Resist the Beginnings – The Walther Effect
Lenski or Pfotenhauer wrote,
“Resist the beginnings.” Lutherans can now see what developed from the cagey
methods of CFW Walther. Each denomination goes down wrong paths, but these are
distinctive to the LCMS-WELS-ELS and mini-micro groups that left the main body.
1.
Pietism
– Stephan and Walther brought over Pietism, because that was all they knew. That
was the fatal flaw that led the groups back into cell groups, rejection of the
Means of Grace, and ignorance of the Word’s efficacy.
2.
The
extremes of Pietism have made these groups experts in their false sacraments –
the stink-eye and shunning. Anyone who questions their holiness is given the stink-eye
at the start and shunned with Amish tenacity.
3.
This
extreme Pietism does not mean the Ten Commandments count for much. They protect
their criminals and wink at their apostasy while pretending to be different
from and superior to ELCA.
4.
Law-breaking
is condoned among the officials while dissent is punished with excommunication,
root and branch.
5.
If
someone has contracted a dread disease, “nobody knows” even though many know –
very much like Stephan’s rashes and megalomania.
6.
If
someone has been apprehended by the FBI or police, the officials feign shock
and say, “We never knew.”
7.
Like
signing the bishop’s enthronement paper, the officials deny what is publicly
known or provable, even to the point of saying, “He is not in our synod.”
8.
Peculiar
arrangements are overlooked, if the individual comes from the right family
tree.
9.
Millions
of dollars are wasted on pet projects and the decisions are not subject to
examination by those who contribute their offerings.
10. They have a cover story for every
scandal, an alibi that takes the place of the truth and makes the curious
totally evil for even asking.
11. Like Walther’s mob, group actions are
rigged from the start, so the outcome is known before anything happens. Appeals
are just as worthless.
12. No matter how stories and decisions
are rigged, people put the facts together and quietly leave. That is why
LCMS-WELS-ELS are fading away as they covertly emulate and work with ELCA, but
overtly act superior to ELCA.
13. They use law firms to protect
themselves from the truth. “If this goes to court, we will pay $10 million.
There goes the Russian mission!”
14. Their cruelty toward faithful pastors
– while protecting criminals – is the mark of a true LCMS-WELS-ELS official.
15. Everything belongs to them – these heirs
of Walther. They have control of the property, pensions, endowments, and
congregational property. They will kick the Mother Church out, if they choose,
and steal it back with the cash, if they wish.
16. Like Walther’s treatment of young
Stephan, the vindictiveness of the officials is a marvel. They will undercut
and eject someone for a long-remembered slight, or plain old jealousy, and
gloat over their imaginary victory.
17. Their manufacture of myths out of history is a continuation of the Walther fables: the LCMS-WELS-ELS were born orthodox, conceived without sin, and conducted their ecclesiastical missions with their eyes focused only on the Heavenly City.
