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1) Everything recorded in the Bible is to be accepted and taught as God's Word. Every Word is truth. | 1) The only teaching to be accepted without question is the Gospel. |
2) Holy Scripture contains no errors or real contradictions. | 2) Holy Scripture may have errors and many contradictions. |
3) Miracles recorded in the Bible as historical events actually happened. | 3) Some or all of the miracles recorded in the Bible may not really have happened. |
4) Jesus really said what the New Testament attributes to Him. | 4) Many statements credited to Jesus were added later by zealous Christian writers. |
5) God is the author of all Scripture. He breathed into certain writers the words He wanted them to write (II Timothy 3:16) | 5) Since Scripture was written by men, its teachings are sometimes wrong and contradict each other. |
6) Genesis 1-3 is a factual, historical account of the world's origin. | 6) Interpretation of Genesis 1-3 is acceptable as myth or fable. |
7) Adam and Eve were two real, historical people created by God. | 7) Adam and Eve probably were not real people but only symbols of male and female humanity. |
8) It is contrary to the Bible to hold that the world or man originated by chance according to the theory of evolution. | 8. The world developed by chance, as explained by evolution. Man may have evolved from lower beings. |
9) The virgin birth of Christ, as a biological miracle, is believed and taught, since it is stated plainly in Scripture. | 9) The idea of a virgin birth was added later by over-zealous writers. It is not an important teaching in the Bible. |
10) Christ rose physically from the dead. We also will rise, and the souls and bodies of Christians will be reunited in a glorified state. | 10) Jesus did not rise physically from the dead. Likewise, our resurrection might not be an actual, physical coming back to life. |
11) Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven, and no one can be saved without faith in Him (John 14:6; Acts 4: 12). | 11) it is possible to get to heaven without believing in Christ. |
12) Jesus is true God. His deity is clearly taught in the Bible. | 12) Jesus was simply a great man who had God's blessings. His "deity" was developed later by his followers. |
13) Homosexuality is a sin which is condemned in Holy Scripture. | 13) Homosexuality today should be accepted as a valid lifestyle. |
14) Extra- and pre-marital sexual relations are sins contrary to the Word of God. | 14) Extra- and pre-marital relations are not always sinful and must be judged by the precept of love. |
15) Except where the life of the mother or her health is seriously threatened, abortion is a violation of the Fifth Commandment (Psalm 139: 13-16). | 15) Abortion is an acceptable alternative in our modern age. The decision concerning abortion should be left to the individuals involved. |
16) It is contrary to Scripture for women to be ordained into the pastoral ministry (I Corinthians 14:33-35; I Timothy 2: 11-14). | 16) Women are to be ordained into the pastoral ministry since the objections to their ordination are only cultural and historical. |
17) The Synod should not join in worship services or with religious organizations which compromise any of the teachings of Scripture (John 3:31; Romans 16:17). | 17) Christians may join in spiritual efforts with various religious groups, as long as these groups confess "Jesus is Lord." |
Originally printed under the auspices
of
the Doctrine Committee
of
the Evangelical Lutheran Synod
6 Browns Ct.
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
Phone: (507) 386-5354