Paulson: Other Than Fordian
|
|
- Blaze Brown
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Paulson: Other Than Fordian From the Augustana District (LCMC) announcement of their February 2014 guest speakers, Steven Paulson and Mark Mattes: And both espouse a Lutheran theology in the tradition of Gerhard Forde. Have times changed since Forde died (2005) in such a way that he must decrease while a new pan-lutheran (LCMC, the NALC, LC-MS) consensus on election and inerrancy must increase? To be sure, Paulson, heir to Forde s chair at Luther Seminary, is strong on election. But Forde s heritage and the wider twentieth century Luther renaissance is being transposed into a view of the Bible and its use that Forde strongly rejected. 1. Would Paulson praise inerrancy if Forde were in the audience? Forde wrote explicitly and repeatedly against inerrancy. A few of many such statements in Forde: In the final analysis the verbal inspiration method is based on a theory a human theory about the nature of the Word of God. Now the test for the validity of any theory is how well it explains the facts, and one can only say that this theory does not explain the facts very well. It is based on human logic and once its logic is broken the entire position collapses all a once. 1 So in its practice it [Lutheranism] has resorted mostly to a dogmatic absolutism largely dependent on a view of scriptural inerrancy, which usually brought with it disguised moral absolutisms of various sorts as well. 2 Disenchanted Lutherans today are attracted by both possibilities.when freechoice pietism has lost its moorings in the external Word, the only way to get it back in line is by turning to authority structures with the clout to do it. One can find that either in Roman-type hierarchicalism or in Biblicism. In either case, satis est non satis est. The gospel and the sacraments are not enough. 3 Paulson, in contrast, has high praise for Scripture s inerrancy. In a 2011 lecture response to (Wisconsin Synod) Dr. John F. Brug s strong defense of inerrancy, Paulson said: Thanks to Dr. Brug for standing for Scripture s inerrancy against the silly experiments in the ELCA that have attempted to read Scripture as a book of the history of religions, then to demythologize the history and leave a kernel of truth that confronts hearers with an existential moment of decision. No doubt he is right, that the ELCA lost track of the original source of Scripture, which is the inerrancy in the letters that come through an inerrant Holy Spirit. 4 1 Forde, Law and Gospel as the Methodological Principle of Theology, A Discussion of Contemporary Issues in Theology by Members of the Religion Department at Luther College. (Decorah, Iowa; Luther College Press, 1964) Forde, Radical Lutheranism, Lutheran Quarterly 1,1 (Spring, 1987) 13. Emphasis added. 3 Forde, Satis Est? What do we do when other churches don t agree? (Unpublished lecture given to the ELCA Teaching Theologians Conference, August 1990) Emphasis added. 4 Paulson s response to the paper by John F. Brug, Luther s Doctrine of the Word, at the Lutheran Free Conference, November 2011, was revised for LOGIA, Epiphany XXII,1 (2013) Emphasis added. 1
2 Really? Fordians share with Missouri and the Wisconsin Synod a belief in the inerrancy in the letters? Not at all. What happens when an inerrant text is made the prior miracle to revelation in the cross? The centrality of the Word of the cross is lost. As Forde writes: I am in effect saying to God that unless he provides me with the kind of guarantee which I expect and want, I cannot believe. Then I am in a very dangerous position because I am dictating to God the conditions under which I will believe. It is dangerous because it might just be that God has not in fact provided us with that kind of guarantee. 5 If Forde had been in the audience when Paulson praised inerrancy, would Forde have applauded? 2. Paulson deviates from Forde on the clarity of scripture. Forde points out how the uniqueness of Luther s thought was rediscovered in the modern era over against Lutheran Orthodoxy: Beginning in about the 1840s, when J.C.K. von Hofmann appealed to Luther in the argument over atonement, Luther was for the first time set against Lutheran orthodoxy on a substantive doctrinal issue (Hirsch, 1954, vol. 5, p. 427) and the uniqueness of Luther s own thought began to emerge as a viable alternative. 6 As a direct consequence of this rediscovery, in the ninth round of the Lutheran/Catholic dialogue, of which Forde was a leading member, the Lutheran team calls attention to the difference between Luther and seventeenth century Lutheran Orthodoxy on the clarity of scripture: Jesus as Messiah, Son of God, and Savior is the essential Word from God, the content and center of the entire Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments (die Mitte der Schrift). 28 Fn 28: Everything in the universe of Luther s Reformation stands or falls with the thesis of the clarity of Holy Scripture.The function of the thesis of the clarity of Scripture, however, is only properly recognized when the essential content has been somewhat correctly determined. For Luther it is not a question, as is later the case with Orthodox dogmatists, of the quality of transparency (perspicuitas), which statements of Scripture should in a specific way have. 7 Paulson, however, in commenting on the theme of the clarity of scripture, quotes approvingly of the Lutheran Orthodox view of the perspicuity of scripture: That reversal of direction assumes that Scripture is clear and is in no need of specially empowered interpreters, thus removing subjectivism in either its individual or collective forms Forde, Law and Gospel as the Methodological Principle of Theology, 56. Emphasis in the text. See further: The DNA of the Missouri Synod at 6 Forde, Lutheranism, The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Modern Christian Thought. Ed. Alister McGrath (Cambridge, MA: Blackwell, 1993) 357. Emphasis added. 7 Scripture and Tradition, Lutherans and Catholics in Dialogue IX. Eds. Harold C. Skillrud, J. Francis Stafford, Daniel F. Martensen (Minneapolis: Augsburg, 1995) 29 and 55. 2
3 Fn 19: At this point a person could fruitfully consider Luther s two kinds of clarity (external and internal) as he discusses them in the Bondage of the Will. And one could also take up the Orthodox Lutherans who distinguished obscurity in the object contemplated and that which lies in the subject contemplating it. As Quenstedt put it, The words of the Testament are in themselves very perspicuous, but are variously interpreted; because many, neglecting the literal and proper sense, studiously seek a foreign one because of the perverseness or imbecility of men. The obscurity which lies in the subject must not be transferred to the object [!] Quoted in Schmid, The Doctrinal Theology of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, The exclamation mark is added by Paulson. He approves of Quenstedt, who held a dictation theory of inspiration, as Missouri does today. 