     George Mueller (Mueller) Advanced Member Username: Mueller Post Number: 907 Registered: 11-2012 |
Among some orthodox Lutherans the theological method becomes quite insular and parochial, consisting mostly in quoting other members of the group. Since they deem themselves orthodox and outsiders heterodox their students rarely give much attention to what outsiders say. But, alas, they sometimes make poor arguments and the bright students become impatient, and seek instruction elsewhere. That explains the Paul Rydeckis of this world. Bright, dissatisfied, arrogant, and just a little bit smarter than the average bear. The WELS descends into theological sloganeering rather quickly. That doesn't make her wrong. Just annoying. But Rydecki, knowing he knew more than his fellows, knowing he was smarter than they, confused himself. He saw the shortcomings in the way WELS was wont to articulate the gospel and attributed them to doctrinal error. True enough, some within WELS might present the objective/subjection distinction in terms that appear to make the gospel mere information about a past justification. Appear to. Don't actually do so, but men like Rydecki are looking to find fault for other reasons as well. So he chucks objective justification. He knows better than his teachers. The self-assurance of the ELDoNA crowd and their apparent scholarship and familiarity with authentic Lutheranism made them a good home for this disaffected WELS man. Why not join with a group of disaffected Missourians? Here's the sad irony. While they all have plenty of legitimate criticism to level against their former synods, they are rejecting, not only a truth on which both of these synods agree, but a truth that is far more precious than any of the things with which these bright men occupy their minds. Let him that thinketh he stand take heed lest he fall. Pride is the chief cause of the fall. [GJ - Plus there is just plain schtoopid.] | ||
| Timothy Blank (Timothyblank) Intermediate Member Username: Timothyblank Post Number: 488 Registered: 11-2004 |
Seems the ELDONA has gone from a fringe group in Lutheranism to a fanatical sect. To list, as I have counted them thus far, their deviations from orthodoxy: 1) At best, tolerance of deniers of objective justification, and at worst, outright rejection of Christ's complete work on the cross. 2) Belief that the Great Commission is directed only to future clergy and not to all believers. 3) Rejection of the priesthood of all believers. More specifically, they reject that Christ commits to all believers the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and commissions all believers to preach the Gospel and to administer the Sacraments. (Brief Statement, par. 30) Timothy the Blank | ||
| Tim Schenks (Tschenks) Advanced Member Username: Tschenks Post Number: 804 Registered: 3-2006 |
I recall that Pr. Rolf Preus, resident Lutherquest chaplain, didn't want anything to do with the Eldona either. But I'd like to hear what Pr. Eric Stefanski has to say about this, as he did join Eldona. To bad he won't post on LQ. Tim Schenks Schanks Schunks |
