I came across this blog and I feel compelled to share.
Maybe you can find out what your pastor is hiding under his clerical!
Enjoy!
August 23, 2010
August 9, 2010
Lutherans Ashamed of the Mass?
While following a news story regarding upcoming changes to the missal of the Roman Catholic Church, I found myself wandering around the Archdiocese of Milwaukee website. The image above caught my eye. Of course I clicked on the pretty picture and was taken to this site.
Wow! Why can't our synodical district websites look like this? Furthermore, looking at the Living Our Faith initiative, there is more substance there than "the-program-that-cannot-be-spoken-unless-you-want-to-get-sued-by-the-LCMS". The message is so simple, "See You At Mass." It looks like they're a sacramental church body.
Here's the question - Why is the LCMS afraid to be sacramental?
Look at your district's website. Is there a something there to let the average person know that the LCMS puts the sacraments as a central part of its beliefs? On a congregational level, it may be a different case. Right now, I am focusing on the district level and higher.
Look at the Lutheran Confessions, specifically the Apology to the Augsburg Confession XXIV - The Mass. The section is titled, The Mass! The first paragraph states, "At the outset we must again make the preliminary statement that we do not abolish the Mass, but religiously maintain and defend it. For among us masses are celebrated every Lord's Day and on the other festivals, in which the Sacrament is offered to those who wish to use it, after they have been examined and absolved. And the usual public ceremonies are observed, the series of lessons, of prayers, vestments, and other like things." (Italics mine.)
Why do some in Lutheranism prefer an a la carte approach when it comes to the Lutheran Confessions and Lutheran doctrine that are believed, promoted, and taught?
I'm not at the banks of the River Tiber. I'm not looking to cross over, nor am I promoting such things. I am just asking a question that needs a serious answer.
Why are Lutherans ashamed to publicly proclaim the centrality of the Mass?
July 21, 2010
Christmas In July?
Like 54% of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, I am pretty excited about the election of Rev. Matthew Harrison as the new president of this church body. It is no secret that there are several issues that will challenge Rev. Harrison while in office, and I, like 54% of the LCMS, will pray for his success.
As one of the members in that 54% of the membership of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod who are excited about Rev. Harrison becoming president and who will pray for his success in this office, I would like to share a few thoughts. I do not claim to speak for the whole 100% of that 54% in what I am about to write. I am sure there will be parts in what I am about to write that will meet the approval of about 55% - 63% of that 54%.
With that disclaimer posted and out of the way, I give you my open letter to President-elect Rev. Matthew Harrison. (I had to make a few changes and update a few things from a different letter from my files.)
DearSanta President-elect Rev. Harrison,
I have been avery good boy faithful servant this past year. I don't ask for many things, but it would mean a lot to me if you were able to bring me these things this Christmas sometime within the next three years.
I would really like anew bicycle review of the SMP program and possibly a realistic study of the office of deacon in the LCMS.
I would also like anew computer review of worship in the LCMS and for you to get rid of all of the bad pastors out there.
Wait a minute, I've just been informed of something.
What?
The powers of the President of the LCMS is about as realistic as the powers of Santa Claus?
So much for Christmas in July.
As one of the members in that 54% of the membership of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod who are excited about Rev. Harrison becoming president and who will pray for his success in this office, I would like to share a few thoughts. I do not claim to speak for the whole 100% of that 54% in what I am about to write. I am sure there will be parts in what I am about to write that will meet the approval of about 55% - 63% of that 54%.
With that disclaimer posted and out of the way, I give you my open letter to President-elect Rev. Matthew Harrison. (I had to make a few changes and update a few things from a different letter from my files.)
Dear
I have been a
I would really like a
I would also like a
Wait a minute, I've just been informed of something.
What?
The powers of the President of the LCMS is about as realistic as the powers of Santa Claus?
So much for Christmas in July.
July 14, 2010
My Head Is Spinning
Oh what a week this has been thus far for the LCMS Synodical Convention.
The delegates vote to take on an even more American-style corporate structure.
The delegates elect Rev. Matthew Harrison as its new president, on the FIRST ballot! (54% - 45%)
And the week isn't over yet!
This will be an interesting post-mortem when this is all done.
The delegates vote to take on an even more American-style corporate structure.
The delegates elect Rev. Matthew Harrison as its new president, on the FIRST ballot! (54% - 45%)
And the week isn't over yet!
This will be an interesting post-mortem when this is all done.
June 16, 2010
Academic Freedom From Religion?
Over the past few weeks I have been following this story in Milwaukee, WI. I find it very interesting how this story ended. What happened as this story unfolded was just as interesting.
Marquette University, a Roman Catholic school run by the Jesuits in Milwaukee, WI has been know for its theological education and scholarship in Lutheran circles (e.g. Franz Posset, and Kenneth Hagen), and nationally known for its basketball team just about every March.
For those who are not inclined to read all of the articles, I will do my best to sum up the story.
