Confirmation confusion

[graciesings]

I need help - sorry this is so long.

I grew up in a Lutheran family, but we are not intense Christians. I was baptized as an infant. I believed in God until I was about 11, but I was mainly believing because the grownups around me said they did... I read the Bible some because it was insteresting to me to read what God said when He came to Earth to teach us.

I was not a Christian until 18 months ago, when I accepted the Gospel that I heard at a non-denominational youth group. I am on fire for Christ. I have always been intense and now my life is focused on God. I mention my faith more often than anyone in my family and, seriously, I'm supposed to care what careers make the most money? I want to serve the Lord!

This summer, Mom put my brother and me in a confirmation class (LCMS). My brother likes it and is excited at the prospect of recieving his first communion in the beginning of November. I am not. I disagree with a lot of what the pastor has talked about. I definitely disagree with the idea of confession. I confess my sins to God and I am forgiven! I don't need the pastor in there anywhere. In fact, I cringe every time I hear the pastor say, "your sins are forgiven." I am unsure about Lutheran teachings on baptism. My baptism didn't save me. I know that I was outside of God's grace for four years, Infant Baptism or not. I am even questioning the real presence. The Lutheran doctrine seems to go on and on about God showing saving grace to us through the Sacrament. I am saved. God is with me now. I have never recieved the sacrament Lutheran style, but I am still a Christian! I don't see a reason for the Lord's Supper except maybe to proclaim His death until He comes.

The killer question is, what do I do now? I think my disagreements with the Lutherans would be a problem to them. They are to me -- I don't feel comfortable answering the confirmation questions, joining the Lutheran church, and taking Communion. God has told his people not to lie, so I can't say that I agree with the small catechism.

Would it be better to join or not? How and when should I tell the pastor and my family that I have no intention of being confirmed with my brother? If I am not confirmed with the rest of the class, would I still be welcome attending church with my family, attending Sunday School, and singing in the choir?

All opinions are welcome, Lutheran or not.

Thank you and God bless,
Grace Ryan

 

[Moses Medina]

Greetings and blessings! Should you take communion, absolutely not. Do not commit to a profession of faith to make someone happy.

With that said, being Lutheran is being biblical, it was what the reformation was all about especially in the gospel. Even confession of your sins. Like you said it isn't necessary to confess to a pastor, however it does bring great relief to those in dispair. Hearing you are forgiven is a great comfort.

Yes by all means you are a Christian and its great you have such passion, just don't rely on that passion to tell yourself you are right with God, the Lord is gracious, we rely on His promise not our state. Talk to the lutheran pastor about this, ask him questions, tell him your concerns and pick his brain. You are an adult though, you are free to walk away of course.

I pray the peace of Christ and true knowledge of His Holy word be with you. Best wishes on your journey.

 

[cerette]

I would definitely encourage you to tell your parents about this, and to be open to studying the Bible with them, especially teachings concerning the points where you disagree with them/the Lutheran church. I would also suggest that you talk to or perhaps e-mail the Pastor and tell him how you feel, and I would certainly encourage you to be open to studying these issues in depth with the Pastor. Maybe he could meet with you just the two of you (or you, him and your parents if that's more comfortable) apart from the confirmation class and study these matters?

Don't partake in communion or the confirmation ritual if you don't agree with it.

Good luck and I pray that God will bless your studies.

 

[filosofer]

Wish you God’s blessings on this search. Studying the Bible is key. We had a couple in Bible Study this past Sunday that had many of the same issues you do (she was lifelong Baptist). But after looking at what the Bible says, she was astounded to find what the Bible actually said, verses what she had been taught (without any Biblical foundation).

I also am teaching a Bible class (Thursday and Saturday) and the last three weeks the topics address some of what you ask about.

Central teaching of the Bible

Salvation Accomplished and Salvation Delivered

Law-Gospel and Active and Passive Righteousness

 

[graciesings]

Talk to the lutheran pastor about this, ask him questions, tell him your concerns and pick his brain. You are an adult though, you are free to walk away of course.

