I read an article in Christianity Today about a group of “conservative” members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America who are considering leaving the ELCA and starting yet another Lutheran denomination. Their consideration is a result of the ELCA’s decision to allow practicing homosexuals to serve in the pastoral ministry within the ELCA. The article stressed that the justification for this decision failed to consider or offer any Biblical defense for such a decision. These conservative members are questioning how any theological decision made by Lutherans could fail to consult Scripture. I get that question. What I don’t understand is why they don’t ask they same questions about such issues as…
1. Women’s ordination
2. Abortion practices
3. Fellowship and pulpit exchange with denominations such as the Reformed Church in America which does not practice infant baptism nor accept the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar.
Where was their objection to such decisions being made or opinions held which contradict Scripture? Is the current objection truly about Scripture or about sex? Certain detours from Scripture seem to go unquestioned and unchallenged. But sex?!! We still tend as a society to view certain sins as “greater” than others. Most people view rape as more offensive to God than gossip. But any all sin is offensive to a righteous, just, and holy God. Jesus Christ remains the only answer to sin, all sin, any sin. His death is the source of our forgiveness and His resurrection the only source of our life. So why are our brothers and sisters in Christ ( and they truly are our brothers and sisters in Christ by His grace) objecting now? If it is about Scripture then why not apply that standard across the board?
The article said most of those who object in the ELCA won’t consider joining the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. We are too fundamentalist for them. I am not sure what they mean by that comment. I wonder if we are just too Biblical for them. We choose to apply Scripture to all our decisions in the Church, not just when we find it to agree with our position. If I am too harsh on my brothers and sisters, I beg their forgiveness. I am confused. Can anyone help me out?