Back in April, Marquette University extends a contract to Seattle University professor Jodi O'Brien to be dean of Marquette's College of Arts and Sciences.
O'Brien signs the contract and sends it back to Marquette University.
Early May, Marquette rescinds the job offer. Slight problem. O'Brien is a lesbian who has written scholarly works on gender and sexual orientation. Marquette says the reason for this is that some of O'Brien's writings "relating to Catholic mission and identity" made her an unacceptable candidate. (Doesn't anyone do their homework when hiring for a position like this?)
Students and faculty are up in arms. Students protest, faculty protest.
It is revealed that Archbishop Jerome Listecki of Milwaukee might have told the president of Marquette, Fr. Wild S.J., about O'Brien's background and that this was not an acceptable person to have at the university.
The faculty issues a full page ad in the local papers in Milwaukee and in Seattle saying that this is wrong. Marquette is killing academic freedom.
Others state that the Archbishop has no right to interfere with Marquette, since the school is run by the Jesuits and not the archdiocese. Along with the academic freedom crowd, there is now also the "we are not under the control of the Roman Catholic church" crowd.
Fr. Wild says the Archbishop did not tell him what to do.
It also comes to light that back in 2001 Marquette had offered the same position to another faculty member at Seattle University, who also was an author on gender and sexuality issues. That professor declined the position.
Finally, at the beginning of June, Marquette and Professor O'Brien reach a settlement.
There's the summary.
Here's my question before I start my rant on the Concordia University System.
Was Archbishop Listecki right to step in and talk to Fr. Wild about this hiring decision?
On to my rant . . .
How does this relate to the wonderful world of Lutheranism? Think of it this way. In a Lutheran version of this tale, Marquette would be more along the lines of Valparaiso. An independent college "with historic ties to Lutheranism." The LCMS tries to intercede and have a say as to what is going on, but it never really works out. Slightly different from the Marquette version, where the Archbishop has some influence.
For decades the LCMS has wasted time and money in the hopes of trying to make Valpo more "Lutheran". It just isn't going to happen. Instead of expending that effort to make Valpo more "Lutheran", why hasn't the LCMS tried make the Concordia University System more "Lutheran"? After all, does not the LCMS like to brag that they are the owners and operators of this school system? Yet they act more like absentee landlords.
Insert your favorite Concordia horror story here.
Instead, the schools of the Concordia University System have been left on their own to do what they see fit. There is more academic and religious freedom in the Concordia University System (excluding the seminaries) than most other denominations that run colleges and universities. (Again, insert your favorite Concordia horror story here.)
I know that there is a balancing act that a religious educational institution must perform in order to give their students a viable education, (also make money), yet at the same time hold to their religious heritage (and ownership?). I just haven't seen it throughout this system. I know that the LCMS as a church body has given up financial ownership. Last figure I heard, support from the LCMS to a Concordia amounted to about 1% of that Concordia's budget. I know that the Purple Palace will always be quick to claim any success that a Concordia has, and even quicker to try to distance themselves from a public failure or scandal at a Concordia. (Remember Dr. George Heider at Concordia, River Forest?) The LCMS loses their influence when they don't help to pay the bills. That gives the Concordias less incentive to abide by what the LCMS wants doctrinally. He who has the money, gets to call the tunes.
Either the LCMS should reorganize, maybe even close some of these Concordias, to better concentrate resources on these schools, or loosen their grip and let the Concordias have more control over their destinies. What I mean by "loosen their grip" is to allow the Concordias to appoint a portion of their own regents.
I'm just thinking out loud here. What do you think?
Marquette University, a Roman Catholic school run by the Jesuits in Milwaukee, WI has been know for its theological education and scholarship in Lutheran circles (e.g. Franz Posset, and Kenneth Hagen), and nationally known for its basketball team just about every March.
For those who are not inclined to read all of the articles, I will do my best to sum up the story.
Back in April, Marquette University extends a contract to Seattle University professor Jodi O'Brien to be dean of Marquette's College of Arts and Sciences.
O'Brien signs the contract and sends it back to Marquette University.
Early May, Marquette rescinds the job offer. Slight problem. O'Brien is a lesbian who has written scholarly works on gender and sexual orientation. Marquette says the reason for this is that some of O'Brien's writings "relating to Catholic mission and identity" made her an unacceptable candidate. (Doesn't anyone do their homework when hiring for a position like this?)
Students and faculty are up in arms. Students protest, faculty protest.
It is revealed that Archbishop Jerome Listecki of Milwaukee might have told the president of Marquette, Fr. Wild S.J., about O'Brien's background and that this was not an acceptable person to have at the university.
The faculty issues a full page ad in the local papers in Milwaukee and in Seattle saying that this is wrong. Marquette is killing academic freedom.
Others state that the Archbishop has no right to interfere with Marquette, since the school is run by the Jesuits and not the archdiocese. Along with the academic freedom crowd, there is now also the "we are not under the control of the Roman Catholic church" crowd.
Fr. Wild says the Archbishop did not tell him what to do.
