Babtist Ed Stetzer left congregational work and is no longer a pastor, so the conservative Lutherans pay him for his wisdom.
The journey began with Pietism and ended with bad spelling - dicipleship (sic). I am glad Stetzer copyrighted his chart. Does he mention the efficacious Word? Buehler, Buehler, anyone?
Becoming Missional, the new rage, means designing church for those who hate church and find real worship boring. In other words, we need more members who are just like the pastors.The Wisconsin and Missouri sects, with the Little Sect on the Prairie, would have to repudiate Pietism in order to escape their doom as organizations.
Pietism removes the emphasis on the objective Word of God, making the focus individual and subjective.
Pietism makes everyone feel superior. All three synods regard joining the other (almost identical) synods as a ghastly sin, second only to criticizing Holy Mother Synod. All three synods make DNA the only requirement for leadership.
"Zee cabbage does not run away from zee corn-beef."
Pietism eases the road to pan-denominational unionism and total doctrinal apathy. The old Synodical Conference was born in Pietism, flirted with Lutheran doctrine, and now pursues every denomination with the energy and persistence of Pepe Le'Pew.
First they sought out ELCA apostate Martin Marty and sat at his feet. Then Roman Catholic priests of various lifestyles, from straight to gayer-than-lavender-hose. Next, Leonard Sweet, recently beamed down from the Starship Enterprise. Andy Stanley - loved him in Drive 08. Finally, in the fulness of time, Missouri and WELS have each booked Ed Stetzer for 2009.
Pietism teaches that everyone in the world has already been declared righteous. Yes, even the residents of Hell are guilt-free saints.
The Little Sect, Wisconsin, and Missouri will never repudiate the substance of Pietism because the pastors and members are weaned on it, even if some critical remarks are made from time to time. Pietism makes it easy to work with ELCA, the Church of Rome, and the Babtist-Pentecostals.
