Finally, Problem Solved!

For far too long in American Lutheranism, there has been a debate over what makes a 'ministry' and who is a 'minister'. Finally, a group has stepped forward to help in resolving this question once and for all. Check out their solution to this debate.

A Common Plea For Those Who Serve

This post from Bishop Craig caught my attention the other day. Please do not get caught up in his theological inclinations and denominational affiliations. Just because he is not 'one of us' does not mean what he has to say is any less important or relevant.

Every seminary professor should make this post required reading for their students.

Every pastor should make this required reading for their parishioners.

Repeat this cycle every year.

Someone You Should Be Afraid Of - Part 2

I find it interesting how just when you think that someone has disappeared into the setting sun, they come back with a vengeance.

In a post I shared over a year ago, I introduced a character who is intent on extracting a pound of flesh in the name of 'justice' and to give 'closure' to victims of clergy sexual abuse. Mr. Jeff Anderson is back. This time he has taken his show to Milwaukee, WI. The target, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. (As I stated before,  I do not condone the actions of clergy who abuse their power and commit such appalling acts of a sexual nature.) If you'd like to see what has been going on with this case, I would direct you here.

Again, it is not that I condone such acts. The issue I have is what is gained by financially destroying a church? What does that accomplish in the long term?

Back to work . . .

Howdy folks, remember me?

Yes, it has been a very long time since I last shared words of wisdom here. (Fine. Last time I ranted here.) Much has happened and yet some things are still the same.

I won't bore you with comments and posts on topics that are no longer timely. There may be some allusions to past happenings, but there is no need to go that far back.

I know that there are few followers of this blog out there. I doubt that my absence was noticed.

It is time to get things back on track. The sabbatical is over. Time to start bringing to the forefront things that need to be said, questions that need to be asked. I can't make many promises regarding content or responses, other than to say I will try to do my best.

Happy reading.

. . . And The Power Of The Devil.

I came across this article a few weeks ago about the Roman Catholic Church looking for a few good priests. Apparently there is a severe shortage of trained exorcists in the United States. According to the article there are only about "five or six exorcists in the United States."

That is not good.

How does the Roman Catholic Church in the United States allow itself to let something as significant and important as trained exorcists dip to such low levels?

Follow up question -

Does the Lutheran Church still believe in such things?

I'm serious here. I do not take this topic lightly.

During the time of Luther, there was an acknowledgement that the Devil did exist. It was was firmly believed that the Devil and his minions were very active. Even in Luther's Order of Baptism (1523) there are minor exorcisms.

When I attended seminary, the question was asked in my Pastoral (Mal)Practice class about what a pastor should do if they came across a member that was suspected to be demon possessed. The response from the professor was none too helpful. The response consisted of having that individual seen by a psychiatrist to make sure that it was not mental illness (which made sense). If it was determined that it was not mental illness, than we as pastors were to contact our respective district president who would then "take care of things."

What exactly did that mean?

Was there some secret "black ops" team of trained exorcists that would just magically appear after that phone call was made?

Or did it mean that the LCMS was "sub-contacting" exorcisms to the Roman Catholic church? That their people would take over and "take care of things."

If there is one thing that should never "go out of fashion" in the Lutheran church is the fact that the Devil and his minions are just as active today as they were then. Some may not believe that. Others may want to refuse to accept that concept.

Again, I do not take this topic lightly. Personal experience leads me to firmly believe that this is a force that should not be ignored. 

I guess I worry how, today, it seems that the Devil is thought of in more of an abstract way. It sounds great to talk about "the Devil" in a sermon in an impersonal way. A really neat "straw man" to blame things on. Yet, the Devil is much more than than. The Devil is a very real thing that people do struggle with.

I think there needs to be a renewed focus on this. Just as the Roman Catholic church is looking to add new exorcists to its ranks here in America, the Lutheran Church should not be that far behind in looking at topic and discussing it openly.

The thought I had then, I still have now.

I left that class wondering if the church of today really believed as the church of Luther. Especially those words "the power of the devil."

Bits and pieces

I'm back!

I know, I was greatly missed.

I know I also have a lot of catching up to do.

Shame I missed the whole election cycle in October and November.

I do have a few thoughts on that.

Mainly, the amount that was spent.

The best guess estimates from the 2010 midterm election cycle peg this one at $3.98 billion and still counting.

That's right, billion.

That makes this the most expensive midterm, ever.

If this doesn't turn a Christian off to the political process, I really don't know what will.

$3.98 billion dollars spent. To elect what?

Just think about what could have been done with that money. Even half of it.

Please don't shovel me the crap that the "good guys" are in control now. There are none in politics. If you believe that, please stop singing "A Mighty Fortress". Especially the part about not trusting in princes.

If you have donated money to a particular candidate or political party, or PAC. Please stop.

Your local parish, mission project, missionary, or food pantry could do so much more with that money.

Bonus! You also can get a tax deduction and there are no contribution limits.

OK, enough of that.

On to other things.

Stayed tuned.

Has Lutheran Education Failed (To Keep Its Graduates Lutheran)?

