Newsflash: Evil *Does* Exist!
Well, I guess that some folks really do need to see things for themselves and/or learn things the hard way. It seems that the ELCA pastor of the BTK killer is now stating that he (the pastor) has changed his (the pastor’s) theology as it pertains to evil. Pastor Michael Clark has, in a recent interview, denounced the way “we psychologicalize evil in this world, and we explain it and justify it in psychological language.” Later, he states, “But I am convinced from what I have been through that there is definitely an evil force out there that is viable, and it’s something we need to know about.”
Now, this is most definitely an improvement in theology; however, I’m not sure that it’s all the way “fixed.” Pr. Clark still does refer to it as an evil “force” rather than directly calling it the work of Satan. In any event, it’s a positive development — one that I would hope is followed by further “improvements” in the form of a return to theological orthodoxy (i.e., Confessional Lutheranism) for Pr. Clark.�
[HT: Cranach Blog]
-ghp�
Who Does What In Worship
Over at the Cranach Blog, Dr. Veith helps start the week off right, with a great post, and a lively discussion on the always-in-play topic of the theology of worship.
In particular, Dr. Veith does a nice job of concisely defining the three possibilities regarding who acts & who receives in/during the worship service.
MAN acts and MAN receives. This is the Arminian approach to worship.
MAN acts and GOD receives. This is the Calvinist approach.
GOD acts and MAN receives. This is the Lutheran approach.
You’ll need to go over to Cranach to see what Dr. Veith means by each of these statements, but suffice it to say that he’s correct.
In the end, this all just goes to prove that there really is no way to divorce doctrine from practice. What you believe will impact how you carry out that belief, and vice versa. We might not always like to hear it, but our reticence doesn’t negate the truth.
-ghp�
On Adiaphora Not Being Indifferent
As usual, Pr. Alms has posted a very thoughtful & useful entry over at Incarnatus Est. He posits that there is a linkage between the separation of flesh & spirit and the rise of adiaphora as a driving force in the contemporary church.
I would agree with Pr. Alms, and even extend things a little by adding the observation that claims about something being an adiaphoron have become a postmodern and/or relativistic catch-all way of avoiding the hard work of catechesis & making tough decisions.
-ghp
On The Absurdity That Missouri Hasn’t Changed
A nice posting over at Spirit and Life v4.0 lays bare the ugly truth behind the contention that the LCMS has not changed its doctrinal stances over her lifetime.
The synod has, indeed, done so.
And it will continue to do so, ever more egregiously, barring any miraculous change of the synod’s collective hearts & minds.
I’d be nice, however, if they could just man up & take responsibility for their beliefs. Although, as they couldn’t do it during the Seminex days, why should they do so now?
-ghp
-
Analytics & Hosting