9 In contrast, Forde quotes Quenstedt to show the problem of Lutheran Orthodoxy s claim that the obscurity which lies in the subject must not be transferred to the object: What is the thinking behind this position? According to Francis Pieper, the celebrated Missouri Synod theology of the turn of the century, it is so because it is a position which is established a priori. What does this mean? It means that it is so because it must be so in order for the scripture to be considered the Word of God. That is, if you believe that the scripture is the Word of God, then you must believe that it cannot contain any errors before you begin to read it, otherwise you would not read it as the Word of God. The position must be established a priori, before the actual examination of evidence, otherwise it cannot be considered a sure basis for faith. Now lest you think I am exaggerating here, let me quote for you the statement of one of the 17 th century orthodox fathers, Quenstedt, which draws out the full implications of this position: 10 As Forde points out, 11 the modern Lutheran renaissance recovered the uniqueness of Luther s thought over against Lutheran Orthodoxy. 12 This uniqueness includes the discovery that the thesis of the clarity of Scripture, however, is only properly recognized 8 Steven D. Paulson, Lutheran Assertions Regarding Scripture, Lutheran Quarterly 17,4 (2003) 380, It is notable that two of three back cover endorsements for Paulson s one major book, Lutheran Theology (New York: T&T Clark, 2011) are Missourians: John Pless and Robert Kolb. Moreover, Pless and Matthew Harrison (now President of the Missouri Synod) are co-editors of Women Pastors? The Ordination of Women in Biblical Lutheran Perspective. A Collection of Essays (St. Louis: Concordia, 2009). This collection of essays attacking women s ordination did not keep Paulson from using Pless endorsement for his own book, published in Forde, Law and Gospel as the Methodological Principle of Theology, Forde, Lutheranism, The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Modern Christian Thought, Paulson briefly mentions (p.198) but does not discuss the twentieth century Luther renaissance in his book, Lutheran Theology. This omission is significant for three reasons: 1) The book is part of a series focusing on the origins of a particular theological tradition, its foundations, key concepts, eminent thinkers and historical development (inside cover); 2) Omitting discussion of the twentieth century Luther renaissance minimizes its achievements and importance for discerning Lutheran identity; and 3) Paulson has six inconsequential footnotes to Forde and no references to Forde in the index, thus overlooking Forde s role as a major thinker in the twentieth century Luther renaissance. 3
4 when the essential content has been somewhat correctly determined 13 over against the seventeenth century dogmaticians claim for the perspicuity of scripture. 3. Inerrancy, disguised moral absolutes, and Paulson on homosexuality. Forde writes: [Lutheranism] has resorted mostly to a dogmatic absolutism largely dependent on a view of scriptural inerrancy, which usually brought with it disguised moral absolutisms of various sorts as well. 14 Is there a disguised moral absolute in Paulson s argument against homosexuality below? In Luther s day a dispute arose when the clever preacher John Agricola proposed that the way to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ was to leave out the preaching of the law entirely.wouldn t that be nice for a preacher? No more need to accuse anyone or bother with the law even when it is plainly in the Scripture to be preached. They [ELCA pro-gay supporters] believe they are the messengers and purveyors of a new and higher law than had ever existed before in church and world even laws given by God himself. Furthermore, this new and higher form of law comes in the person of the Holy Spirit who gives them new spirit-led revelations that are not in Scripture but are supposed to be part of God s hidden plan. Fanatics think that the Holy Spirit has given them a new word not found in Scripture that approves of homosexual acts. They know, even though they have no word from God to stand on. 15 Paulson would surely deny being an inerrantist. Yet his argument in this citation against homosexuality is based on what is plainly in the Scripture to be preached. However negatively phrased, his message is that biblical prohibitions against homosexuality are Word of God and decisive for today. Forde, in contrast, in writing against homosexuality, rejects such proof-texting and instead distinguishes two uses of law and Christian freedom to change law: It is not enough just to say that a given command is The Word of God in questions of the civil use of law each case has to be argued individually. The fundamental concern of the civil use of the law is for the care of the social order... What the law enjoins is love of and service to the neighbor. That is its fundamental and ineradicable content. 16 For faith in the end of the law leads to the view that its purpose is to take care of this world, not to prepare for the next. That means that we do not possess absolute, unchangeable laws. If the law no longer takes care of this world, it 13 Scripture and Tradition, Lutherans and Catholics in Dialogue IX, Forde, Radical Lutheranism, Lutheran Quarterly, Paulson, Against the holy blasphemers, Network News 10,8 (December 2009) 5-6. Emphasis added. 16 Forde, Law and Sexual Behavior, Lutheran Quarterly 9,1 (Spring, 1995) 8-9, 18. Emphasis added. 4
5 can and must be changed. As even Luther put it, 17 we must write our own decalogue to fit the times. 18 At the same time, a theology seduced by nomism (all too often the case in the church) is ill equipped to do battle with antinomianism. Since it has already compromised the eschatological gospel, it can fight only from the position of law and charge its opponents with the terrible heresy of being anti-law. Thus, the term antinomian. One gets the impression that whereas other heresies are relatively mild, being antinomian is about the worst thing one could be! At any rate, to defend itself, nomism appeals to already given anti-gospel sentiments, compounding the confusion. So the general victory of nomism over antinomianism in the church is hardly cause for celebration. Nothing is solved. No insight into the nature of the problem is gained. The war of words is only inflated and the issues obscured. 19 The theology of the cross, properly understood, rejects both antinomianism and biblical nomism. For Forde, Bayer, Lønning, and other scholars of the twentieth century Luther renaissance, revelation is the cross, not the inerrant Book as is the case for Lutheran Orthodoxy, Missouri, Wisconsin and in the argument by Paulson, who ridicules pro-gay supporters because they have no word from God to stand on. By inference he has such a word from God. 4. Paulson waffles on the third use of the law. What of the third use of the law? Missouri insists on it; Forde rejects it. Where does the Paulson trajectory lead? Paulson would surely disavow a third use. Yet such a disavowal is not consistent with the way he uses the New Testament, that is, the way he distinguishes between ceremonial and moral law: Because of the absolute certainty of their cause. Leviticus tells you to sacrifice a goat. So there. Why don t you sacrifice a goat? A fanatic cannot make the proper distinction between the law and the gospel and to identify where the law applies and where it comes to an end. A fanatic cannot make the distinction. Now Lutherans and Lutheran theology should know better. It should know there is a distinction between the law and the gospel and as Paul says very clearly it is not the law but faith which makes one righteous. We can go right to Romans 3:28. Right at the end of the chapter. I think it s verse 33 where he says what then shall we say? Does this remove the law altogether? No, it establishes the law. It puts the law in its proper place. But the proper place for the law is not the means by which you are made righteous. This is a fanatic opinion. A fanatic opinion thinks that its judgment on homosexuality is going to be a righteous one that will make them righteous. And it will actually impart righteousness to another human being apart from the forgiveness of sins entirely. This is the way fanaticism operates, and it can t make a distinction between the law and the gospel any longer. 