No -isms Allowed Here!
Thanks to Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller of Table Talk Radio, we've removed all references to Lutheran doctrine (a.k.a. Biblical doctrine) being called an "-ism" as in "Lutheranism" as if it were like all the others out there (at least, I'm pretty sure we have).
Now, at first, you might think this is a trivial point to make and insist upon. I mean, what's the big deal? Why would Pastor Wolfmueller feel so passionately about this particular point?
In a Lutheran Layman's terms, Pastor Wolfmueller gets on his soap box against Lutheranism as an -ism and explains why, which is an interesting perspective for sure that I never thought of before.
In short, an -ism is a loose philosophy of ideas, or an abstract system of belief, whereas Lutheran doctrine is a confession of faith. The former can exist without any Lutherans while the latter cannot exist without Lutherans (if that makes sense).
Since Romans 10:17 is quite clear, that's why such a distinction is important for us. We are to confess the truth as opposed to merely bearing witness to the truth. Yes, there is a difference.
But don't ignore the opening sound byte either, because it addresses -- head on -- this new "Radical For Jesus" movement so pervasive today that is growing quite rapidly within the Church universal as well as within the walls of churches that are of the LCMS variety (just as it's doing right now in my own church and against my own protestations, sadly).
[NOTE: As you know, I am a newly converted Confessional Lutheran who recently escaped American Evangelicalism. That being said, please contact me ASAP if any of my "old beliefs" seem to have found there way into any of the material published here, and especially if any of the content is not consistent with being a Confessional Lutheran -- let alone if it's not consistent with God's Word -- so that I can correct those errors immediately so as to not lead any of His little ones astray. Thank you in advance for your time and help. Grace and peace to you and yours!]
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Now, at first, you might think this is a trivial point to make and insist upon. I mean, what's the big deal? Why would Pastor Wolfmueller feel so passionately about this particular point?
AUDIO: Show #251 - Lutheranism Isn't An Ism!
In a Lutheran Layman's terms, Pastor Wolfmueller gets on his soap box against Lutheranism as an -ism and explains why, which is an interesting perspective for sure that I never thought of before.
In short, an -ism is a loose philosophy of ideas, or an abstract system of belief, whereas Lutheran doctrine is a confession of faith. The former can exist without any Lutherans while the latter cannot exist without Lutherans (if that makes sense).
Since Romans 10:17 is quite clear, that's why such a distinction is important for us. We are to confess the truth as opposed to merely bearing witness to the truth. Yes, there is a difference.
But don't ignore the opening sound byte either, because it addresses -- head on -- this new "Radical For Jesus" movement so pervasive today that is growing quite rapidly within the Church universal as well as within the walls of churches that are of the LCMS variety (just as it's doing right now in my own church and against my own protestations, sadly).
[NOTE: As you know, I am a newly converted Confessional Lutheran who recently escaped American Evangelicalism. That being said, please contact me ASAP if any of my "old beliefs" seem to have found there way into any of the material published here, and especially if any of the content is not consistent with being a Confessional Lutheran -- let alone if it's not consistent with God's Word -- so that I can correct those errors immediately so as to not lead any of His little ones astray. Thank you in advance for your time and help. Grace and peace to you and yours!]
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Thank you for visiting A Lutheran Layman! Please feel free to leave a comment or a question since we do not exercise censorship. We've seen a similar policy with other blogs and it's worth repeating: Please act as if you're a guest in my home, and we'll get along just fine. I think anyone would agree that the kind of back-and-forth that is characteristic of blogs/chat forums and social media is becoming tiresome for all of us. Still, we should confess, edify, and love (and contend and defend when needed). Bottom line? Search the Scriptures! Apply Acts 17:11 to anything and everything you find here and, if you do happen to disagree with something you find here (which is certainly ok), or think I'm "irresponsible" and "wrong" for writing it, then please refute my position by supporting yours with Scripture and/or the Confessions. I don't think that's an unreasonable request, especially for those who identify themselves as "Christians" here, right? Besides, Proverbs 27:17 tells us "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another" and 2 Timothy 3:16 says, "all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." If you have an opinion that's great, I welcome it, but try to support it using God's Word. I mean, if the goal here is to help us all arrive at the truth of God's Word (myself included), then it should be easy to follow through on this one simple request (I'm talking to all you "Anonymous" visitors out there). Grace and peace to you and yours!