In one of the 138+ comments on this post at Weedon’s Blog, we see why Lutheranism is broken: “No. I think that your interpretation of what is confessional is wrong.” (comment here) I have to admit that I appreciate Pr. Louderback’s refreshingly frank and good-spirited comments. Were the other foxes in the hen house so open and honest… … Read entire article »

The Theological Convocation on Church Structure of the LCMS, that is. Leonard Sweet. Who’s that you ask? This is from his bio on his webpage: “One of the church’s most important and provocative thinkers.” Voted “One of the 50 Most Influential Christians in America” (2006, 2207) “No church leader understands better how to navigate the seas of the 21st century.” “A writer of vast imagination, poise and charm.” “I can’t imagine a Christian leader in America who hasn’t read one or more of Leonard Sweet’s books.” “Some statistician-types will drown you in doom and gloom. Sweet’s message is uplifting, hopeful and relevant.” These are but a sampling of responses to Len’s three-ring mission: as a historian of American culture; as a futurist/semiotician who “sees things the rest of us do not see, and dreams … Read entire article »

My church body, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has gathered people together this week for the Convocation on Structure. As you may know, some within the LCMS have been promoting a need to change the structure of Synod. A Task Force was assembled, their report is done, and this is the first meeting where the Powers-That-Be present what they have been working on what changes they will persuade us to make. Boring Church Politics? Probably. Important? You bet. Many have been trying to predict exactly how things will go down and what changes to expect. Most believe it will not be good for those of us in the LCMS who are liturgical (the so-called Evangelical Catholic). Some think that not much will be accomplished, … Read entire article »

Brute Squad: What Seminary did you go to?Answer: St. Louis. But I could have gone to either. Brute Squad: Ok then, Who were your favorite professors?Answer: I liked them all. Brute Squad: Seriously, you must have had some that were better than others?Answer: Oh yeah. But I don’t like to speak ill of the dead. Brute Squad, thinking furiously: So some of your least favorite professors died?Answer: Probably. Or they will. We all will. Brute Squad: Do we know any of the same people? Who were your classmates?Answer: Probably. It’s a small Synod. We know each other. And so it goes. Reflecting upon this I suppose I’m a jerk. I guess I shouldn’t wonder why I have few friends. But I refuse to … Read entire article »