From 2012 - Timotheus Verinus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentin_Ernst_L%C3%B6scher

The Complete Timotheus Verinus - Northwestern Publishing House:

The Complete Timotheus Verinus

Author: Valentin Ernst Loescher

Translated into English for the first time, this an essential work for those studying the orthodox Lutheran response to Pietism. Author, Valentin Ernst Loescher (1673-1749), the most capable opponent to the Pietists, was moderate and patient during the bitter conflict that divided German Lutheran. The two parts of this book are his defense of Orthodoxy against the violent attacks of the Halle theologian. Part one -- systematic presentation of pietistic theology and Loescher's evaluation of it. Part two -- response to a Pietist refutation of Part one, and makes a plea for honesty in the judgments of embroiled theologians. In sum, these volumes represent the only complete and mature analysis of Pietism by someone who experienced it firsthand. Part One (1718) is translated by James L. Langebartels and Part Two (1721) by Robert J. Koester. Hardcover. Size, 8 5/8 x 11 1/4 inches. 488 pages. Published 1998. This product is eligible for quantity discounts.

Catalog Item Number: OL-150594

'via Blog this'

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GJ - A reader can find many excellent arguments for UOJ - all from Halle University, the center of Pietism in Europe, the launching point of most synods in America: from the Muhlenberg tradition of the LCA to the contagious evangelism of Bishop Martin Stephan, STD.

Rambach, Knapp, and Schleiermacher are Halle leaders. The first baptism hymn in The Lutheran Hymnal is by Rambach.

However, the arguments against UOJ came from Wittenberg: Luther, Melanchthon, and Chemnitz. The next round was the repudiation of Samuel Huber by the Wittenberg theologians, including P. Leyser, an editor of the Book of Concord.

Valentin Loescher is considered the last in a long line of orthodox Lutheran theologians. He was especially brilliant in his repudiation of Pietism. This volume reveals all the problems that are so prevalent today in the Pietistic Synodical Conference (tm) and its slightly more Leftist counterpart, ELCA. All the Lutheran sects in America promote the use of Pietist cell groups, which also marked the beginning of the LCMS.

From Wikipedia:

Valentin Ernst Löscher (born at Sondershausen December 29, 1673; died at DresdenDecember 12, 1749) was a German orthodox Lutheran theologian.

At the University of Wittenberg, where his father was professor of theology, he gave his attention mainly to philology and history, but out of respect to his father's wish he selected a theological subject for his master's dissertation, in which he opposed the Pietistic position. Subsequent study at Jena aroused his interest in church history. During travels undertaken at this time he formed the acquaintance of a number of influential anti-Pietistic theologians. In 1696 he began to lecture at Wittenberg on the origin of Deism and Pietism. After serving as superintendent at Jüterbog (1698-1701) and Delitzsch (1701-07) and professor of theology at Wittenberg (1707-09), he became pastor of the Kreuzkirche and superintendent inDresden. Here he remained the rest of his life. His practical duties here turned his attention more particularly to the needs of the Church. His orthodoxy did not prevent him from admitting the truth of the claims of the Pietists concerning the prevailing perfunctoriness of religious life, which he ascribed to the negligence of orthodox pastors. He at once took earnest measures to encourage a deeper spiritual life in the Church. He had already begun the publication of his Unschuldige Nachrichten von alten und neuen theologischen Sachen(Wittenberg and Leipzig, 1701 sqq.), the first theological periodical. The comprehensive scope and able management of the magazine gave it great importance. Through it Löscher became the leader of the orthodox party, as opposed to the Pietistic and naturalistic factions in the Lutheran Church, and the representative of scientific Lutheran theology.

In opposition to the proposal that Pietism should be considered the best means of promoting the union of the Lutheran and the Reformed Churches (advocated at the time by the Prussian Government), Löscher published several works, including Ausführliche Historia motuum zwischen den Evangelisch-Lutherischen und Reformierten (3 parts, Frankfort, 1707-08). In the course of a controversy with the Pietist Joachim Lange, Löscher defended orthodoxy in his Praenotiones et notiones theologicae (Wittenberg, 1708). However, his most comprehensive criticism of Pietism appeared in his magazine under the title Timotheus Verinus, in which work he held that the Pietists had a false conception of the relation between pietyand religion and that their zeal for piety placed them in opposition to the doctrine of justification by faith. The work inspired a bitter reply from his Pietistic opponents, which called forth from Löscher his greatest work, Vollständiger Timotheus Verinus (2 parts, Wittenberg, 1718-22. Eng. transl., The Complete Timotheus Verinus 1998, Northwestern Publishing House). In this he discusses the origin and rapid development of Pietism and elaborates upon its evils. Nevertheless he was unable to check the advance of Pietism or even to pass a true judgment upon the real significance of the movement. The importance of Löscher's part in the Pietistic controversy was not fully recognized until the return to Evangelical doctrine in the nineteenth century.

