The following is an edited partial transcript of a youtube “sermon” against racial injustice by LCMS pastor Matthew Ryan González of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Bronx, New York, posted on LutheransForRacialJustice.com. His church website states: “he serves as the chair of the Atlantic District Conference Committee and as a member of Atlantic District Task … Continue reading Lutherans for Racial Justice”: LCMS Pastor Calls for a New Gospel
Guilt and Reddress
Activism, protests, and legalism To be racist is said to be the greatest sin in our world—even greater than murder—and if you don’t say the correct three word magic phrase today—you are labeled as such. But words do have meaning and should be more than a political tool and symbol for outrage at perceived injustice. … Continue reading Guilt and Reddress
Martin Luther on Procreation
From Luther’s Lectures on Genesis in Luther’s Works What, then, is the reason for this remarkable procreation?...But the theologians say, far more reliably, that these events take place through the working of the Word, because it is said here: “He blessed them and said: ‘Increase and multiply.’” This Word is present in the very body … Continue reading Martin Luther on Procreation
Martin Luther on Suicide
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
The Cause of the Suicide Crisis
The world cannot understand why people—young, affluent people, at that--do not want to live. We have so much wealth, freedom, entertainment, and pleasure—it seems. But these are not what we need, or were created for. What we were built for is meaning, purpose, and divine hope. But society has tried to get rid of the … Continue reading The Cause of the Suicide Crisis
Eucharistic Fasting or Self-Justification?
Some Lutherans have picked up the Roman language of “Eucharistic fasting” recently, applying it to not being able to receive the Lord’s Supper because many public church services are not being held. There are several problems with it, though it might be appealing at first glance. Fasting is biblical, but only in the sense that … Continue reading Eucharistic Fasting or Self-Justification?
The Cause of the Suicide Crisis
The world cannot understand why people—young, affluent people, at that—do not want to live. We have so much wealth, freedom, entertainment, and pleasure—it seems. But these are not what we need, or were created for. What we were built for is meaning, purpose, and divine hope. But society has tried to get rid of the … Continue reading The Cause of the Suicide Crisis
Martin Luther on Suicide
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?
