What is Confessional Lutheranism

[Arcangl86]

Good morning to you my brothers and sisters. I have a relatively simple question for you all. What is Confessional Lutheranism? To expand slightly, I consider myself Lutheran, but I'm with the ELCA. I've noticed Confessional Lutheranism is used manly as a way to distinguish groups from the ELCA, and I was wondering why. I mean, we also follow the Book of Concord, so what what is the difference?

 

[cerette]

Confessional Lutheranism is Lutheranism that actually believes and follows the Lutheran Confessions, in word & practice.
The ELCA may still say they believe in the Confessions, but if you look at their actions/practice, you will soon see that they differ from the Confessions.
Confessional Lutheranism is more than lip service.

 

[Arcangl86]

Confessional Lutheranism is Lutheranism that actually believes and follows the Lutheran Confessions, in word & practice.
The ELCA may still say they believe in the Confessions, but if you look at their actions/practice, you will soon see that they differ from the Confessions.
Confessional Lutheranism is more than lip service.

How so?

 

[cerette]

How so?

One obvious example would be that the ELCA has female Pastors, which is unbiblical and un-Confessional.

 

[Arcangl86]

One obvious example would be that the ELCA has female Pastors, which is unbiblical and un-Confessional.

The Confessions don't address it, and whether it is unbiblical is going to rely heavily on what hermeneutic you use. I'm perfectly willing to admit that he ELCA is a fairly liberal denomination, but why does that prevent us from being Lutheran?

 

[cerette]

Confessional Lutheranism is not "liberal". If one says they're liberal, then they're also implying that they're not "confessional Lutheran."
Yes, hermeneutics matter--Confessional Lutheranism doesn't go with just any hermeneutics, just as liberal Lutheranism doesn't go with all and any hermeneutics.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Good morning to you my brothers and sisters. I have a relatively simple question for you all. What is Confessional Lutheranism? To expand slightly, I consider myself Lutheran, but I'm with the ELCA. I've noticed Confessional Lutheranism is used manly as a way to distinguish groups from the ELCA, and I was wondering why. I mean, we also follow the Book of Concord, so what what is the difference?

I add also that the BoC to which we subscribe is the unaltered 1580 edition; not the later editions which were altered by Melancthon and the Phillipists. The other big difference is the interpretive standards that are applied to Scripture by liberal vs confessional Lutherans. Confessional Lutherans hold that Scripture is used to interpret Scripture, and that Scripture derives context from Scripture alone. Liberal Lutherans, and most protestants use an historical-critical standard which basically allows them to use the "that was then, this is now" to justify a more humanistic and even secular approach to various theological issues clearly defined in Scripture. Some examples would be acceptance of pro-choice abortion positions, solemnization of same sex marriages, ordination of women, including female bishops. Scripture teaches thou shalt not kill; Scripture calls homosexuality an "abomination"; and it also says that women should not usurp authority over men.

Confessional Lutherans hold that that was then, so that is now and that will ever be.

Does that help?

 

[Arcangl86]

It does a little thanks.