17 Martin Luther on the law as human and changing: Indeed, we would make new decalogues, as Paul does in all the epistles, and Peter, but above all Christ in the gospel (LW 34:112). This text makes it clear that even the Ten Commandments do not pertain to us (LW 35:165). The Gentiles are not obligated to obey Moses. Moses is the Sachsenspiegel for the Jews (LW 35:167). 18 Forde, Lex Semper Accusat? Nineteenth-Century Roots of Our Current Dilemma, dialog 9 (1970) 274. Emphasis added. 19 Forde, Fake Theology: Reflections on Antinomians Past and Present, dialog 22 (1983) , here 247. Emphasis added. 5
6 Anybody who spends any time discussing the distinction between law and gospel knows there is a distinction now between the law of the Decalogue, the law of the ten commandments that we re talking about here, and the socalled ceremonial law that identifies how it is that you do a sacrifice of a goat. This is why we teach the Ten Commandments at the beginning of the Small Catechism. We don t teach the sacrifice of a goat. But you ll find both of these in the Old Testament. You have to make the proper distinction. Of course the issue of sexuality is an issue now of the Decalogue and the proper establishment of the law and the way we teach and preach that law. 20 Forde, in contrast, attacks the traditional distinction between ceremonial and moral law which Paulson supports: Theologically, both before and after the Reformation, the most common move toward domesticating freedom has been the attempt to qualify the Pauline claim that Christ is the end of the law to those of faith. Reason, as Luther would put it, simply cannot entertain such an idea, the conviction that in Christ the law comes to an end, that law is over and freedom begins. As we have seen, freedom as usually conceived needs law as the mediator of possibility. What shall we do if there is no law to tell us what to do? But is Paul then wrong in his claim? Theologians as usual, however, have found a way to have their cake and eat it, too. They made a distinction in the content of the law something Paul never did between ceremonial or ritual laws on the one hand and moral law on the other. Then they proceeded to say that Christ was the end of ceremonial law but not the moral law. Christ ended the necessity, that is, for sacrifice, circumcision, food and ritual regulations, etc., but not the demands of moral law (e.g., the Decalogue). Christ died, it seems, to save us from the liturgiologists! One might grant, of course, that there is no small accomplishment, but the price does seem a bit high! Paulson: Other than Fordian. Paulson is a popular speaker and leader among conservative Lutherans, not only in the Augustana District of LCMC but elsewhere. His stance is congenial to the Institute for Lutheran Theology (ILT), which formally endorses the view of the clarity of scripture held by seventeenth century Lutheran Orthodoxy and the present day Missouri Synod. 22 The ILT has a significant Missourian presence: One of three consultants is Missourian (Manske), as are several adjunct faculty members, including Jack Kilcrease, who notes approvingly that in contrast to Forde Paulson accepts lex aeterna or eternal law Paulson at a Lutheran CORE meeting, Roseville Lutheran (11/18/2010). Transcript of the DVD at 25:52. Emphasis added. 21 Forde, Called to Freedom. Opening Address to the Eighth International Congress for Luther Research, 1993 and reprinted in The Preached God. Eds. Mark C. Mattes and Steven D. Paulson (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2007) 259. Emphasis added. See also Forde, Justification and This World, Christian Dogmatics. Eds. Carl E. Braaten and Robert W. Jenson (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1984) 2: We hold to the internal clarity of Scripture, believing that Scripture is not merely a text from the ancient world whose meaning is obscure and only discernible through application of new scholarly approaches to the text, but that Scripture is in itself clear, and that any obscurity on Scripture's part is due to the fallenness of human nature. Foundational principles of ILT supported by the unanimous vote of the ILT Board. ILT Newletter, Feb Jack Kilcrease, jackkilcreaseblogspot.com, April 6,
7 Kilcrease s lengthy analysis of Forde is based on the (Missourian) presupposition that the objectivity of the content of the law [is] revealed in nature and Scripture. 24 In addition to LCMC, Paulson has ties to CORE and the NALC through his doctor father, Carl Braaten. The NALC s Pittsburgh seminary center has hired long-time Forde critic, David Yeago. One Missourian notes approvingly: Yeago has cleared the ground for a positive, or third, use of the Law, without using the term. 25 Though methodologically different, Paulson, too, because of the way he uses the Bible, has cleared the ground for a third use of the law without using the term. In short, Paulson is in sync with conservative leaders in both LCMC and the NALC. But it is not Forde s legacy that is being carried forward. 6. The price does seem a bit high! Some say that Fordians should not be fractured but join in building a big Lutheran conservative tent, regardless of conflicts over inerrancy and the third use of the law. It would be nice. Numbers do matter. At the same time one must count the cost. As Forde said: The price does seem a bit high! 26 The price is high because it means retreating into the long shadow of Biblicism out of which Forde and others have led the way the way which has led to the recovery of the uniqueness of Luther s theology over against Lutheran Orthodoxy. As Forde himself wrote in the 1960 s battle among Lutherans over inerrancy: Finally, what is at stake in this conflict over method? Must we make a choice between them today? If so, why? I think we must.we are fighting for the restoration of the gospel. 27 Rightly understood, Luther s theology of the cross includes a rejection of inerrancy and the third use of the law. 24 Jack Kilcrease, Gerhard Forde s Doctrine of the Law: A Confessional Lutheran Critique, Concordia Theological Quarterly 75,1-2 (January/April 2011) , here Scott R. Murray, Law, Life, and the Living God. The Third Use of the Law in Modern American Lutheranism (St. Louis: Concordia, 2002) See footnote 18 above. 27 Forde, Law and Gospel as the Methodological Principle of Theology, 67. Emphasis added. 7
SL 210 THEOLOGY 1: AUTHORITY, TRINITY, CREATION, ANTHROPOLOGY, CHRISTOLOGY AND SOTERIOLOGY
SL 210 THEOLOGY 1: AUTHORITY, TRINITY, CREATION, ANTHROPOLOGY, CHRISTOLOGY AND SOTERIOLOGY Instructor: Dr. Gordon A. Jensen Office: Lutheran Theological Seminary, Room 226 Phone: 966-7866 email: gordon.jensen@usask.ca
More informationWhat are the Timings of Modern Day Lutheranism?
