WELS v. LCMS

[ratchet30]

Thank you for bearing with me with all of these questions. I do have another crazy one. Which synod do you think is the best one? I've been looking at the LCMS. I do understand that they have been in some problems with those who want to make the synod mainstream? Please tell me of what synod you would prefer to go and why? One thing about WELS is that you can't pray with non WELS Christians. (I'm sure the WELS has its problems)

 

[Luther073082]

I prefer the LCMS (in terms of my personal attendence) because I belive that the WELS has some excessivly harsh rules against relating with other Christians and is excessive in its rules to ensure that women are not given any unbiblical authority.

To be fair the WELS has far less tolerance for false doctrine then the LCMS does. Although the LCMS does not tolerate it enough for them to fall into the realm of heterodoxy. The LCMS just has to be more careful then the WELS.

But in my view they are both orthodox churchs and as such by their orthodox character can not be compaired to heterodox churchs with their false doctrines.

I don't think we can answer which of two orthodox groups are greater though, lest we become like the apostle's arguing about which of them would be greatest before God. We can only say that orthodoxy is greater then heterodoxy and Christianity greater then all other faiths.

I'm personally of the view that the two churchs because of their mutual orthodox nature should be in communion. However the WELS being of the view that women voting in church meetings is giving them unbiblical authority it is understandable why they would not agree to this.

 

[Aibrean]

^ +1.

 

[CaliforniaJosiah]

.


I know VERY little about WELS.... but with that (rather large!) disclaimer, a couple of comments....


1. I've meet a few WELS people HERE - in this forum. Among the nicest Lutherans I've met on line..... A couple of them are still regular posters - and I cherish them. And I miss Jim. Where is Jim these days?


2. My own pastor (obviously LCMS) spoke briefly on this in our Sunday Bible study some time ago, since one of our newer members was WELS before moving to our community and coming here. HIS feelings (and I hope I'm conveying them accurately) is that our shared doctrine and heart are HUGE - and he's sad, very sad, that there seems to be this "wall." He laments it a lot, and spoke of his desire to reach out to fellow WELS pastors in the area and spoke of some of things our denominations once did together. In HIS opinion, we are "on the same page" doctrinally - and spiritually. But he noted that we seem to have variant views on "fellowship" (a very, very difficult issue - I've learned - among conservative American Lutherans; it's difficult even within the LCMS itself). In HIS mind, this is not reason for us to not be much closer (or even merge) but marriage requires mutual consent.

I've sure there's "history" here - and since EVERY ONE OF US is a miserable sinner, some of that history is going to be sad. Sinners can be predicted (perfectly) to do one thing: mess stuff up. Makes it no less sad....

Perhaps there's an honest difference of opinion on some policy issues. Perhaps it's nothing more than that. As long as we can embrace each other, celebrate each other, affirm each other - even cooperate with each other. Hey, we can be good and mutually helpful friends even if not spouses, lol....


Just my worthless perspective....


Pax


- Josiah





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[Lupinus]

I am a member of and would prefer an LCMS church. But if none were available in the area I'd have zero problem attending and joining a WELS church.

In all the major areas, and most of the minor ones, I think both get it right.

 

[twin.spin]

There is really isn't "the best one" because both are made up of believers and sinners.

Since the early 1900's certian factors that has lead the LCMS to tolerate the loss the historical-critical approach to interpreting the Bible, especially among some of their theological professors and pastors. Because of that loss interpreting, this has caused the LCMS over the years to be somewhat ununified within itself and has shown it self in these ways:

1. the hesitancy to exercise internal discipline when error surfaces; leaving the issue up to local congregations often resulting from the idea that only a local congregation could/should initiate discipline often resulting from a tendency in LCMS to care almost exclusively about one's own parish and let others do their own thing;
2. the decision to tolerate changes in fellowship practices \ roll of women and what classifies as a "called ministry"

As one LCMS poster here said:

" the WELS has far less tolerance for false doctrine then the LCMS does."
​

that above any other consideration should be why one considers WELS over LCMS. There is no better blessing than having all seminaries, colleges, high schools , grade schools, local congregations and those teaching \ preaching \ local church councils \ publishing house workers on the same page theologically.​

 

[ctay]

I've been with LCMS all my life but I'd check out a WELS church if one opened up closer to me or if there wasn't an LCMS church in the area and WELS was.

 

[cerette]

Thank you for bearing with me with all of these questions. I do have another crazy one. Which synod do you think is the best one? I've been looking at the LCMS. I do understand that they have been in some problems with those who want to make the synod mainstream? Please tell me of what synod you would prefer to go and why? One thing about WELS is that you can't pray with non WELS Christians. (I'm sure the WELS has its problems)

I see that this thread is "old" but I want to reply anyway.
It is only partially true that in WELS you can't pray with non-WELSers. Thing is, WELS teaches that you can't pray with non-WELSers publicly (during a church service etc), however you may pray with non-WELSers privately if you believe that non-WELSer to truly love Jesus and to be a sincere Christian.

This is a rather new teaching in the WELS, and most WELS members aren't even aware of it, however it is taught by the leading theologians of the WELS (including the President).