A Multi-Scale Approach to Directional Field Estimation

This paper proposes a robust method for directional field estimation from fingerprint images that combines estimates at multiple scales. The method is able to provide accurate estimates in scratchy regions, while at the same time maintaining correct estimates around singular points. Compared to other methods, the penalty for detecting false singular points is much smaller, because this does not deteriorate the directional field estimate

Some Thoughts on the Church in the Lutheran Symbols

Near the end of 1536 Martin Luther wrote that a seven-year-old child knows what the church is (SA III XII). In our time great ecumenical gatherings expend incalculable amounts of time and effort in wrestling with the doctrine of the church, and first-rate theologians in all churches provide the printing presses with an unabating flow of materials in discussion of the problems and implications of ecclesiology

The Doctrine of Justification in the Lutheran Confessions

In the 1538 edition of his commentary on Galatians, Luther speaks of this one and firm rock, which we call the doctrine of justification, that is, that we are delivered from sin, death, and devil, not through ourselves (nor certainly through our works which are of lesser value than we ourselves), but through outside help, through the Only-begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ. If the article concerning justification falls, everything falls. This is the chief article of the whole Christian doctrine, which comprehends the undemanding of all godliness. It is, therefore, of prime importance that it be well understood and constantly emphasized. As I often emphasize, the doctrine of justification must be diligently observed. In it are involved all other articles of our faith, and so long as justification is properly taught, it will be well with all other doctrines also

The Baptism of Christ with Special Reference to the Gift of the Spirit

While John the Baptist, in the country beyond Jordan near Bethany (or Bethabara), was performing his office of preparing the way for the Messiah by his preaching and baptizing unto repentance for the remission of sins, and while all the people, from all directions and all walks of life, came to John to hear him and receive his baptism, Jesus also came from Nazareth (Mark) out of Galilee (Matt.). Since His twelfth year nothing had been recorded of Him except that He grew up in Nazareth. Now, after eighteen years of silence and obscurity, when He was about 30 years old (Luke), He emerged into public view. He came to John to be baptized by him

The Christian Hope

The general theme of the second assembly of the World Council of Churches at Evanston was Christ, the Hope of the World. The theme of this essay is related to the message of Evanston. It bids us take note of the fact that we are to deal with the concept hope as qualified by the word Christian. The world also has hope, or rather, hopes; for it has no single, well-defined aspiration. The hope of the world is materialistic, this worldly, earth-bound. But the hope of the world is illusory. It has no solid basis, no tangible object or goal. It is a Christless hope