A blog of the Evangelical Lutheran Liturgy
His July article mentions Pope Leo XIV, Leo’s ecumenical discussions with the Eastern Orthodox concerning the papacy, and a citation from Philip Melanchthon from the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope - as well as a response from one of the newly-ordained Lutheran pastors in Rome.
Read MorePastoral care is an art, not a science. Thus there is seldom a one-size-fits-all solution to dealing with every parish and every parishioner.
Read MoreIn spite of the ongoing chaos (liturgical and otherwise) in our culture, church, and church body, there are a lot of positives - especially on the horizon. A lot of the monkeyshines of the past are diminishing among younger generations of Christians - including among us confessional Lutherans - who are once again taking the faith seriously.
Read MoreWhat is a Protestant? Well, it's any Christian who is not a Roman Catholic or an Eastern Orthodox. It is impossible to define "Protestant" in any positive way, we can only say what one is by saying what one isn't. As a theological term, it is useless. For what is Protestant Theology?
Read MoreThe “technically, it’s not wrong” problem is why we are so far away from truly walking together in Synod.
Read MoreThe cultural differences between men and women covering their heads is stubborn and persistent, even in our current feminist, egalitarian age. For men still remove their hats at certain times, even though women do not. Such times include prayer, and showing civil respect to the flag
Read MoreWhen the gathered mourners are engaged in an altered reenactment of the Emperor’s New Clothes, the pastor must be the little boy who cries out the truth that everyone, by unspoken agreement, is pretending not to see, “The emperor is dead!”
Read MoreYes, we do not have an organ there, and instead of an altar we use an ordinary table, but the priest serves in vestments, and we do not shorten or simplify anything, do not replace church hymns with modern Christian songs. We consider it important that everything is "churchly." The liturgy should be celebrated clearly and God-fearingly. This is important for our children, who were brought up to take the liturgy seriously.
Read MoreOne of the persistent strategies of the progressive wing of the LCMS is to advocate for non-ordained church workers to be voting delegates at conventions. Another related strategy is to push for proportional representation of congregations based on membership size. Make no mistake. This is all about power, and is a means to a progressive end.
Read MoreI was, I instantly knew, in the presence of a man seriously dedicated to glorifying his Savior through the dignity of liturgical singing done well.
Read MoreIn America it has not in the past perchance been orthodoxy or doctrinal decision that has threatened the doom of the Lutheran Church, but indifference in doctrine and practice.
Read MoreAn inordinate number of people seem to think that we faithful clergymen are shrinking violets and milquetoast buffoons unable (or unwilling) to hear of your demons and sins. It may help to remember that we spend every single day in hand-to-hand combat with Satan himself and his demons.
Read MorePicking up where we left off previously, only a decade and half younger than Hilary of Poitiers, Basil the Great (c. 330–379) emerged as one of the early church’s most zealous critics of usury. Like many before him, he appealed to Psalm 15 in particular as clear evidence of the binding moral prohibition against lending at interest, and he once preached a powerful homily against usury on the text of this psalm. I assure you, the entire sermon merits careful and repeated reading; here, however, I offer only a few representative excerpts:
Read MoreThe preacher must learn to plagiarize Scripture.
Read MoreThis is the time of year in which we are ordaining men into the Office of the Holy Ministry. And because of this, it is also the time when we call to mind our own ordinations.
Read MoreThey were there because they had “bought spices.” For this was the continuation of an interrupted funeral. Little did they know that the funeral was not just delayed, but had been cancelled. They came bearing spices, including myrrh to anoint the body of the Anointed One.
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