It also comes to light that back in 2001 Marquette had offered the same position to another faculty member at Seattle University, who also was an author on gender and sexuality issues. That professor declined the position.
Finally, at the beginning of June, Marquette and Professor O'Brien reach a settlement.
There's the summary.
Here's my question before I start my rant on the Concordia University System.
Was Archbishop Listecki right to step in and talk to Fr. Wild about this hiring decision?
On to my rant . . .
How does this relate to the wonderful world of Lutheranism? Think of it this way. In a Lutheran version of this tale, Marquette would be more along the lines of Valparaiso. An independent college "with historic ties to Lutheranism." The LCMS tries to intercede and have a say as to what is going on, but it never really works out. Slightly different from the Marquette version, where the Archbishop has some influence.
For decades the LCMS has wasted time and money in the hopes of trying to make Valpo more "Lutheran". It just isn't going to happen. Instead of expending that effort to make Valpo more "Lutheran", why hasn't the LCMS tried make the Concordia University System more "Lutheran"? After all, does not the LCMS like to brag that they are the owners and operators of this school system? Yet they act more like absentee landlords.
Insert your favorite Concordia horror story here.
Instead, the schools of the Concordia University System have been left on their own to do what they see fit. There is more academic and religious freedom in the Concordia University System (excluding the seminaries) than most other denominations that run colleges and universities. (Again, insert your favorite Concordia horror story here.)
I know that there is a balancing act that a religious educational institution must perform in order to give their students a viable education, (also make money), yet at the same time hold to their religious heritage (and ownership?). I just haven't seen it throughout this system. I know that the LCMS as a church body has given up financial ownership. Last figure I heard, support from the LCMS to a Concordia amounted to about 1% of that Concordia's budget. I know that the Purple Palace will always be quick to claim any success that a Concordia has, and even quicker to try to distance themselves from a public failure or scandal at a Concordia. (Remember Dr. George Heider at Concordia, River Forest?) The LCMS loses their influence when they don't help to pay the bills. That gives the Concordias less incentive to abide by what the LCMS wants doctrinally. He who has the money, gets to call the tunes.
Either the LCMS should reorganize, maybe even close some of these Concordias, to better concentrate resources on these schools, or loosen their grip and let the Concordias have more control over their destinies. What I mean by "loosen their grip" is to allow the Concordias to appoint a portion of their own regents.
I'm just thinking out loud here. What do you think?
June 15, 2010
Truly Ablaze!
Do you think they could recreate this for the convention? Better yet, maybe Ablaze funds could be given to rebuild? A special convention offering perhaps? Here's the link to the story.
June 2, 2010
Long On Words, Short On Action
Ah, Memorial Day has come and gone. The lasts wafts of grill smoke have dissipated. The temperature is starting to get warmer. This can mean only one thing.
Silly season is upon us.
By that I mean The 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
I know that it doesn't start until July, but I figured I'd start a little early.
Actually, compared to those who are running for office, I am starting quite late. I am also late to the game when you think about those who have been writing papers and sending junk mail to convention delegates.
But I digress.
As a famous theologian once said, "Get to the point!"
My point is this: I would like to think that I will not be let down, again, by those who have, and will, make such remarkably Lutheran statements about saving the church, restoring doctrine and liturgy, and people walking together in harmony.
I know, I'm kidding myself.
Just once in my lifetime, I'd like to see people actually take a stand. Not make idle threats if they don't get their way. I would like to see some action. I would like to have people stand up and tell the truth. Make the current leadership give an account of what they have done, or not done. Explain where all the money has gone. Explain where all of these members that were suppose to materialize with their programs are.
In other words, "No more Mr. Nice Guy." Seriously, the current administration doesn't play by the rules, why follow rules that everyone else feels they are not bound by?
I just would like to see a group stand up and say, "Enough is enough!"
Confidential to Jack C. from Michigan - I will not be paying for your drinks this time!
Silly season is upon us.
By that I mean The 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
I know that it doesn't start until July, but I figured I'd start a little early.
Actually, compared to those who are running for office, I am starting quite late. I am also late to the game when you think about those who have been writing papers and sending junk mail to convention delegates.
But I digress.
As a famous theologian once said, "Get to the point!"
My point is this: I would like to think that I will not be let down, again, by those who have, and will, make such remarkably Lutheran statements about saving the church, restoring doctrine and liturgy, and people walking together in harmony.
I know, I'm kidding myself.
Just once in my lifetime, I'd like to see people actually take a stand. Not make idle threats if they don't get their way. I would like to see some action. I would like to have people stand up and tell the truth. Make the current leadership give an account of what they have done, or not done. Explain where all the money has gone. Explain where all of these members that were suppose to materialize with their programs are.
In other words, "No more Mr. Nice Guy." Seriously, the current administration doesn't play by the rules, why follow rules that everyone else feels they are not bound by?
I just would like to see a group stand up and say, "Enough is enough!"
Confidential to Jack C. from Michigan - I will not be paying for your drinks this time!
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