loomed large during his lifetime, Martin Hans Franzmann has faded away in the minds of American Lutherans. Memories of him typically orbit around an appreciation for his hymnody. He was, however, more than a hymn writer. To only understand or appreciate his hymns is to only understand or appreciate a part of him. This book seeks to shine a light on a brilliant and gifted poet of the church by unpacking and analyzing his life and work. In so doing, it is hoped that he will loom large once again. Franzmann’s hymns have endured for a reason, namely because he was singularly focused on teaching people to hear the voice of God in the text of the Scriptures.

Matthew E. Borrasso is the pastor of Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Parkton, Maryland. He has a BA from Concordia University Chicago (2008), a MACM from Northern Seminary (2012), a MDiv from Concordia Seminary (2014), and an STM from United Lutheran Seminary (2018).