ELCA LUTHERANS IN THE TWILIGHT ZONE

Lutherans in the Twilight Zone

When I was growing up, one of my favorite TV shows was the Twilight Zone.  Weird and Wacky to the core – but almost plausible at the same time.  For that hour you were suspended somewhere between reality and science fiction.  If they resurrect this old TV classic, I have a wild idea for an episode.  Here it is:

You're driving into a major city taking in all the sights and sounds.  It looks like any other major metropolitan area when suddenly you see a large sign suspended above the highway.  It monstrous letters it say, "Please make every effort to ignore our laws!"  You're taken back for a moment as you continue your drive into the city.  Certainly they can't mean that – but soon you find they do.  Everyone you encounter is doing whatever they desire and totally ignoring all laws.  Stop signs mean nothing, speed limits are ignored and people take whatever they want from local merchants without paying.  You have found yourself in the city of Evangelical Lutherans.  Cue theme music and closing credits.

The above scenario is no more bizarre than what happened at the recently concluded annual General Conference of the Evangelical Lutherans Church of America.  On the closing day of the Conference a resolution was passed by 538-431 vote pleading with the leadership of the denomination to ignore their own church law.  Oh, and this was immediately following passing another resolution upholding their church law.  Confused?  Welcome to the Lutheran Twilight Zone!

 The most contentious issue before the ELCA for several years now has been the issue of the ordination of practicing homosexuals.  Church law is clear – it's a No No.  The denomination tried to head off the controversy by forming a "Committee on Human Sexuality" that result in a denominational statement in 2009.  That process began in 2001!  It takes eight years to read Romans chapter one?  It was obvious to most that this was just a stalling tactic while the denominational leaders desperately prayed the whole thing would blow over.   Well, it didn't.  At this year's General Conference more than eighty ELCA pastors decided to "come out" and force the issue to a vote –and here's where I begin to hear the Twilight Zone music. 

First the denomination voted to NOT overturn the current prohibition on the ordination of practicing homosexuals.  Next, they voted to encourage the Bishops of the church to please ignore the church law that they just upheld.  Confused?  Yeah, me too.   In fact, that's the purpose. The 2^nd resolution pleaded with the leadership of the Church to "refrain from or demonstrate restraint" in disciplining gay clergy in committed relationships" 

Both sides of the battle claimed victory.   The Conservatives were boasting that the current prohibition was not overturned while the Liberals were boasting that "the gospel of inclusion has won, and we're going to keep winning."   Two sides – one trying desperately to cling to Biblical Truth, the other trying desperately to destroy Biblical authority – both declaring victory.  Cue Rod Serling.

We are fortunate, however, that the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA came forward immediately to straighten out all the confusion and Twilight Zonesque happenings of the Conference.  Addressing the media Mark Hanson said, "I interpret that as a way to reflect this journey of conversation, discussion, decision, seeking to be faithful to the authority of scripture, the interpretation of our confession and mindful of the very context in which we are engaged in God's mission."  Now, understand, you have to go to seminary to make and understand statements like that; so allow me to interpret.  In lay language the good Bishop was saying, "Man did we dodge a bullet this time.  Now, if we can only stall for another 7 years!"

Sadly and unfortunately, the ELCA has taken a cowardly and unbiblical approach to this volatile issue.  They, obviously, need to make up their minds as to whether they are going to obey God and His Word or plant their feet firmly in mid-air of post-modern rationalism.

A wise man told me years ago that, "when you try to appease everyone you will please no one."  The TV show began each episode with the famous, "You're traveling through another dimension. A dimension, not only of sight and sound, but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. Next stop, the Twilight Zone!"  At that "next stop" I'm confident you will find much of the leadership of the ELCA.