Löscher took an active part also in the controversy which at that time was being waged against the Roman Catholic Church in Dresden and contributed a number of studies to that cause, notably his Vollständige Reformations-Akta und Documenta (3 vols., Leipzig, 1720-29). He also opposed Wolff's system of philosophy, claiming that "philosophical indifferentism" portended a revolution in Christianity.

[edit]References

•  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Jackson, Samuel Macauley, ed. (1914). "^{article name needed}". New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge (third ed.). London and New York: Funk and Wagnalls.

[edit]External links

• Confessional Lutheranism in Eighteenth Century Germany by Vernon P. Kleinig, Concordia Theological Quarterly, Volume 60: Numbers 1-2

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GJ - Every Lutheran pastor should have this in his or her library. Every congregational library should have a worn copy.

If your pastor does not have a copy, buy him one. If the congregational library is long on cast-offs and short on good books, start beefing it up and promoting it. 

Lutheran Biblical study, sermons, and doctrinal work begins with Luther's Sermons. Thanks to a few pots of coffee and the work of a non-Lutheran, Ichabod now boasts the 8 volume Luther's Sermons set, edited by Lenker.

Sure signs of Pietists in your midst:

• Drag a $100 bill on a string through a group of pastors. The ones that follow are Pietistic unionists: they always keep their eyes on the money. God cannot do this without lots and lots of money, which they pocket.
• Check out which congregations organize and promote cell groups, small groups, Bible babes, whatever they call cells at their particular hive. They are Pietists.
• Observe which congregations hide the Sacraments. Holy Communion may be observed mid-week, to keep the non-Lutherans from being miffed. The baptismal font just gets in the way of the pit band, so that is moved away too.
• Note which Lutheran denominations favor cell groups. They are Pietistic and unionistic.

Attention - We Have a New Word for Pietistic Cell Groups - Grow Groups

The lopsided smile is dominant in the Jeske-Patterson Crime Family.

Grow Groups are groups of 12-16 people that meet together weekly during the semester. The fall semester starts in October and ends the week of November 29th. Here are the four groups this semester. If you are not sure, just choose "unsure" here.

• Meadows-Sillan at Randy & Gloria Sillans- Wednesdays at 7:00pm in the Meadows area-study based on that week's sermon.

• Meadows-Schmidt at Eric & Kristen Schmidts- Wednesdays at 7:00pm in the Meadows area-study based on that weeks sermon (last semester met at Witts)

• Parker-Whatley at Steve & Cindy Whatleys- Wednesdays at 7:00pm in the Parker area-sermon based study.

• Bible Basics at Pastor & Aimee's house (3252 Willowrun Drive) Tentatively meets every Tuesday or Thursday.  If you are interested, talk to pastor. This is the class all new members take before joining Eternal Rock.

Eternal Rock, WELS, Colorado

JARED OLDENBURG, PASTOR
Jared Oldenburg (Pastor) I grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin where I attended Fox Valley Lutheran High School and met Aimee. (Yes, we started dating in 1991 when we were 14 and 15 years old!) Aimee went to the University of Wisconsin Lacrosse (BA in Psychology). I attended Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary graduating both with honors. We have worked with congregations in urban and suburban Milwaukee, WI; Santa Maria, California; and Thornton, Colorado (vicar/intern).

After graduation I was assigned to start a church in Maple Valley, Washington (near Seattle). With God's guidance and direction Light of Life grew from 3 people to to a flourishing preschool and congregation of 150. I love spending time with my family skiing, cycling, orange Tic-Tacs (is there any other flavor?), and working to present the message of Jesus in clearer and clearer ways.

We live in Castle Rock with our three kids (Isabella 14, Paytra 12 and Owen 8. We are so excited to be in Colorado again and especially excited to be part of the thriving, family-oriented community of Castle Rock. We can't wait to see what the Lord has in store as we share the message of Jesus.

So many lop-sided smiles.

Luvs, Luvs, Luvs, the New NIV - Dah Best One for UOJ

NOT ALL BIBLES ARE THE SAME

I wish I could just recommend a single Bible and that would be the end of the post. However, that would be a bit simplistic. Different Bibles have different uses. (You can skip to the bottom to get my recommendations.)

