Need some help regarding Luthern Service

People aren't driven off by the truth. Rather, it is the bickering.

How far do you want to take the Law? How literal to you want to intrepret Scripture? Do you know of many one-eyed, one-handed and one-footed people walking around because they had sinned? Do you want to dispute that the mustard seed is the smaest on earth, when in fact the orchid seed beats it by a mile? Of course you would't because some things have changed since the coming of Christ and other things were meant to be for illustration. Sorry, I'm not trying to disprove God's Word, but rather let you know that our interpretations are different. You value more deeply the laying of God's Law over the Gospel promise in our Resurrected Christ. We emphasize the command to love one another based on the examples and principles set forth during the life of Christ. From this hinges all the law.
I cannot say you are wrong, just as you cannot dismiss our values. We are reading the same book; we interpret differently based on which end of the Law/Gospel continuum you value. This is a general forum for all "brands" of Lutheranism. Please refrain from stating that the ELCA is wrong or for people to stay away from it based on YOUR differing views. That should be reserved for the conservative Lutheran forum.

Lamb, I must respectfully offer a different oppinion.

I just spent a 6-week discussion about the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification and the Bread of Life - a fantastic forum discussion with our eccumenical Catholic "partners" in Christ. Sadly, I can say there is evidence of a greater openness in dialogue and commonalities in doctrine between these two distinctly different denominations compared to the differences in values exhibited between the ELCA and WELS/LCMS Lutherans.

I cannot begin to express my disgust with the approach some "confessing conservatives" take to their exclusitivity. WHile I am not pointing fingers, some members have no idea how they have pushed seekers far away with their damning talk about the "other" Lutherans.

First, do not pretend to know what I value. It just showcases your ignorance.

Scripture interprets Scripture. Not you, not me. All parts of the Bible must be read in context. Context is king. You read the Bible and add your biased opinion to the context. That's the only way one can conclude what the ELCA and other liberal church bodies conclude from the Scripture. This is what makes Confessional Lutheranism unique. We don't add to the Scriptures; we don't pick and choose based upon "the times" or society's whims. The Scriptures say what they say.

The Bible is both Law and Gospel. Confessional Lutherans value them both equally because both are given by God for our edification. The Law is necessary to show us our sin, and the Gospel assures us that our sin is forgiven. Forgiveness comes with repentance which is a work of the Holy Spirit, which He does in us and for us through the Gospel. When one ignores the Law, they ignore their sin. When they ignore their sin they do not repent, thus forgiveness is not realized. This is the problem with church bodies like the ELCA have when they ignore the Law. People are then led to embrace their sinfulness rather than repent of it. Forgiveness is lacking and their salvation is in jeopardy. We care too much for people to simply turn our backs and let them fall into such a routine, which is why we pray that they refrain from becoming involved in heterodox church bodies that do not value the whole of God's word.

In all of my life of being involved in ELCA churches (most of my dad's side is ELCA) I NEVER saw one ELCA pastor (male or female) wear a collar.

I should add that Melancthon's characterization of the WELS is WAAAAYY off. If you're interested in learning the truth about WELS, let me know.