I pray the peace of Christ and true knowledge of His Holy word be with you. Best wishes on your journey.

Thanks! I am a little uncomfortable talking with this pastor. He is a nice guy, but on the few times that I have vocally disagreed with him he acts like he knows the right answer and I'm a confused kid who doesn't understand a thing. I hate to just walk away from the church my family attends but that may be the best option.

I would definitely encourage you to tell your parents about this, and to be open to studying the Bible with them, especially teachings concerning the points where you disagree with them/the Lutheran church. I would also suggest that you talk to or perhaps e-mail the Pastor and tell him how you feel, and I would certainly encourage you to be open to studying these issues in depth with the Pastor. Maybe he could meet with you just the two of you (or you, him and your parents if that's more comfortable) apart from the confirmation class and study these matters?

Don't partake in communion or the confirmation ritual if you don't agree with it.

Good luck and I pray that God will bless your studies.

I might see if there is a way I can ask the pastor away from confirmation. Part of the problem I have with mentioning my position in confirmation class is that it confuses the other (much younger) kids.

Thanks for the prayers

Wish you God’s blessings on this search. Studying the Bible is key. We had a couple in Bible Study this past Sunday that had many of the same issues you do (she was lifelong Baptist). But after looking at what the Bible says, she was astounded to find what the Bible actually said, versus what she had been taught (without any Biblical foundation).

Central teaching of the Bible

Salvation Accomplished and Salvation Delivered

Law-Gospel and Active and Passive Righteousness

Thanks for the links. I have been studying the Bible, but I'm afraid the Lutheran position on a few of these issues has not revealed itself to me. In fact, many of my disagreements with the Lutheran church have come from my studying the Bible.

 

[intheend]

I understand that you have a conflicting belief then your parents and I know too that my father grew up Lutheran. I feel that prayer is the best resolve to any conflict. We are told in scripture to "obey our parents in the Lord for this is right. So the question is do you have to go participate or not? That would be the first place to start with your parents and you sitting down but it still might not make it easy. They could frown down on your new found faith. I believe when Jesus sets you free, you shall be free indeed and includes ideologies, confessing your sin to a man who cannot forgive your sins and useless repetitions, It is all in Jesus, and I am happy for your love of God and faith that is such a blessing to hear. If you must go often it is useless to talk to leaders of different sects because their minds are made up. Back in history people would get murder for not believing the catholic way and so today the battle against one another's faith remains but if I was in your shoes I would refuse to do anything that conflicts with the truth and you sound like you need much prayer to battle the walls, just respect their views and do not participate no one can force you to do something that your heart tells you is not right.

 

[Ministrymama]

My advice would be to be patient, if you do not feel you can in good conscience take Communion and join the church then wait, it does not make you less saved or less forgiven.
I grew up in different denominations and had a lot of questions and doubts about Lutheran doctrine, I even came to this website looking for answers and came away frustrated and confused and even felt abused by certain Lutherans on here for asking questions.
I ended up studying several denominations doctrine, attending many churches and trying to just give up all together before coming back to the Lutheran church. Try as I might, even though I don't agree with everything, I trust that God's grace covers my doubts and lack of understanding and the Truth will set me free.
To your last question, yes, you will still be welcome in the church and you may be welcome in the choir even if you can't take Communion. Certainly you can attend Sunday School but you can't vote or probably teach any classes. You shouldn't be treated poorly for refusing to be confirmed it you are not ready for it.
I would certainly pray for guidance, and talk to your folks if you can, but don't get to freaked out about all this, your salvation is assured by your faith in Jesus.

 

[Aibrean]

You shouldn't be confirmed if you don't fully understand and agree with Lutheran teaching. You really need to have a sit-down with your pastor.

 

[XilluminatiX]

Hi graciesings,
I would recommend that you NOT be confirmed if you don't agree with Lutheran theology.

That being said, even if you aren't confirmed you will still be able to attend Church with your family.

 

[Redheadedstepchild]

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