In case you were wondering, I'm on Facebook.

Yippee!

It is kind of nice to "reconnect" with some people. At least to find out what became of them.

I was going through my "friends" list recently and noticed something disturbing.

Looking at my "friends" from grade school and high school got me kind of depressed. No, not because they portray themselves as having a great job and a great life. (Believe me, there are other things that depress me more.) It's that part where one can list their "religious views."

Let me backtrack here.

I am what can be affectionately called a "system kid." I attended an LCMS grade school, I attended an LCMS high school, I attended an LCMS college and I attended an LCMS seminary. Through all of that, I am still a member of the LCMS. (Sadly, no award exists for those of us who have accomplish such a feat.)

It was looking at those "religious views" that got me depressed.

Reading over and over again the "religious views" of people that I had gone to grade school or high school with and seeing the views posted: "Methodist", "I believe there is a God,", "non-denominational", blah, blah, blah.

This was painful to read. I grew up with these people. I went to church with them. I knew their parents and, in some cases, their grandparents. I know that a majority of those that I went to high school with also went to an LCMS grade school. What the hell happened?

Who does this reflect poorly on? Do you blame the churches? Do you blame the schools? Do you blame the parents? Do you blame the pastors? Do you blame the teachers? Is it some of the above? All of the above? I don't know.

What I do know is that it looks like almost a whole generation just disappeared. Gone.

I wonder if the parents who sacrificed (I know my parents did) so their children could get an education at a Lutheran school wasted their money? Maybe they would have been better off sending their children to public schools and treating themselves to a better car or vacation.

What happened? Why was there a disconnect?

How, why, did this faith not get passed on to my generation?

Is there any way to get them back?

Not likely, I think.

Is this still happening today?

What can be done to prevent this?

Does something need to change?

Here's my challenge to you:

If you are on Facebook, and you graduated from an LCMS grade school and/or high school, check out your friend's "religious views" and see where they are today. (If you went to an LCMS college, I guess you can play as well.)

Let me know what you find.

Coming To A Parish Near You

I know you have been waiting for it.

You're going to have to wait just a little bit longer for it.

That's right, the new English translation of the Roman Missal will debut in Advent 2011!

It looks like Rome has done an excellent job with this one.

How do I know? Because there are already people complaining about it before it is even released! Here's the article for you to read.

I love the complaints that appear in this article.

Here's a few quotes:

"It will impact every Catholic in every parish because they will have to learn new responses in place of the ones they have been using since Vatican II," Reese said. "I believe that the new translations are a step backwards and confusing to the people in the pews."

Critics contend the translation is too literal and includes too many theologically complex terms.

I really enjoy the rationale behind this as well:

Critics like Bishop Trautman argue that Jesus Christ taught in the language of the common man and, further, that Vatican II reforms that first allowed the Mass to be translated from Latin to the vernacular are being unraveled by the more complicated words used in the new translation.

What are some of these big changes?

Those who have reviewed the translation say it requires new responses from church members in about a dozen places in the Mass. Generally, those responses are relatively simple, as when members will respond "And with your spirit" after the celebrant says, "The Lord be with you." The current response is, "And also with you."

Yikes! I don't know if your average parishioner will be able to handle that!

Enough about the people. What difficult things will the priests have to change and say?

Currently, priests dismisses the congregation by saying, "The Mass is ended; go in peace." Priests will now have four more specific options, including two suggested by Pope Benedict XVI: "Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord" and "Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life."

Prayers offered by the priest will include more complex terms such as "consubstantial," "inviolate," "oblation," "ignominy" and "suffused."

If the priest doesn't know what those words mean, and if they cannot explain them to their parishioners, maybe there needs to be an investigation by Rome as to what is being taught at their seminaries in the United States.


That's right, Jesus didn't use big words, let alone complex thoughts, nor did the authors of the Bible. Or the early church. I guess we shouldn't either when we worship.

Just For Fun

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!

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?

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.)

Dear Santa President-elect Rev. Harrison,

I have been a very 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 a new bicycle review of the SMP program and possibly a realistic study of the office of deacon in the LCMS.

I would also like a new 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.

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.

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?

Truly Ablaze!

Photo credit

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.

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!

Laugh a Little

Ah, this brought a smile to my face. Let me know if this reminds you of anyone you know.

Realistic Options?

The state of Lutheranism in America is messed up. Surprised?

Doesn't take a PhD scholar to figure that out.

Here's a question:

Is it worth leaving?

I mean, is it worth abandoning Lutheranism altogether and going elsewhere?

Would going elsewhere be any better?

If the thought is that "the grass is greener" is the only reason to go, is that even a valid reason?

Wouldn't going to Rome be a step backwards? I doubt that Rome would let one join and let that individual choose a la cart the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church they wish to believe.

Its kind of an "all-or-nothing" thing wherever you go. Unless, of course, you go UCC.

Again, is it worth leaving?

Why Do We Hate The Liturgy?

OK, maybe that is an overreaching statement.