By Bob Burney Click here for bio and archived articles

Re: Re: Lutherans in the Twilight Zone Posted On: 08/29/07 07:34:05 AM Age 57, TX Baptist have trouble reading Romans, Galatians or listening to Christ's own words the HE CHOSE THEM not they chose Him. Likewise Paul says that we lack both the desire and the ability to choose God (Romans 9:16, et. al.) So, understand that you were just not in a real Lutheran church but one that just liked the family name. Baptists and Reformed have always read their doctrine into Scripture. True Lutherans take their doctrine from Scripture and without putting reason or feelings ahead of it. Re: Re: Lutherans in the Twilight Zone Posted On: 08/28/07 10:19:09 PM Age 52, OH "Rush head-long into punishing others"? Jesus on many an occasion spoke...and immediately there was a response...from the woman at the well, to the woman caught in adultery...to "someone" who upon hearing Jesus' words, turned away...saddened because he had great "possessions"... We all have many "possessions" that threaten our relationship with Jesus. In my reading and discerning of the Gospel I too understand that we are called to extend mercy and compassion...for who among us wish for someone to continue down the path of destruction even one more day?! As an aviator, open-water diver, and white-water rafter I fully understand that there are many times when decisions must be made immediately. I will grant you that homosexuality may not demand an "immediate" decision, that is as long as one is "chased"--assuming you accept "chased" as total, 100%, NON-SEXUAL TOUCHING! Of course, as soon as one crosses the sexual boundary...all bets are off, for we all know that it only takes ONE exposure to contract all that we've come to know as part of this horrendous sexual epidemic that is being allowed to grow unchecked...because "we" want to be nice--to be compassionate! Where on earth is the compassion in allowing ANYONE to knowingly continue down the path of destruction. AND I believe it's fairly safe to say that science and statistics will affirm this, but then this is supposed to be a "theological" discussion isn't it? Scripturally, I understand God's forgiveness as being freely given to all who repent and turn away from the sin. From my medical days as an EMT, we understood the serpent on a staff symbol as being God with us -- God provided healing for the Israelites and still providing for healing today...only one must choose to accept the healing. Those who chose not to look up at the serpent on the staff...died. Jesus is the New Covenant -- the one now lifted up for all too accept...or not accept. Sadly, many are choosing to rationalize -- to try to have it both ways, but God was very clear. Are we willing to allow many to die because we are too concerned about so called human tolerance? Jesus, as I read the scriptures, was really very intolerant. I'm growing most weary of the human word games and politically correct "politics" both in and out of the "church". As for me and my house...we WILL serve the Lord...What I would regret is intentionally failing to take an IMMEDIATE stand on God's Word! Re: Re: Lutherans in the Twilight Zone Posted On: 08/28/07 09:52:55 PM Age 52, OH "Rush head-long into punishing others"? Jesus on many an occasion spoke...and immediately there was a response...from the woman at the well, to the woman caught in adultery...to "someone" who upon hearing Jesus' words, turned away...saddened because he had great "possessions"... We all have many "possessions" that threaten our relationship with Jesus. In my reading and discerning of the Gospel I too understand that we are called to extend mercy and compassion...for who among us wish for someone to continue down the path of destruction even one more day?! As an aviator, open-water diver, and white-water rafter I fully understand that there are many times when decisions must be made immediately. I will grant you that homosexuality may not demand an "immediate" decision, that is as long as one is "chased"--assuming you accept "chased" as total, 100%, NON-SEXUAL TOUCHING! Of course, as soon as one crosses the sexual boundary...all bets are off, for we all know that it only takes ONE exposure to contract all that we've come to know as part of this horrendous sexual epidemic that is being allowed to grow unchecked...because "we" want to be nice--to be compassionate! Where on earth is the compassion in allowing ANYONE to knowingly continue down the path of destruction. AND I believe it's fairly safe to say that science and statistics will affirm this, but then this is supposed to be a "theological" discussion isn't it? Scripturally, I understand God's forgiveness as being freely given to all who repent and turn away from the sin. From my medical days as an EMT, we understood the serpent on a staff symbol as being God with us -- God provided healing for the Israelites and still providing for healing today...only one must choose to accept the healing. Those who chose not to look up at the serpent on the staff...died. Jesus is the New Covenant -- the one now lifted up for all too accept...or not accept. Sadly, many are choosing to rationalize -- to try to have it both ways, but God was very clear. Are we willing to allow many to die because we are too concerned about so called human tolerance? Jesus, as I read the scriptures, was really very intolerant. I'm growing most weary of the human word games and politically correct "politics" both in and out of the "church". As for me and my house...we WILL serve the Lord...What I would regret is intentionally failing to take an IMMEDIATE stand on God's Word! Re: ELCA Lutherans in the Twilight Zone Posted On: 08/28/07 09:13:07 PM Age 51, AR So-called Christians need to read their Bible, especially the requirements for a pastor. I wonder what churches would think about a pastor who insisted he had the right to commit adultery? Same thing. They are both sins. YOu can love someone and pray that they will repent of their sin, but known sin such as these Biblically disqualifies a man from being a pastor. If we'd all read the Bible and believe it settles it (which it does whether you believe it or not)there