Anyone who reads the Lutheran Confessions will quickly realize that there is a large gap between the Confessions and the actual practice in local Lutheran Churches. The word “Lutheran” is practically meaningless today. It can mean anything from promoting women’s ordination to promoting a Purpose Driven Life.
Rev. Palke, 10 years ago, makes an observation that is still true today. He states:
“On the one hand, the Confessions portray an evangelical, catholic church. On the other hand, the life of the church appears to be broadly Protestant. Private confession and absolution, highly prized in the Confessions, would be the demise of any pastor foolhardy enough to institute it in his parish. The weekly Eucharist, a confessional norm in the Augsburg Confession (Article 24), is something that a few pastors have taken seriously and have been willing to take their lumps to establish. “That's too catholic” is the cry that is heard when the pastor elevates the host, chants the liturgy, wears a chasuble, makes the sign of the cross, has a Gospel Procession, uses incense, calls Mary the “ever-virgin, Mother of God”(things that Luther himself defended).
Instead of returning to the historic episcopacy, Lutherans, who view the episcopacy as of human origin, have chosen, in general, a form of church government that is, at best presbyterial, and at worst, patterned after democratic, free-church congregationalism. Lutherans are very suspicious of human authority. After all, “synods, councils, and popes have erred,” as Luther asserted. Unfortunately, Lutherans cannot see the possibility of applying that aphorism to Luther and the other Reformers. The trends in worship over the past few years in the LCMS seem to be following the pattern of “less liturgy; more rousing choruses.” People cannot do without “patriotic icons,” such as American flags, but try putting a religious icon in the sanctuary and watch the sparks fly! Flowers in church are a necessity, but try using incense and you'll get the coals dumped on your head, regardless of what Malachi 1:11 says or what goes on in heaven (Revelation 8:3)!”
“After all, “synods, councils, and popes have erred,” as Luther asserted. Unfortunately, Lutherans cannot see the possibility of applying that aphorism to Luther and the other Reformers.” This quote sums up what I am thinking about Lutheranism today. I am becoming more and more convinced that Luther and the early Lutheran reformers did “err”. Exploring this conviction will be the topic of future blog posts.
Posts
1 comment:
"“After all, “synods, councils, and popes have erred,” as Luther asserted. Unfortunately, Lutherans cannot see the possibility of applying that aphorism to Luther and the other Reformers."
As the Roman Catholics will say, all Protestants are infallible, except the pope. Now, I'm defending papal infallibility, far from it, but just trying to make a point. Today in the Lutheran church I see more of the spirit akin to Luther's "here I stand, I can do no other", staunchly defending what they cannot defend, and ready to slog you in the schnauz for disagreeing with them. However, when I have confronted Lutheran pastors with inconsistencies in see between the Confessions and practice alone, I get the "deer in the headlights" look, or pat comments such as "don't worry about such things". The honest ones will just tell you that the Lutheran church today is just wrong and in trouble.
Post a Comment