There are many congregations that do a wonderful job of using the Order of Service as laid out in a hymnal week in and week out.

I guess a better question would be, "Why do we hate including ceremony with the liturgy?"

I have always thought this. I bring this up now because I was out of town for the Feast of Easter and had the opportunity to worship at a sister LCMS congregation.

I was in awe. There was incense. There were torch bearers, thurifer, crucifer, servers, deacons, sub-deacons. I felt like I was in a special place. I knew that I was in the house of the Lord. What was even better was that it was done with reverence and it was done correctly. I do not understand why people are opposed to these things.

Yes, I know, there are groups out there that love to champion FC Ep. X and FC SD X. I get the impression that they have never read the whole thing. They pick out the parts from the confessions that they like and want to use to justify what they're doing, or are not doing, in the chancel.

Looking at the state of liturgical worship, or lack thereof, in this church body makes one stop and ask this question, "Are we the church of Luther and the Reformation, or are we the church of Karlstadt and the Reformation?"

I have never seen in a CPH catalog a reference book on how to do liturgical ceremony.  I am not talking about bits and pieces described in a book on the liturgy. I am saying, there is not a single book out there with pictures and diagrams and the how-to. There are more detailed guides for acolytes and altar guilds than there are for a pastor to have proper liturgical ceremonies included in the order of worship! What are we ashamed of?

In all honesty, I would much rather be confused with the Roman Catholic church in regards to worship, than to be accused of there being no difference with other Protestant church bodies in regards to worship. Is not Lutheranism really Roman Catholicism Reformed?

Why does Lutheranism in America so desperately want to be identified with the Methodists, Baptist and other Protestant descendants of Calvin?

The Response You Never Saw

A shout out to fellow blogger Latif Gaba for pointing me to the living definition of hypocritical.

I took the opportunity to try to respond to Rev. McCain, but, surprise, he refused to post it.

This is the blog post in question.

Here is my response. It appears that my response didn't praise and agree with Rev. McCain enough to get posted. Let me know what you think.

Well glory be! I'm not a pastor, but I am a confessional Lutheran! Following your line of reasoning, Rev. McCain, I guess that means I am not bound by your internet encyclical about anonymous blogging, since I am nothing more than a lowly layman.


I find it interesting that you say in your response to Rev. Beisel, "I think we should also be willing to fact [I am guessing you meant "face"] some hard facts and start some “self-policing” among the “confessional” crowd." Help me out here, since I'm just a poor, uneducated, layman. Has there been created a special office for you? Paging through the Synodical Handbook, I didn't see anything along the lines of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Committee on Theology and Church Relations I found, but not your name as the prefect of this committee. I am seriously doubtful that your position at Concordia Publishing House as Publisher and as the Executive Director of the Editorial Department has granted you a special indult for "self-policing" the "confessional" crowd.

My question is this:

By whose authority do you get to play the role of Confessional Cyber Cop?

Feel free to ignore answering that, just as you felt the need to sidestep admitting wrong for making accusations against Rev. Beisel and his former parish.

I do enjoy how only in the LCMS is the 8th Commandment optional.

I also find some humor in how you speak with such authority, time and time again, about your experiences in the parish when the total time you have served a parish as a called pastor is a grand total of two years. To have that many stories about all the things you did really amazes me. This must have been a seriously damaged congregation for you to have experienced so much in only two years.

I also enjoy your hyperbole about all the stories you've heard about pastors who did this or that to their congregation. For almost 18 years you have been working as a bureaucrat, not as a pastor. I do not believe that living vicariously through the stories that you've heard over the years count as parish experience, let alone make you an expert. Furthermore, your views on these issues facing actively serving pastors have been clouded by your previous role as Assistant to the President. In that position, you were privileged to learn about situation that occurred in the parish involving pastors who may, or may not have, been at fault.

I also enjoy the cunningness of your witch hunt in this blog post. It sounds very innocent, "PS – In the spirit of this blog post, if you wish to offer a comment, sign your full name, and location to your remark. I’m trying to encourage the perpetually anonymous-inclined folks here to step out into the light."

Really? This is on par with Rev. Waldo Werning gathering together a list of names to be published in a book in the most unflattering light.

If you were serious about open and honest discussion, you wouldn't have this blog set up to control which comments get posted. I understand you have a reputation to keep and would not enjoy someone being critical of you.

This is why I will keep myself as an anonymous blogger. You have no interest in discussion. You only have an interest in attacking those who do not think like you.

Your actions, statements, and the way you treat other faithful pastors reminds me of my old Greek professor at Concordia River Forest. Rev. Prof. Froehlich said it was like a football game. The Devil and his minions are one team and the confessional Lutherans are on the other. When the confessionals come out on the field, they are tackling themselves, not the Devil.

Things You'll Never See Happen In The LCMS #3,461

Wow.

This is something that I didn't even think happened.

I know this has never happened in the history of the LCMS.

If it did, well, then there may not have been an LCMS.

It would be a refreshing change in this church body if things like this were taken more seriously.

Read this article and be just as shocked and surprised as I was.