Comments on: Angry Lutherans

By: David

David — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 05:05:33 +0000

I can’t add any more than what has already been stated here, except that as with the Pope, I am vicar for four more weeks.

By: *Christopher

*Christopher — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 23:19:57 +0000

This is what happens when thinking around ecumenism was somehow all is going to be kumbaya. We have significant disagreements as Christian bodies, and I don’t think we can really do ecumenical conversation without airing our disagreements openly. I for one agree with Lutherans that I can accept the papacy…reformed to the Gospel. And to be frank, I don’t see such that the papacy has made those steps and I should be free to say so. That doesn’t mean I don’t converse with Roman Catholics…many are good friends of mine, and we have solid fellowship together. Anti-Catholicism exists; I’ve heard it. In other countries, Anti-Protestantism also carries a baggage that is more than mere words, but here in the U.S. our history is such that Anti-Catholicism was quite nasty in certain periods. On the other hand, B16 and others have exploited this in my opinion by suggesting that the scandals of late were due to such bias in the media.

By: PS

PS — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 13:47:20 +0000

Yes, LP, I’ve been on some “other” Lutheran blogs that get very pissy about the Confessions. And accuse some of us of being the E*CA. Funny thing is that as a dyed in the wool Lutheran, attended a college named after Him (ML, not Jesus) and such, I never even met the Confessions except by name in the local church constitution. But nobody ever trotted them out for all to see.

Then I started reading blogs and they are mentioned all over the place.

By: lutherpunk

lutherpunk — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 11:42:59 +0000

Chris – I think anti-Catholicism does still exist, not in theological debate but in lived forms of Lutheranism. I have overheard too many nasty (and I do mean nasty and mean-spirited) comments about from otherwise good Lutheran folks. I have read a few anti-Catholic statements over this latest statement, though primarily on a ‘piskie blog (Leftist are a nasty group when they want to be). Most of the Lutherans I read have expressed anger and frustration, but not been too negative.

And I guess you called me on the thing with Evangelicals…you are right there. I am guilty as charged. But again, I drive at the point that what they said was not: 1. New 2. Shocking 3. Inconsistent with previous statements.

So Chris, here is the thing – if we ever end up at an ELCA event together, we need to have some beers and theological talk! It beats the hell out of typing!

PS – I love that Ruff quote and use it in our new member’s class. You lift up something interesting: that we do in fact adhere to tradition AND Scripture through our use of confessional writings. We simply then couch this as saying that the BOC is simply explaining Biblical doctrines, which is shady in some ways.

By: Chris Duckworth

Chris Duckworth — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:36:32 +0000

I’m unwilling to shrug my shoulders and simply say, “Who cares what B16 or the Curia thinks?” when they say such stupid things from such a powerful pulpit. We in the Main Line gripe and moan every time a silly Christian Evangelical leader says something stupid on TV – so why not offer a strong critique when the Pope does the same from his bully pulpit?

And “Anti-Catholic” sounds so nasty, a term in the same genre of hate as antisemitism. And though I know that froth-at-the-mouth anti-catholics exist, just as antisemites exist, I’m not sure that theological debate and honest frustration with our Catholic brethren is the same as being “anti-Catholic.” That word seems too strong to be applied to most of the responses to the Vatican’s recent statement that I’ve read.

By: PS

PS — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 22:18:42 +0000

One of the reasons I have problems with those Lutherans who get on and on about the Bible and what it means is that they (some?? all??) of them also subscribe to these other statements IN ADDITION to the Bible.

Lutherans like to have things both ways. wink. From “our website”:

“Is Lutheranism the Only True Religion?
Do Lutherans believe theirs is the only true religion?

Lutheranism -The Only True Religion?

This question was once put to the late Dr. Elson Ruff, editor of The Lutheran. His answer was, “Yes, but Lutherans don’t believe they are the only ones who have it. There are true Christian believers in a vast majority of the churches, perhaps in all.” The ELCA Confession of Faith says “This church confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who believe …”