What's Going on Among Lutherans Today?



The Lutheran church in our country is divided into various groupings commonly known as church bodies. Some of these church bodies designate themselves synods, others designate themselves churches. Each church body is distinguished by its own beliefs and practices. Our church body is known as the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. In 1988 a new Lutheran church body was formed when three separate church groups, the ALC, the LCA and the AELC, merged into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Our congregation and synod did not join in this merger.

We are not in fellowship with the ELCA because of what is being taught and preached in its midst. We do not doubt that there are many sincere Christians in the ELCA. This new church body, however, allows many things to be taught and preached which are clearly not in agreement with what God has stated in his holy Word. In our preaching and teaching our main concern is that we speak in accordance with God's Word. When a church body does not hold to what God has said in his Word, it not only endangers the personal faith of its members, but it also evades the responsibility Christ has given to his Church to proclaim the truth to succeeding generations. It is because of this difference in teaching that we are separate from the ELCA.

The following chart presents a simple comparison between the teachings of our ELS (column A) and the beliefs and teachings promoted and allowed in the ELCA (column B). Please note that while not all ELCA pastors and lay members will hold to every viewpoint in column B, the church body officially teaches and/or tolerates all statements in that column. Members of the ELCA support these teachings whether they realize it or not.

A
(ELS)

B
(ELCA)

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."

Consider these Bible passages:

"(Jesus said), If you continue in my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31

"I urge you, brothers, to watch our for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them." Romans 16:17

"You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine." Titus 2:1

Because of the false teachings listed in column B we are not in fellowship with the ELCA. We are concerned for the many unsuspecting souls under their care. It makes us sad to see many who want to be Lutheran turning away from confessing the fullness of God's Word. May we, as did the humble servant Martin Luther, treasure the great heritage of the life-giving, inerrant Word of God. It is God's truth, and His truth alone saves!


Originally printed under the auspices
of
the Doctrine Committee
of
the Evangelical Lutheran Synod
6 Browns Ct.
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
Phone: (507) 386-5354


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