Why don't Lutherans cross themselves?

[Tofferer]

Who've you been talking to? Those vicious rumours of me being an alcoholic were started by people I've fallen over! Plus if I were an alcoholic do you think I'd part with any of my booze? LOL

You have warped, though intelligent, sense of humor. It is far superior to my sense of humor, which borders on being non-existent.

 

[mrshoperose]

Here Z, just for you!

 

[Zecryphon]

Here Z, just for you!

Ahh, that's the ticket. "Hey! Who stood the floor up again?!?!?!?"

 

[DaRev]

Ahh, that's the ticket. "Hey! Who stood the floor up again?!?!?!?"

Floors can be so rude! They hit you in the face without warning.

 

[Tofferer]

Floors can be so rude! They hit you in the face without warning.

Reality has a tendency to do that as well.

 

[DaRev]

I have added an article that I wrote a while back about the Sign of the Cross to my Blog. It gives a little history and explanation.

 

[Tofferer]

I have added an article that I wrote a while back about the Sign of the Cross to my Blog. It gives a little history and explanation.

I'd like to read that. Sounds interesting.

 

[mrshoperose]

Floors can be so rude! They hit you in the face without warning.

LOL, I have never experienced that.

Maybe you should drink less...

 

[PostTribber]

I hope you aren't suggesting throwing away the teachings just for the sake of harmony?

not at all. I'm suggesting 'harmony' can only be obtained through 'truth'. 'teachings' within the 'body' are dependent upon 'truth', and the Bible is the source of 'truth'. what separates 'denominations' from one another are the 'teachings' peculiar to them. how is it possible to have One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One Bible, but 300+ denominations?

it's reflected in the original OP: "Why don't Lutherans cross themselves?" the implication is that there's something at issue. a denomination is 'harmonious' only within itself. but what of the 'unity' of the body of Christ when there's conflict instead of compliance to 'truth'? and how do we maintain 'denominations' if everyone's Statement of Faith reads the same? and if there is agreement, why are we separated from one another, yet believers in the same Lord?

 

[Zecryphon]

not at all. I'm suggesting 'harmony' can only be obtained through 'truth'. 'teachings' within the 'body' are dependent upon 'truth', and the Bible is the source of 'truth'. what separates 'denominations' from one another are the 'teachings' peculiar to them. how is it possible to have One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One Bible, but 300+ denominations?

it's reflected in the original OP: "Why don't Lutherans cross themselves?" the implication is that there's something at issue. a denomination is 'harmonious' only within itself. but what of the 'unity' of the body of Christ when there's conflict instead of compliance to 'truth'? and how do we maintain 'denominations' if everyone's Statement of Faith reads the same? and if there is agreement, why are we separated from one another, yet believers in the same Lord?

The major disagreements will be seen in the secondary issues. Things that are most likely not covered in a statement of faith. Statements of faith usually address things like the Bible, who Jesus Christ is, the virgin birth, who God is, how we are saved through Christ, etc. I've never seen a statement of faith cover things like baptism such as adult vs. infant, the end times, the Lord's Supper, these are the secondary issues that denominations are free to disagree about and do disagree about. The thing about these disagreements to remember is that just because there are differences of opinion on these matters, no denomination I'm aware of actually hates another denomination because of these differences. We're still united as one body of believers in Christ for salvation from God's wrath which we have earned through our sins.

 

[RadMan]

There will never be any "harmony" as long as the human intellect stands in the way. Their are too many people that are self righteous and think they are right. There are actually over 1500 denoms in the US alone and growing every day. 10+ that claim they are Lutheran in the US and 45+ worldwide.

 

[BakaFidelis]

meh... without reading all the next 15 pages, I just thought I would just chime in with my own thoughts.

I cross myself sometimes but not always. It just depends really on how I am feeling. I know there is no harm in it and it actually helps put us in the right mind by helping us to remember both out baptism and Christ's work on us.

But there are times I don't make it obvious. As in being in public away from the Church. I would rather not be mistaken for being Catholic.

Use it if you would like and don't feel uncomfortable in anything that helps you to remember Christ.

 

[RadMan]

I don't cross myself in public. I think it's somewhat Pharesitical in nature. Just my opinion.

 

[Tofferer]

I don't cross myself in public. I think it's somewhat Pharesitical in nature. Just my opinion.

Sometimes do, sometimes don.t Most certainly when I fly or if I load something for Alaska that doesn't look like it will stay. Beyond that, primarily at home or church.

 

[PostTribber]

There will never be any "harmony" as long as the human intellect stands in the way. Their are too many people that are self righteous and think they are right. There are actually over 1500 denoms in the US alone and growing every day. 10+ that claim they are Lutheran in the US and 45+ worldwide.

mind boggling. makes you wonder what the guidelines are for establishing a 'denomination'. hope it's not the Pot Luck.

 

[BakaFidelis]

mind boggling. makes you wonder what the guidelines are for establishing a 'denomination'. hope it's not the Pot Luck.

Nope. It is the beer label.

 

[BreadAlone]

I don't cross myself in public. I think it's somewhat Pharesitical in nature. Just my opinion.

hmm..good point. I never have, don't know if I will.

(Pharesitical..nice word!!)

 

[Radiata]

And there are over 30,000 denominations in the world. I know. I counted.

 

[Qoheleth]

I don't cross myself in public. I think it's somewhat Pharesitical in nature. Just my opinion.

On the other hand it can be understood as a form of unceasing prayer where in everything you do, you acknowledge your God in mind, heart and body and are constantly reminded of His presence. The entire person is involved. He is not denied in one single aspect of your life

Intent is everything


Q

 

[DaRev]

And there are over 30,000 denominations in the world. I know. I counted.

What did you use as a criteria for determining what a "denomination" is?