From the orthodox, theological point of view the secular person is not less religious, but has distanced himself from the public proclamation of the Word and has become his own pastor (and church) most likely. If one’s desired expression of Christianity desired does not fit any existing church, it is faulty and quite personal. The … Continue reading ‘The Great Dechurching’
Author: Christian News
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Christian News is not a doctrinally neutral observer, but is committed to the full historic Christian faith, as it is authoritatively revealed in the written Word of God, the Holy Scriptures, and correctly set forth in the Confessions of the Orthodox Church to wit, the Book of Concord in 1580.
The Future of Concordia, Ann Arbor and all Concordias
Instead of treating CUAA as some sort of national treasure, every Concordia should be subjected to a critical assessment—does the school glorify the Lord Jesus and honor Him by correct doctrine and practice? Is a school producing orthodox Christians and servants of the church, or it is it merely aping the secular schools, at great … Continue reading The Future of Concordia, Ann Arbor and all Concordias
Learning From Cain and Abel
Martin Barlau There are some obvious lessons that we can learn from the story of Cain and Abel. But there are also some deeper and more profound lessons there for us. So let’s see what we can learn from Cain and Abel, to guide us in our life with God. “God IS love.” I John … Continue reading Learning From Cain and Abel
The Father’s Pledge—Liberty and Justice for All
Rev. Daniel Fleischer I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. This pledge dates to 1892. It was first spoken in a school in October of that year. It was officially recognized by … Continue reading The Father’s Pledge—Liberty and Justice for All
Are Historical–Critical Methods of Biblical Interpretation Consistent with the Lutheran Use of Scripture?
Robert Preus 1. Definition of the TermThe most important theological issue facing our Synod today centers in the use of the historical-critical method. The question is: May a genuine Lutheran who believes that the sacred Scriptures are the very Word of God and who is committed totally to the doctrine of the Lutheran Confessions use … Continue reading Are Historical–Critical Methods of Biblical Interpretation Consistent with the Lutheran Use of Scripture?
What Does a Pastor Do When He Retires?
Roger Kovaciny I spent some sabbatical time in a theological library on Cape Cod. The most interesting thing I found was an unpublished dissertation on the subject of this essay. The holy ministry is a calling, but it is also a profession--much more than a job. But we should distinguish the Christian ministry from, say, … Continue reading What Does a Pastor Do When He Retires?
Fire of God’s Word: Dividing, Testing, and Proving
Pastor Andrew Preus It has been fifty years since February 19, 1974, the day the majority of the faculty and students of Concordia Seminary staged the famous walkout. It was a protest surrounding the suspension of Dr. John Tietjen from the presidency of the seminary. Almost all the faculty, with the exception of five, left … Continue reading Fire of God’s Word: Dividing, Testing, and Proving
Training to Win Righteousness
1 Cor. 9:16–27 We can learn a little bit from sports. Not a lot, since made-up games have no lasting meaning, but God inspired St. Paul to use the illustration of the athlete who competes to win. We are to be even more dedicated and focused in our goal to remain in the faith—though our … Continue reading Training to Win Righteousness
Enough Christians?
How many churches turn away visitors, saying: we have enough Christians for now? Not many, that would be to deny the salvation Christ won for the world. Forgiveness is based on Christ’s accomplished work—not the particular person or their past or their attitude. God’s family is never full. Heaven does not run out of room. … Continue reading Enough Christians?
Understanding This Pope
Why does Pope Francis prefer to fly with S.A.S.? He thinks it stands for “South American Socialist.” For what it’s worth, I think Bergoglio is an antipope and that Benedict XVI was the legitimate one. Since when can the “Vicar of Christ” retire?* That may be why Bergoglio waited until Benedict was safely deceased to … Continue reading Understanding This Pope
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