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| LCMS, then AELC, then LCA and ELCA, then Church of Rome - Richard J. Neuhaus |
According to Richard J. Neuhaus, in a Lutheran Forum article from long ago, an insurance study showed the leaders of America were far more to the Left than Americans were. He wondered how long this could continue. So did I, watching the LCA swerve to the Left - the Missouri Synod content to be always a bit miffed at the ALC/LCA but happy to work with them.
That group (LCA-ALC-LCMS) comprised about 95% of the captive Lutherans at the time. But surely the Wisconsin Synod was different! Once I heard Paul Kelm (WELS/Fuller) brag in a tape that he was the Left wing of the Right wing of Lutherdom. He borrowed that quip from the National Review, but he copied everything and criticized others for not being as creative as he was.
At Mequon I saw a post for the Billy Graham School of Evangelism nailed on the seminary president's door, with directions to contact Paul Kelm for more information. That marked the open phase of the WELS' quest for safe sects. The ELS said, "Amen. Amen."
The covetous CLC (sic) was quick to follow, led by James Tiefel's cousin Paul, everyone pretending not to notice.
The New NIV, Fuller, and Rome
Mark Schroeder, figurehead of the Purpose-Driven Jeske Synod, was going to stomp his size eight shoe at the last WELS convention, stopping the New NIV movement in its tracks. But lo, he took a dive and pronounced his blessing on all translations.
What Neuhaus mourned has continued to this day. The big political issues were foreshadowed in various church headquarters, where quotes were silently instituted. One only needs to look at the way in which WELS/ELS/LCMS works with ELCA, with ELCA guiding the agenda - not that anyone minds that.
Loyalty to Luther is forgotten as the clergy ape the Assemblies of God - the opponents of their apostasy joining Rome,. The dramatic papal mass is a far more sophisticated form of entertainment evangelism.
Lutheran pastors can mark and follow the role they favor:
A. I want to dress like Rick Warren, swear like Mark Driscoll, and copy Craig Groeschel's sermonettes.
B. I want to fill the congregation with awe as I blow incense in their faces and sinuflect to Rome.
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| Dress-for-success Jeff Schone shows that anyone can be an academic leader in WELS. Ask Lawrence Otto Olson, DMin, Fuller Seminary. |
