It is often cited that Luther had a liberal, modern attitude toward suicide. Luther’s oft-referenced thought is from the Table Talk, which is not the written words of Luther himself, but purport to be recorded from Luther’s informal conversations (around the table). The much-quoted passage reads: I don’t share the opinion that suicides are certainly … Continue reading Martin Luther on Suicide
COVID-19 Pandemic and the Digitalization of the Church
ilc-online.org/2020/04/18/essay-the-covid-19-pandemic-and-the-digitization-of-the-church/ This article is very insightful, but something is off—the truly Lutheran element is missing. The author emphasizes “divine service” as if it were a human work, instead of divine faith in the Word. The Word is not bound or limited—because neither is Christ, who fills all things. In faith, all spiritual gifts are had … Continue reading COVID-19 Pandemic and the Digitalization of the Church
Is the LCMS Now Copying the Amish?
An interesting document by Michael W. Newman, current president of the Texas district of the LCMS, appeared in Lutheran Mission Matters 28:2 (Nov. 2019): “Next Steps for LCMS Multiplication: Two Actions to Reignite a Gospel Movement.” The abstract is promising: “The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) experienced two robust periods of growth in its history. During … Continue reading Is the LCMS Now Copying the Amish?
To my Brothers in the Ministry in the Midst of Pestilence
I want to encourage you brothers. The sheep entrusted to our care and the communities in which we serve have enough people telling them what to be worried about, what precautions to take, and how to save themselves in the midst of this pestilence. Everyone is fully aware that we are in a crisis. They … Continue reading To my Brothers in the Ministry in the Midst of Pestilence
Martin Luther on the doctrine of Just War
Pastor Alex Post Redeemer Lutheran Church Marshalltown, IA Introduction Martin Luther wrote and preached to Christians in Germany about a wide range of issues, many of which we might hesitate to mention in congregations of the United States today. One of those issues is the debate on whether a particular war is just or unjust. … Continue reading Martin Luther on the doctrine of Just War
How are Lutheran Congregations Reassuring Members amid the Covid-19 Pandemic?
Our Savior Lutheran Chuch Centereach, NY Some may be wondering how Our Savior may be affected by the coronavirus. My intention is to be in church Sunday to honor the Lord,and serve God's people and lift up the world in prayer. Thank God I know of no such infections among us. I along with the … Continue reading How are Lutheran Congregations Reassuring Members amid the Covid-19 Pandemic?
The Coronavirus and Church
Everywhere the Coronavirus is lurking—at least the fear of it. Some are afraid to shake hands or go out in public. Is society is doomed to destruction? Does your imagination conjure up certain death and the image of mass graves? Do you fear for your life? This is all due to something we cannot see, … Continue reading The Coronavirus and Church
Faith without Christ?
Objective justification is often misportrayed, because what it actually describes has always been assumed by genuine Lutherans. It is the denial of any objective aspect, basis, or foundation to justification that is new, and therefore requires a pointed and emphatic response. It is often assumed that those who hold to this objective aspect of justification … Continue reading Faith without Christ?
White Privilege Study Guide From the ELCA
Article here. The overreaction, when one’s thinking is based solely on rejecting human error, instead of Scripture, is evident all around us. To be “anti” something, in purely human, fleshly thinking, also leads to an error. The complete opposite of an error is not the truth. While not to this extreme, there have been negative … Continue reading White Privilege Study Guide From the ELCA
College Life: Unmoored from Society
College campuses have their own culture, but one unmoored from the broader society. In some ways they are the incubators of modern radical thought and indicators of where the society is headed. They are bastions of radical idealism, precisely because college life is disconnected from families, work, and the earning of the money that pays … Continue reading College Life: Unmoored from Society