What are the Timings of Modern Day Lutheranism? Having heard what historic Lutheranism taught concerning the important Christian teachings of Justification, the Bible, the Means of Grace, and Fellowship,
More informationSL 120 The Lutheran Confessions
SL 120 The Lutheran s Instructor: Dr. Gordon Jensen, Room 226, Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon Ph. 966-7866 gordon.jensen@usask.ca I. Introduction In the constitution of the Evangelical Lutheran
More informationCOMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod WHAT IS THE CTCR? The Holy Christian Church consists of all those and only those who trust in God s Son, Jesus Christ, as
More informationLOGIA. a journal of luther an theology. Lutheranism in Scandinavia
LOGIA a journal of luther an theology Lutheranism in Scandinavia EPIPHANY 2012 VOLUME XXI, NUMBER 1 LOGIA A JOURNAL OF LUTHER AN THEOLOGY articles EPIPHANY 2012 volume xxi, number 1 contents Confessional
More informationLutheran Theology and Freedom to Marry Compiled from Marriage Equality in the 21 st Century: What Would Luther Say? Written by Sue Best
Lutheran Theology and Freedom to Marry Compiled from Marriage Equality in the 21 st Century: What Would Luther Say? Written by Sue Best Luther s Works Volumes 44-47 of Luther s Works are called the Christian
More informationTable of Contents. The Third Use of the Law: Keeping Up to Date with an Old Issue Lawrence R. Rast
Volume 69:3-4 July/October 2005 Table of Contents The Third Use of the Law: Keeping Up to Date with an Old Issue Lawrence R. Rast... 187 A Third Use of the Law: Is the Phrase Necessary? Lawrence M. Vogel...
More informationGRACE UPON GRACE: 1 JOHN 1:8 9 AND THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS
CHRISTIAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE PO Box 8500, Charlotte, NC 28271 Feature Article: JAF7382 GRACE UPON GRACE: 1 JOHN 1:8 9 AND THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS by Steven Parks This article first appeared in the CHRISTIAN
More informationAugustana District Reaches Around the World to Hawassa, Ethiopia
The Augustana District of LCMC Fall 2013 Newsletter Augustana District Reaches Around the World to Hawassa, Ethiopia As a new Lutheran landscape begins to develop in North America, the Augustana District
More informationCONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY
CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY Volume 82:1 2 January/April 2018 Table of Contents Is Law Intrinsic to God s Essence? David P. Scaer... 3 Johann Gerhard, the Socinians, and Modern Rejections of Substitutionary
More informationTH 628 Contemporary Theology Fall Semester 2017 Tuesdays: 8:30 am-12:15 pm
TH 628 Contemporary Theology Fall Semester 2017 Tuesdays: 8:30 am-12:15 pm INSTRUCTOR: Randal D. Rauser, PhD Phone: 780-431-4428 Email: randal.rauser@taylor-edu.ca DESCRIPTION: A consideration of theological
More informationJustification and Evangelicalism. Leader s Guide
Justification and Evangelicalism Leader s Guide 2018 The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 1333 S. Kirkwood Road St. Louis, MO 63122 888-THE LCMS lcms.org/ctcr This work may be reproduced by churches and
More informationAn Exercise of the Hierarchical Magisterium. Richard R. Gaillardetz, Ph.D.
An Exercise of the Hierarchical Magisterium Richard R. Gaillardetz, Ph.D. In Pope John Paul II s recent apostolic letter on the male priesthood he reiterated church teaching on the exclusion of women from
More information(Note: some answers from the following question can be found on the internet)
BASIC CHRISTIANITY CLASS REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH Session IV Lutheran History & Catechism (Note: some answers from the following question can be found on the internet) Images: Luther s Seal, Castle Wartburg,
More informationADIAPHORA, The Rev. Dr. William Hordern Emeritus Professor of Systematic Theology and former President of Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon
ADIAPHORA, THE ARTICLE BY WHICH THE CHURCH STANDS OR FALLS, AND THE BLESSING OF SAME-SEX RELATIONSHIPS The Rev. Dr. Lawrence Denef Executive Director for Theological Education and for College and University
More informationThe Vocation Movement in Lutheran Higher Education
Intersections Volume 2016 Number 43 Article 5 2016 The Vocation Movement in Lutheran Higher Education Mark Wilhelm Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.augustana.edu/intersections
More informationThe Life and Theology of Martin Luther
1 The Life and Theology of Martin Luther Instructor: Carl R. Trueman The Devil s Bagpipes! 2 A theologian of glory calls evil good and good evil. A theologian of the cross calls the thing what it actually
More informationMaking Biblical Decisions
1 Making Biblical Decisions Study Guide LESSON THREE THE NORMATIVE PERSPECTIVE: THE ATTRIBUTES OF SCRIPTURE For videos, manuscripts, Lesson 3: and The other Normative resources, Perspective: visit Third
More informationJustification: Am I Good Enough for God? Study and discussion questions Chapter 1 "The Great Comfort the Doctrine of Objective Justification Gives"
Justification: Am I Good Enough for God? "Nothing in this article [on justification through faith in Christ] can be given up or compromised." - Martin Luther, Smalcald Articles, Part II, Article I Study
More informationTable and font: Who is welcome?
