What is a Lutheran? Post 4
Why I am a Lutheran
There have been, at various times, conversations on this blog about what it means to be a Lutheran. These have been - for me and I hope for others - beneficial discussions. But, perhaps a more direct way of getting to the heart of the matter is to address why I am a Lutheran. Those of you who know my story know that I spent time at an Episcopal Seminary, and there have been, at different times, other paths open to me. Yet, here I am in the Lutheran Church.
1) I am Lutheran by birth. It is not dramatic, it is not deep, but it is none the less true. I was born into a Lutheran family, with Lutheran parents, and raised in the Lutheran church. As pastors and as observers of the church, we often overlook this truth - people often stay where they are planted.
2) I need grace.
3) Lutheran theology speaks to me, and how I understand the world. I am not someone who is satisfied with the shallow theology I hear from some other traditions.
4) I need the tradition. The Lutheran church is a Protestant church that also embraces our catholic heritage. Many Protestants are guilty of believing that church history begins in the last few hundred years; many Roman Catholics and Orthodox are guilty of believing that nothing of note has happened in the church in the last few hundred years. The Lutheran church does a great job of honoring the heritage and traditions of the church catholic, while also critiquing and evaluating that history.
5) The Lutheran church speaks to the tragedy of life. Much contemporary Christianity does great when life is going well, but is at a loss in times of tragedy and despair. Lutherans know that God is often most likely to be found at precisely those times.
6) I love the liturgy. Ok, true, Lutherans in America don't have a history of having the richest liturgical practices. But we do share in a larger tradition with a very rich liturgy, and we are learning to embrace it.
7) The Lutheran proclamation of the word in preaching and singing. I am not going to say that they are great everywhere at everytime; but we Lutherans have traditions of great hymn-writing, sacred music, congregational singing, and preaching.
I'm sure that's not everything, and even as I sit here I can think of other reasons, but that's a good start. What about you? Why are you a Lutheran (or whatever denomination you might be)?
From the Archives:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
The original post/discussion about confessional Lutheranism.
10 comments:
I especially like your #4, Lutheran theology speaks to the tragedies of life. (at least I think it was #4).
so much contemporary theology and music is only there for the "good times."
I would say that I am a United Methodist for very similar reasons. Especially 2, 4, and 6. But for #1, I would have to say "by marriage" instead of "by birth".
It's strange, I just took one of those online quizes that tells you what denomination you "should be"... I scored 100% Lutheran!
Diane,
Exactly. THe best of that sort of theology/church music simply ignores the tragedy of life - the worst of it implies that our pain is because we don't have enough faith. Not only is it bad theology, it is damaging to people's faith.
Art,
The marriage thing is as much a reality as the birth thing - in fact, it is why my wife is a Lutheran.
As for your quiz ... perhaps it is time for you to come over to the dark side :) . Although, as I recall, there are not many Lutheran churches in the area where you're at, and you'd have a bit of drive to find a good fit.
I just went back to the original discussion! HOw interesting! I consider myself "confessional" but have not used the term because it seems that "confessional Lutheran" seems like a code word for a certain kind of Lutheran fundamentalism that doesn't ordain women, etc.
I subscribe to the confessions, but do "confess" that I have favorite parts.
what a great discussion ... hard to make a brief comment (and I so prefer being concise)
I am Presbyterian for many of the reasons given for why you are Lutheran ... our shared "reformed" theology, I think.
Long story about how I became Presbyterian (now serving in a United Methodist church) .. a total God thing.
And, regarding #4 ... my "honoring of roots" goes back to our Jewish heritage ... which is the heart of the Christian Faith, and has much to teach us about how to be a body of Christ (one "people" vs. a bunch of individuals)
Shalom!
Diane,
I think your observation is spot on, and is part of the reason that I don't jump on board with the self-identification as "confessional Lutheran". As I undderstand it, I am indeed a confessional Lutheran (by denotation), but I don't necessary agree with all of the "add-on" things that confessional Lutheran has come to mean by conotaion.
Serena,
Thank you for that important observation - yeas indeed, part of honoring our roots ought to include honoring our Jewish roots as well. Thanks for the reminder.
Here's something I would've never expected. According to Leonard Sweet (big pomo ministry guru), the church that is best equipped to meet the ongoing challenges of today's world is the Lutheran Church! We've got it, now we just need to say it!
Pastor Doug,
That's a great quote. I would love a reference for it if you have one.
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