If plainly unscriptural behavior is openly approved of by a leadership ... and people that claim to be followers of Scriptures decide to stay ... it appears to me they simply like their social circle they call "church" and afraid of splits more than doing what is right.
I came from an atheist background.
At that time, to me church was something one goes at Christmas to show respect to historical Jesus.
That's all.
I had other social clubs. Church was never one of them.
Thanks,
Ed
I joined to respond to this post. I have to say that the whole recent decision by the ELCA really rankled me, and I considered leaving. However, I have not because my pastors have been absolutely excellent folks, and the congregation is incredibly caring. Over the past few years I have stepped into positions of leadership with Youth Ministry, and Outreach, and do not want to leave my duty derelict. These are things that take time to work yourself into.
I'm not happy with the ELCA, but I'm perfectly happy with my church. Why cut all those ties? I too, came from an athiest background. Not by my own choosing, but my dad's. He fell out of the church, and it deeply hurt my grandmother who was a devout Lutheran (LCMS). She had wanted for him to enter the clergy. Early-on in college I found my way seeking for something deeper, and returned to the church I had been baptized at and where my cousins used to go. They really helped me find Christ, and to the point where I am strongly considering Seminary. (Ironic!)
I just couldn't cut all that off. I'd rather work to change things from within.
(All scripture quotes in my posts are from the Holy Bible English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise indicated.)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
I joined to respond to this post. I have to say that the whole recent decision by the ELCA really rankled me, and I considered leaving. However, I have not because my pastors have been absolutely excellent folks, and the congregation is incredibly caring. Over the past few years I have stepped into positions of leadership with Youth Ministry, and Outreach, and do not want to leave my duty derelict. These are things that take time to work yourself into.
I'm not happy with the ELCA, but I'm perfectly happy with my church. Why cut all those ties? I too, came from an athiest background. Not by my own choosing, but my dad's. He fell out of the church, and it deeply hurt my grandmother who was a devout Lutheran (LCMS). She had wanted for him to enter the clergy. Early-on in college I found my way seeking for something deeper, and returned to the church I had been baptized at and where my cousins used to go. They really helped me find Christ, and to the point where I am strongly considering Seminary. (Ironic!)
I just couldn't cut all that off. I'd rather work to change things from within.
Sure. It's up to you.
My only plea is for people that call themselves conservatives in that area, not to keep quiet so not to rock the boat.
Others, that look at the Scriptures as something that could be explained away, let them believe what they believe.
But the "silent majority" that believes the Bible is who dilutes Biblical Christianity.
... the other guys are not silent at all.
Look what they did.
They embrassed Lutheranism for ALL to see and for non Christians to argue that's what God "approves".
(All scripture quotes in my posts are from the Holy Bible English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise indicated.)
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
I'm thinking if we rename TCL something along the lines of Sola Scriptura, it'll scare a few people away.
__________________
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Romans 8:26
This person should be limited to an ELCA site for displaying what is provocative and offensive to conservative Lutherans. I consider this intimidation and counterproductive to have "pro choice christian" in my face.
Cos
Pro Choice Christian....lol, seriously though she'll have to stay in the ELCA forum to display that funny stuff.
__________________
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Romans 8:26
Somehow, they need to hear the Truth, because God knows they're not getting it from their synod.
Seeing as how I have in the past expressed agreement with everything she is getting kicked around for right now, it probably doesn't come as a surprise that this looks like an out of control feeding frenzy to me. Conservatives do so love to hate. That doesn't strike me as the best expression of Christian virtue.
__________________
More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.
-Alfred, Lord Tennyson
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Seeing as how I have in the past expressed agreement with everything she is getting kicked around for right now, it probably doesn't come as a surprise that this looks like an out of control feeding frenzy to me. Conservatives do so love to hate. That doesn't strike me as the best expression of Christian virtue.
And liberals so love to throw the word hate around when conservatives talk about Truth.
__________________ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
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