Table and font: Who is welcome? An invitation to join the conversation about Baptism and Communion Biblical and confessional resources for communion practices conversation Marcus Kunz This short essay
More informationWesterholm, Stephen. Perspectives Old and New on Paul: The Lutheran Paul and His Critics. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, pp. $40.00.
Westerholm, Stephen. Perspectives Old and New on Paul: The Lutheran Paul and His Critics. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004. 488 pp. $40.00. In the past quarter century, no single discussion in New Testament
More informationDr Carl R Trueman Paul Woolley Professor of Church History Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia
Dr Carl R Trueman Paul Woolley Professor of Church History Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia Marcus Loane Hall Moore Theological College 1 King Street, Newtown 3 August 2017 8pm 7 August 2017
More informationCONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY
CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY Volume 82:1 2 January/April 2018 Table of Contents Is Law Intrinsic to God s Essence? David P. Scaer... 3 Johann Gerhard, the Socinians, and Modern Rejections of Substitutionary
More informationTheological Interpretation of the Sermon on the. Mount
6.45 Theological Interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount The Early Church In the early church, the Sermon on the Mount was used apologetically to combat Marcionism and, polemically, to promote the superiority
More informationwhy vineyard: a theological reflection by don williams
why vineyard: a theological reflection by don williams When asked the question "Why Vineyard?" we want to be quick to say that it is not because we think the Vineyard is better than any other church or
More informationThe Word Endures: Lessons From Luther Yesterday and Today
The Word Endures: Lessons From Luther Yesterday and Today This set of lessons focuses on certain practical applications of the Word to situations that occurred during the course of Luther s reform efforts.
More informationBy Faith Alone. A Bible Study 2015 Western Wisconsin District Conference
By Faith Alone A Bible Study 2015 Western Wisconsin District Conference Opening Prayer: Lord God, Heavenly Father: We know that faith is not something that comes from ourselves, but must be received as
More informationCONSTITUTION Adopted: May 20, 2018
RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH 765 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, VA 23601-1513 CONSTITUTION Adopted: May 20, 2018 PREAMBLE It is the will of our Lord Jesus Christ that His disciples should live
More informationCONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY
CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY Volume 59: Numbers 1-2 JANUARY-APRIL 1995 Christ the Victor and the Victim RowanA.Greer...:... 1 The Filioque: What Is at Stake? Avery Dulles, S.J.... 3 1 GocE the Son and
More informationChristian Freedom and Responsibility. Dr Jeff Silcock
Christian Freedom and Responsibility Dr Jeff Silcock The evangelical Lutheran church has often called a church of freedom because the idea of freedom has been part of its genetic coding; it s built into
More informationAUTHORIZATION FOR MINISTRY AND THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS. Timothy Wengert The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
AUTHORIZATION FOR MINISTRY AND THE LUTHERAN CONFESSIONS Timothy Wengert The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia The Lutheran Confessions are witnesses, calling us away from themselves toward
More informationStudy Guide for Good and Bad Ways to Think About Religion and Politics by Robert Benne (Eerdmans, 2010)
Study Guide for Good and Bad Ways to Think About Religion and Politics by Robert Benne (Eerdmans, 2010) Introduction The advent of a national election in a few months intensifies the question of how Christians
More informationLAW AND GOSPEL. From the Series A Lutheran Understanding. The Rev. Dennis Whalen Lighthouse Lutheran Church Freedom, PA 15042
LAW AND GOSPEL From the Series A Lutheran Understanding The Rev. Dennis Whalen Lighthouse Lutheran Church Freedom, PA 15042 The distinction between the Law and the Gospel is a particularly brilliant light.
More informationSESSION 2: WHAT HELPS CONGREGATIONS CONFRONT CHALLENGES IN MINISTRY?
A GUIDE FOR TALKING TOGETHER ABOUT SHARED MINISTRY SESSION 2: WHAT HELPS CONGREGATIONS CONFRONT CHALLENGES IN MINISTRY? DEVOTION Hymn: Blest Be the Tie That Binds (ELW 656) Blest be the tie that binds
More informationJesus and the Inspiration of Scripture
Jesus and the Inspiration of Scripture By Gary R. Habermas Central to a Christian world view is the conviction that Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments, comprises God's word to us. What sort of
More informationPray without Ceasing: The Lord s Prayer as a Model for Christian Unity and accompanying prayer for Christian unity with explanation
Pray without Ceasing: The Lord s Prayer as a Model for Christian Unity and accompanying prayer for Christian unity with explanation John Kalis M.T.S. `06, Harvard Divinity School M.Div. `09, Trinity Lutheran
More informationRequest for a Theological Opinion from the South Wisconsin District President Regarding Augsburg Confession Article XIV
Request for a Theological Opinion from the South Wisconsin District President Regarding Augsburg Confession Article XIV In a letter dated August 26, 2010, the Commission on Theology and Church Relations
More informationGrace alone. The context in which we talk about grace.
