I became a Lutheran around 1964 and was confirmed at an Augustana Synod congregation as an adult.
Salem was part of the LCA merger, but not in spirit. The area was unusual in having the main group of Swedish Lutherans in Moline, where John Deere was headquartered, the college situated in nearby Rock Island. I could walk from my home to Salem, downtown to my father's bakery, and on to Rock Island on the one ways. Once my future bride surprised me by showing up at Melo Cream, after walking from college with her roommate.
Augustana Lutherans were as fond of the name Augustana as the LCMS members were of Concordia, with neither group knowing what those words meant anymore.
When Luther was mentioned in one class in Moline, half my classmates burst into applause. Luther was cool in 1964. People were reading Roland Bainton's Here I Stand, and clergy were ordering (but not reading) Luther's Works.
American Lutherans worshiped with the liturgy, the creeds, married male pastors, hymnals, and Biblical sermons. ALC, WELS, and LCMS pastors used Lenski. They wore robes instead of Groeschel jeans for leading the worship service.
We all watched the black and white Luther film.
The synodical leaders squandered all the fruits of past work, the sacrifices of the faithful to build up faithful institutions.
On Reformation Sunday this year:
- ELCA Lutherans will continue to cast longing eyes at Rome. Puh-lease forgive us, Holy Father!
- WELS will continue to look for more justification by faith pastors to expel.
- Pope John the Malefactor will preach on his gratitude for WELS catching up with Him.
- Herman Otten will offer readings from The "Facts" About Luther, because every Lutheran should hear both sides, you know.
- The CLCs (sic) and LCR and other micro-minis will celebrate their Stephanite purity as the only place where Gods' Word is taught.
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| UOJ Enthusiasts call this "limited Atonement," and they consider themselves the real Lutherans. Not Gnesio - but greasy - oh! |
