When I entered the ministry in 1826, what is called distinctive Lutheranism was not a subject of thought, much less of discussion. A few of the older clergy were probably orthodox on the sacraments, but they gave themselves no trouble about bringing their views prominently forward, either in their sermons or in writing. I know that Dr. J. G. Schmucker, of York, was a genuine Lutheran, for it was his explanation of the Lutheran doctrine of the real presence in the sacrament that first led me to reflection upon that subject, and which has more or less influenced my theological Richtung (tendency) ever since. Sometimes, owing to adverse associations, my faith was shaken, for at first it was not very firm; but when I got beyond the influence of living teachers, and began independent examination, the old Scripture doctrine would come back with double force.
From Life Reminiscences of an Old Lutheran
Minister by John G. Morris, 1803-1895. (emphasis added)
***
GJ - Alec Satin has discovered in depth what I have notice from various authors. The General Council authors, though mentioned piously from time to time, are ignored entirely by ELCA and bypassed by the Synodical Conference fragments.
The SynCons (Synodical Confidence Men) have the same effect as ELCA apostates - devotion to UOJ while rejecting Justification by Faith.
ELCA, especially on The ALC side, repudiated the Real Presence by having joint communion with the Reformed. In fact, the Lutheran Seminary at Wartburg (irony alert) pioneered this effort with the Reformed seminary nearby. "See - it don't mean a thing!" ALC President David Preus spear-headed that move, perhaps because of jealousy over James Crumley's cuddly relationship with the Pope.
Wartburg Seminary is almost gone now, like my Canadian seminary, which has the lowest attendance in pastoral training, given over to counseling, sessions with dogs, and other hip events.
The Synodical Conference came down from heaven, holy and immaculate, if we believe their press. WELS was orthodox from its inception (having Lutheran and Reformed communion in the same church). Because of Walther's need for adulation, the early years were not discussed or published until about a century later - Zion on the Mississippi.
Thus the LCMS did not struggle over the Confessions as the General Council did. The General Council was not perfect, but their flaws were no worse than Missouri's or WELS or the ELS.
Therefore, honest Lutherans will look into those other authors of the General Council era, who were and are far more valuable to read than the Calvinistic Church Growth UOJ phonies of today.