Grace alone Eternal life is, at one and the same time, grace and the reward given by God for good works and merit. i What do you think of those words? They were issued by the Vatican shortly before the
More informationPreamble. Constitution
Preamble WHEREAS, the Apostle Paul sets forth, in 1 Corinthians that all things in the church shall be done in a fitting and orderly way (1 Corinthians 14:40), and WHEREAS, the history of the Christian
More informationTheology for Mercy. By Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison President, The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Theology for Mercy By Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison President, The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Theology for Mercy By Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison President, The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod The Lutheran
More informationGonzalez, Justo. The Story of Christianity, vol. 2: The Reformation to Present Day, revised edition. New York: Harper, 2010.
2HT504: History of Christianity II Professor John R. Muether / RTS-Orlando Email: jmuether@rts.edu A continuation of 1HT502, concentrating on leaders and movements of the church in the modern period of
More informationWhat you and your ELCA congregation can do
Standing up for The Truth Ephesians 6:10-18 What you and your ELCA congregation can do Ephesians 4:11-16 Be Grounded Be Focused and not distracted Be Diligent in the details Be Informed and share information
More informationBasic Requirements for Receiving an Affirmation of Faith By Roland Zimmermann
Basic Requirements for Receiving an Affirmation of Faith By Roland Zimmermann [North Metro Conference, Trinity, (West) Mequon, WI, September 17, 1984] Because of the different Lutheran Churches as swell
More informationWHAT IS EXPOSITORY PREACHING? Monday, March 16, 2015
WHAT IS EXPOSITORY PREACHING? Monday, March 16, 2015 What Is Expository Preaching? What is an expository preacher or an expository sermon? I have looked at the websites of a good number of churches who
More informationThe term "full communion" is understood here to specifically mean that the four churches:
A Formula of Agreement Between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Reformed Church in America, and the United Church of Christ on Entering into Full Communion
More informationContents. Course Directions 4. Outline of Romans 7. Outline of Lessons 8. Lessons Recommended Reading 156
Contents Course Directions 4 Outline of Romans 7 Outline of Lessons 8 Lessons 1-12 11 Recommended Reading 156 Questions for Review and Final Test 157 Form for Assignment Record 169 Form for Requesting
More informationThe Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod By Martin P. Janke
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod By Martin P. Janke [This presentation was originally prepared by Rev. Martin P. Janke, vice chairman of the WELS Commission
More informationA Response to Ed Stetzer s The Emergent/Emerging Church: A Missiological Perspective
A Response to Ed Stetzer s The Emergent/Emerging Church: A Missiological Perspective Dr. Page Brooks Assistant Professor of Theology & Islamic Studies New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Dr. Ed Stetzer
More informationThe Battle to Preserve the Doctrines of the Inspiration and Inerrancy of Scripture in American Lutheranism By John F. Brug
The Battle to Preserve the Doctrines of the Inspiration and Inerrancy of Scripture in American Lutheranism By John F. Brug You have invited me to speak to your group about the doctrines of biblical inspiration
More informationINFORMATION AND POSITION STATEMENT ON THE QUESTION OF LAY MINISTRY IN THE LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD
INFORMATION AND POSITION STATEMENT ON THE QUESTION OF LAY MINISTRY IN THE LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD THEOLOGICAL COMMISSION OF THE INDEPENDENT EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH OF GERMANY (SELK) SEPTEMBER
More informationWhen Unbelief Is Right. 1 John 4:1-6
When Unbelief Is Right 1 John 4:1-6 #10 I. INTROUDCTION A. A Christian must know how to believe and not believe at the same time; that is, he must believe truth and reject error. The Scriptures demand
More informationIWOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THIS DISCUSSION WITH A GENERAL COMMENT, THEN AN
Seminary Forum Word & World Volume XIV, Number 3 Summer 1994 Lutheran Confessional Identity and Human Sexuality * MICHAEL ROGNESS Luther Seminary St. Paul, Minnesota IWOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THIS DISCUSSION
More informationJournal of Lutheran. Mission. April 2016 Vol. 3 No. 1
Journal of Lutheran Mission April 2016 Vol. 3 No. 1 Table of Contents Journal of Lutheran Mission April 2016 Vol. 3 No. 1 Novosibirsk: A Lutheran Seminary Model for Theological Education in Russia by Timothy
More informationThe Work of the Holy Spirit in the Divine Service John W Kleinig Lutheran Theological Journal 44/1 (2010): 15-22
The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Divine Service John W Kleinig Lutheran Theological Journal 44/1 (2010): 15-22 In Philippians 3:3 Paul claims that those who belong to the new Israel, with its circumcision
More informationBIBLE 185 PAULINE EPISTLES
BIBLE 185 PAULINE EPISTLES SYLLABUS PURPOSE THE COURSE WILL CONSIST OF TEN LECTURES COVERING THE BOOK OF GALATIANS. THE LECTURES WILL HELP THE STUDENTS LEARN THE FOLLOWING TRUTHS: «The utter impossibility
More informationConfirmation, Catechesis, and First Communion in the Lutheran Church
Confirmation, Catechesis, and First Communion in the Lutheran Church A Study Document prepared by the Commission on Theological and Social Concerns First submitted to the Forty-Eighth Synod of the Evangelical
More informationContents. Guy Prentiss Waters. Justification and the New Perspectives on Paul: A Review and Response. P&R, pp.
Guy Prentiss Waters. Justification and the New Perspectives on Paul: A Review and Response. P&R, 2004. 273 pp. Dr. Guy Waters is assistant professor of biblical studies at Belhaven College. He studied
More informationThe Spirituality Wheel 4
Retreat #2 Tools Tab 82 The Spirituality Wheel 4 by Corinne D. Ware, D. Min. The purpose of this exercise is to DRAW A PICTURE of your personal style of spirituality. Read through the following statements,
More informationRLGS 3603 Introduction to Christian Theology BRE Modular/Degree Completion Program April 15 May 13, 2010, Thursdays, 6:00 pm 10:00 pm
RLGS 3603 Introduction to Christian Theology BRE Modular/Degree Completion Program April 15 May 13, 2010, Thursdays, 6:00 pm 10:00 pm Professor: Rev. Dr. Francis Mpindu, PhD Phone: Church Office (905)
More information!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bryan Reflections on 2 Timothy in Memory of John Stott 95
Bryan Reflections on 2 Timothy in Memory of John Stott 95 Reflections on 2 Timothy 4:6-8 in Grateful Memory of John R. W. Stott (27 April 1921 27 July 2011) 1 by Steven M. Bryan For I am already being
More informationConcordia Theological Quarterly
Concordia Theological Quarterly Volume 75:1-2 January/Apri12011 Table of Contents A Confessional Response to North American Lutheran-Reformed Ecumenism Mark Mattes... 3 Father, Son, and Spirit Is God:
More informationAs we saw last week, Paul publicly confronted Peter in Antioch. Alone. Justification by Faith. Lesson. Sabbath Afternoon.
