Holy Communion in the ELCA

This post is a response to a question that could not possibly fit in a deeply nested comment. For the source of the discussion, please read this post on The Lonely Pilgrim. Though the original question was limited in scope, I have chosen instead to give as complete a summary of the Lutheran position on … Continue reading Holy Communion in the ELCA

Holy Communion in the Lutheran Tradition

How to be a Liberal, Confessional Christian (and Lutheran)

1. Remember the centrality of the Word of God. This should go without saying, but if you don't remember this fundamental fact about Christianity, there's not much point in continuing, is there? And what is the Word of God? Fundamentally, it is not the Bible--it is the on about whom it was written. The core belief of … Continue reading How to be a Liberal, Confessional Christian (and Lutheran)

Augsburg Confession

It was pointed out to me by another friendly blogger that today, June 25, is the anniversary of the presentation of the Augsburg Confession, the defining document of the Lutheran tradition of Christianity. The Confession was not written to split the church, but was actually written to show Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire … Continue reading Augsburg Confession

What Makes a True Believer?

I had a conversation with an older gentleman after church today. He told me about his experiences with other denominations while looking for a church. Hearing his story, I invited him to Pub Theology next week because the topic is “Christian Unity and How to Deal with 'Those' People” (we needed a catchy tag-line that … Continue reading What Makes a True Believer?