would not even be any discussion. Re: Re: ELCA Lutherans in the Twilight Zone Posted On: 08/28/07 08:57:23 PM Age 80, OK Yes, we Lutherans insist on an educated ministry. Quite unlike so many of the made-made denominations who listen to uneducated preachers who belive that since they can read the KJV the have the expertise to proclaim the truths of God's Word. It is not that simple. You should be warned that we will be held accountable for using God's Word to codemn others when they use a scholarly approach to the written words instead of seeking the truths that are revealed. Jesus taught love not hate. Have you discoverd that as yet? Re: ELCA Lutherans in the Twilight Zone Posted On: 08/28/07 03:23:46 PM Age 45, MN I don't understand why this surprises so many people. The Roman Church started to not only pull at the strings of church law, but on the written Law of God, long before the Reformation with its many and various brands of Lutheranism. Don't want to suffer with the people of God and pay the Fiscus Judaicus? Then abandon the Sabbath and God's calendar. Want to eat what God considers an abomination for His people? Then reinterpret Peter's vision in Acts chapter 10 as dealing with food and not men. Want to validate homosexuality in the Bible like King James? Then just insert words into the translation you are funding to validate it (see Luke 17:34 in the KJV). There is no church law in the Heavenly Court, therefore, "speak and so act, as those who are to be judged by the Law of liberty" (James 4:11). Re: Re: Lutherans in the Twilight Zone Posted On: 08/28/07 01:27:34 PM Age 19, CANADA This is the reason that i am following Jesus Christ. For he is the Way and the Truth and the Life, and nobody gets to the Father except by Him. And despite all of the problems in the Catholic and Protestant churches Christ's Bride will be dressed in white Linen on the Day of Christ. Amen!! Hallelujah!! Re: Re: Lutherans in the Twilight Zone/That's why I'm Catholic? Posted On: 08/28/07 11:55:31 AM Age 34, NC You are kidding, right? Re: ELCA Lutherans in the Twilight Zone Posted On: 08/28/07 11:54:33 AM Age 54, WI The original link to the article mentioned ELCA and it would have helped if the title had mentioned ELCA also. Many other traditional Lutheran churches, such as the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), and similar Lutheran denominations are grieved for the path the ELCA is going down, both for their own destruction, but also for the comprised witness of the Gospel and Biblical authority. It is important for people to realize the the ELCA has always been more liberal, even from the days it started in the 1980's from merging the LCA and the ALC Lutheran denominations. In fact, one small group of Lutheran churches (AALC) that didn't want to be joined to the ELCA in the 1980's or be associated with them has been on their own since then and has now been accepted in fellowship with the LCMS. I'm sure for some of you this sounds like alphabet soup, but please realize that there are Lutherans still true to what Martin Luther stood for, which was Biblical authority and Biblical doctrine. If it wasn't for him, most of our denominations wouldn't be here and we'd all be Catholic. (The continuing numbers of denominations is one of the shortcomings which was not intended by the Reformation.) For us Lutherans it seems confusing when we hear of a Baptist or Presbyterian church situation and have to try and sort out which 'flavor' of that denomination the situation is really about. It's not a matter of "Can't we all just try to get along?" It's a matter of "Can't we all just get back to the Biblical authority of God's Word, what He meant when He wrote it and why He wants us to be like Him (with an uncompromised witness and truth) and not to be like the world." Re: ELCA Lutherans in the Twilight Zone Posted On: 08/28/07 05:57:59 AM Age 50, WV Back in the first days of Bishop hanneson of the ELCA I was a vice president of a small Lutheran church. We were comfortable in and secure. Then the gay issue came along no one wanted to be unchristian like the bishops said we had to display Christ’s compassion to all especially fellow Lutherans besides they were and are all good men and women. My exception is and was thus these good man and women lied. Number two they defied Gods own word and justified their actions with another lie that God made them gay. To be gay or not to be gay is a choice. God did not create gays he gave man the right to choose and as Romans says when the choice is made gives them a deluding spirit so they will have comfort in their sin. Now that is love. But we are also to separate from and leave them be live in peace as much as possible but do not join in or justify their sin. This new gospel of inclusion does just that, making all Christian testimony Luke warm and of no effect. As with Muslims and all other as they say great religions of the world I can not nor will I bow down and pray with them not to Buddha Mohammed or any other Baal. So as you point out they are in the twilight zone? No they as so many others are in the denial zone. We attempted teaching Romans at the church level no one wanted to hear it let alone read it. For it is not a feel good book you can share your ideas on, for it is one of those that is quite cut and dried. And so to bring me into line and so I would stick to ELCA approved material a Bishop came to explain to me what is Christ like behavior and what is not. And reminded me we must do all things in love. So my conclusion is thus Lutherans love the liturgy they love their set sermons the same things are done year in and year out. And they do not want conflict so like chickens they blindly follow blind leaders to well, the words says it to their doom. I resigned from the position and the church for I could not saction nor approve the new way of inclusive teaching . The ELCA wants colloge educated men and women with degrees and who are of an age that they can be plyable and mold able to conform to the new ideals. so in case one is really wondering they decided long ago to not ask anot tell but put the heads in the sand. Luke warm ??? or ice cold but surely they are not hot.