Lesson 4 *July 15 21 Justification by Faith Alone Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week s Study: Gal. 2:15 21; Eph. 2:12; Phil. 3:9; Rom. 3:10 20; Gen. 15:5, 6; Rom. 3:8. Memory Text: I have been crucified
More informationCURRICULUM VITAE (ABBREVIATED)
CURRICULUM VITAE (ABBREVIATED) Name: Tel. Email: Current Position: Mickey L. Mattox 414-288-3736 (Office) mickey.mattox@marquette.edu Professor of Historical Theology Department of Theology Marquette University,
More informationMartin Luther and the Doctrine of Justification
Martin Luther and the Doctrine of Justification 2017 The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 1333 S. Kirkwood Road St. Louis, MO 63122 888-THE LCMS lcms.org/ctcr This work may be reproduced by a churches and
More informationb. Use of logic in reasoning; c. Development of cross examination skills; d. Emphasis on reasoning and understanding; e. Moderate rate of delivery;
IV. RULES OF LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE A. General 1. Lincoln-Douglas Debate is a form of two-person debate that focuses on values, their inter-relationships, and their relationship to issues of contemporary
More informationPraises for The Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind
RealScandalEvangMind.qxp:Layout 1 12/9/10 9:43 AM Page 1 Praises for The Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind What is the state of the evangelical mind? Carl Trueman intends to reshape that entire question,
More informationWe Still Believe! A Seven-Session Bible Study on Lutheran Themes in. The Common Confession
We Still Believe! A Seven-Session Bible Study on Lutheran Themes in The Common Confession Highlighting Biblical & Confessional Lutheran Teachings at Risk in the Church Today As for you, continue in what
More informationGalatians 5:4. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
SALVATION BY GRACE VERSES SALVATION BY WORKS. I started reading a book called Controversial Issues In Social Policy. The title of the book increased my awareness of controversial issues in bible doctrine.
More informationChrist s Gifts in His Supper
January 2018 GIVING OUT THE GIFTS: Christ s Gifts in His Supper 2017 18 LCMS Circuit Bible Studies Studies in pastoral theology using C.F.W. Walther, American-Lutheran Pastoral Theology (St. Louis: Concordia
More informationThe Reformation Summer 2008
The Reformation Summer 2008 Monday-Friday, July 7-11: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Course Description A study of the Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Radical, and Roman Catholic phases of the sixteenth-century Reformation.
More informationST 501 Method and Praxis in Theology
Asbury Theological Seminary eplace: preserving, learning, and creative exchange Syllabi ecommons 1-1-2002 ST 501 Method and Praxis in Theology Lawrence W. Wood Follow this and additional works at: http://place.asburyseminary.edu/syllabi
More informationA Reconfiguration of North American Lutheranism
A Reconfiguration of North American Lutheranism Pr. Mark C. Chavez, WordAlone Vice President and Lutheran CORE Director A Workshop for the WordAlone Network Theological Conference November 15-17, 2009
More informationJESUS AMAZES AND ASTONISHES THE PEOPLE I. WITH HIS TEACHING II. WITH HIS MIRACLES
Mark 1:21-28 1 Jesus teaches with authority, drives out demons, and the people are amazed. 4 th Sunday after Epiphany Supplementary Lectionary Series B, Gospels #1815 Cf. #410 Pastor A. J. Kunde Grace
More informationMessianic Prophecy. Messiah in Prophets, Part 1. CA314 LESSON 13 of 24. Louis Goldberg, ThD
Messianic Prophecy CA314 LESSON 13 of 24 Louis Goldberg, ThD Experience: Professor of Theology and Jewish Studies, Moody Bible Institute In our last lesson we were discussing the sin offering, talking
More informationCONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL QUARTERLY.
CONCORDA THEOLOGCAL QUARTERLY.... Volume 45 Numbers 1-2 JANUARY - APRL 1981 Law and Gospel in Preaching... Gerhard Aho Experience over Scripture in Charismatic Exegesis... Thomas Bird 5 Luther's Translation
More informationBIBLICAL SOTERIOLOGY An Overview and Defense of the Reformed Doctrines of Salvation Limited Atonement, part 18. by Ra McLaughlin
IIIM Magazine Online, Volume 3, Number 16, April 16 to April 22, 2001 BIBLICAL SOTERIOLOGY An Overview and Defense of the Reformed Doctrines of Salvation Limited Atonement, part 18 by Ra McLaughlin OBJECTIONS
More informationFirst Disputation Against the Antinomians
The first disputation against the Antinomians. Preface of the Reverend Father Don Dr. Martin Luther to the First Disputation against the Antinomians, held at Wittenberg, in the year of Christ, 1537, on
More informationCHRIST IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS ON THE BASIS OF HIS DIVINITY AND NOT ON THE BASIS OF HIS HUMANITY
CHRIST IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS ON THE BASIS OF HIS DIVINITY AND NOT ON THE BASIS OF HIS HUMANITY By Nyron Medina Published by Thusia SDA Church CHRIST IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS ON THE BASIS OF HIS DIVINITY AND
More informationCandidate Summary Steve Turnbull. Upper Arlington Lutheran Church Upper Arlington, OH
Candidate Summary Steve Turnbull Upper Arlington Lutheran Church Upper Arlington, OH Stephan K. Turnbull MINISTRY EXPERIENCE Senior Pastor, Community of Grace Lutheran Church (formerly First Lutheran Church),
More informationTheology Bites The Bible Selected Passages
Theology Bites The Bible Selected Passages PowerPoint Presentation: None Keywords: Word of God, Bible, Inerrancy, Infallible, Authority SermonAudio blurb: I. Introduction. A. Series is because of an important
More informationWhy. I Am a Lutheran. Jesus at the Center
Why I Am a Lutheran Jesus at the Center D a n i e l P r e u s Copyright 2004 Concordia Publishing House 3558 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118-3968 All rights reserved. No part of this publication
More informationFor the LIFE WORLD. of the. January Volume Six, Number One
LIFE WORLD For the of the January 2002. Volume Six, Number One Luther on the External Word of Preaching - p.4 The Sermon Delivers the Goods - p.7 The Gift of His Word from the Mouth of My Shepherd - p.10
More informationTRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH THE CONSTITUTION
TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD THE CONSTITUTION The original constitution of Trinity Lutheran Church was revised in June of 2003. This document is that revision. This revised Constitution,
More informationStrategic Plan
Strategic Plan 2011-16 Contents Preamble Page 1 Strategic Framework Our Mission Page 2 Our Vision Page 2 Our Values Page 3 Situational Analysis Planning Assumptions Page 4 Environmental Scan Page 5 The
More informationBecoming Kingdom Minded part 3
World Christians Acts 1:7 8 Becoming Kingdom Minded part 3 He said to them: It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy
More informationThe Spirituality of the Cross: The Way of the First Evangelicals Gene Edward Veith
Introduction (pages 9 16) 1. What is spirituality? (9) Is it a New Testament term? Veith writes: Christianity [is] a religion that is not about God as such, but about God in the flesh, and God on the cross
More informationResponse to Radius International s Criticism of Disciple Making Movements (DMM)
1 Response to Radius International s Criticism of Disciple Making Movements (DMM) By Ken Guenther, SEND International Responding to: A Brief Guide to DMM: Defining and Evaluating the Ideas Impacting Missions
More informationDECLARATION of FAITH. Policy and Position Statements
DECLARATION of FAITH and Policy and Position Statements of The American Association of Lutheran Churches (All policies in this manual were approved and accepted at the National AALC Constituting Convention,
More informationGUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR THE USE OF
,_....,.,._,..,,~,-"'""'',_...,,._.,.,_,~"""'""""""' ~-""""""'"""""--- ------.-_...,..,~,,...,..1~~-...,.,..,~'-_.~~-v- ~."""""'~-- ~ -~, 1-t --...,...--- -"-...-""""'""""'-'--'"' GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR
More informationI. Introduction. II. Scripture Reading (Acts 15:1-21, NIV, 1984)
Osaka International Church Pastor Daniel Ellrick March 3 rd, 2013 Series: Acts # 43 Scripture: Acts 15:1-21 Key Verse: Ephesians 2:8-9 Title: We are not under Moses Special Events: Communion I. Introduction
More informationDEC ARCHIVES. November. Volume XLIV. Number 5
DEC 6 1973 Volume XLIV November ARCHIVES Number 5 Authority 1n the Church C. F. W. Walther [Ed. note. In 1879 Dr. Walther delivered a long essay to Iowa Lutheran congregations who were reluctant to join
More informationMelanchthon and Education
Melanchthon and Education I want to address these four aspects of Melanchthon s contributions to Christian education: teacher in the Liberal Arts, interpreter of Paul, organizer of theology, and confessor
More informationTH607 Systematic Theology III. Syllabus Summer 2016
TH607 Systematic Theology III Dr. Adonis Vidu avidu@gordonconwell.edu Office: Library, 109 Office Hours @ theologyofficehours.wordpress.com TH607 Systematic Theology III Syllabus Summer 2016 Course description
More informationUnderstanding Our Mormon Neighbors
Understanding Our Mormon Neighbors Contributed by Don Closson Probe Ministries Mormon Neo-orthodoxy? Have you noticed that Mormons are sounding more and more like evangelical Christians? In the last few
More informationIS FORGIVENESS ENOUGH? THAT DEPENDS ON MANY FACTORS, NOT LEAST OF
Word & World Volume XVI, Number 3 Summer 1996 The Scope of Forgiveness MARC KOLDEN Luther Seminary St. Paul, Minnesota Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
More information5AANA009 Epistemology II 2014 to 2015
5AANA009 Epistemology II 2014 to 2015 Credit value: 15 Module tutor (2014-2015): Dr David Galloway Assessment Office: PB 803 Office hours: Wednesday 3 to 5pm Contact: david.galloway@kcl.ac.uk Summative
More informationCould You Keep the Law Perfectly, But Still Not Be Saved?
Salvation - Justification by Faith Could You Keep the Law Perfectly, But Still Not Be Saved? By Dr. Paul M. Elliott From the TeachingtheWord Bible Knowledgebase Romans 2:13 has been at the crux of the
More informationMINISTRY STANDARDS AUGUSTANA DISTRICT OF THE. Adopted at the Augustana District (LCMC) Annual Convention April 2011
MINISTRY STANDARDS OF THE AUGUSTANA DISTRICT Adopted at the Augustana District (LCMC) Annual Convention April 2011 A District of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) Ministry Standards of
More informationPresuppositional Apologetics
Presuppositional Apologetics Bernard Ramm 1916-1992 1 According to Bernard Ramm Varieties of Christian Apologetics Systems Stressing Revelation Augustine AD 354-AD 430 John Calvin 1509-1564 Abraham Kuyper
More informationJournal of Religious Culture Journal für Religionskultur
Journal of Religious Culture Journal für Religionskultur Ed. by / Hrsg. von Edmund Weber in Association with / in Zusammenarbeit mit Matthias Benad Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main ISSN 1434-5935 -
More information