PARAPHRASE VS. TRANSLATION

Before we go any further,  I should note that not all versions of the Bibles are not the same. Maybe you have noticed this already. Bibles basically break down into two categories: translations and paraphrases. Translations are versions of the Bible that seek to give the reader the closest version to the original Greek and Hebrew text. Examples include:

• King James Version (KJV) this is the one with the thee’s and thou’s.
• New International Version (NIV) this is the most popular translation in the USA and the one we read in church most of the time.
• English Standard Version (ESV) this is good translation, but the wording feels strange at times to me.

The Second category includes paraphrases. Obviously, to have a version of the Bible called a “paraphrase” does not sound very good. However, the point of the paraphrase is to help the reader understand what the Bible means by conveying the idea of the text rather than a word-for-word rendering. Basically, this means an individual is doing some of the interpretation of the text for you.  This is good and bad. The good is that it is often easier to understand. The bad is that you could be missing something from the original.

For example, I am sure you recognize this line from Shakespeare,”O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?” A paraphrase may instead say something like, “Where are you, Romeo?”  Both phrases mean basically the same thing, but one is more understandable.  I have both paraphrases and translations in my Bible collection. The two most popular paraphrases include:

• The Message-this is popular and makes the Bible sound like contemporary writing. I enjoy reading a passage or two from the message (especially the Epistle letters like 1 Corinthians), but I prefer not to read it in larger chunks.
• The New Living Translation-(NLT) This version is closer to a translation and makes reading the Bible a little easier.

 RECOMMENDATIONS according to how you will may use them

• Mobile-AcroBible NIV-I know there are free versions, but I like the AcroBible because I don’t need a WiFi/Data connection to read. You can find a link to the various device versions here. 
• General Reading and Study-NIV 2011 or NIV 1984 Study Bible with notes by CPH. The choice of which NIV Bible you chose comes down to preference.  I have Bibles that range in size from pocket size to a few different study Bibles.
• Audio Bible–Inspired By…The Bible Experience. This version has a variety of performers. It is hardly perfect, but it is pretty easy to listen to and uses the Today’s NIV version.  The link is to the New Testament.  Generally, I have trouble staying focused to just the audio.  I prefer to listen and follow along in the Bible.
  

Cell Groups Growth Pietists

Hey Spener, you're so fine,
You're so fine, a golden mine.

Anonymous has left a new comment on your post  "Time of Generic Grace Update":


Lay led cell groups are great for training pietists. I know. I was one.

I remember one person at a self-study group who was not wanting to do a WELS produced study (current bilge not withstanding)- just wanted to study the Bible and organically come to the "right" conclusions without the "directing" effect of a Bible study guide. He grew WELS and was very solid and should have known better. He now resides in the world of Ev Free.
Sweet deal huh?

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GJ - That's nothin'. The Michigan District of WELS started CrossWalk in S. Lyons as a Church Growth, cell group growing, entertainment-style sect...and now the whole congregation is Evangelical Covenant.

Deputy Doug has a whole district that is E. Free. The Evangelical Free Church--which grew from Swedish Augustana Pietism--should draft him as a theologian.

What Is Wrong With Cell Groups?

Cell groups are to CG Pietism what yoga is to Hinduism.

DK has left a new comment on your post "Noah Needed Church Growth Consultants":

Dear Professor Jackson:

I've read a few things on Ichabod about 'cell groups'. You've state that they are a breeding ground for Enthusiasm. I've looked into it a little, via internet and by asking questions of a friend of mine, who belongs to a WELS cell group.

My friend states that cell groups are a way for a church to foster a community that knows and is accountable to each other. He points out that church members tend to see each other only on Sundays--which isn't in itself bad, but if you can build friendships with those you worship with (meeting for Bible study during the week, etc) the fellowship of believers is strengthened. Beyond that he would divulge little info about what a cell group actually does or is. His only attempt to clear up that vagueness was to invite me to attend a cell group session.

Having recently moved back to Milwaukee (an unfortunate vocational necessity) I'm coming in contact with all these new fads in the church and so I'm asking legitimate questions: If what my friend says is true, why are cell groups necessarily breeding grounds for Enthusiasm? Couldn't a Lutheran potluck be equal in that potential? Am I missing something of the root or essence of a cell group?

As for myself, I would never attend anything called a cell group, simply because I think it carries strange and/or Agnostic connotations... Communist agitators, Anarchistic bomb-throwers, Manichaeans, and Star Trek convention-goers make up cell groups--not Christians.

Anyhow,

I'd like to hear your two-guns-drawn approach to cell groups.

Thanks

DK

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GJ - I will answer briefly, in my normal irenic style. At the Bethany services I will be teaching about Pietism for the next few weeks. I will have saved videos and also written materials on this blog, starting with a review of The History of Pietism, published by NPH.

Pietism is built upon Reformed doctrine and the lay-led cell group, which may be called Koinonia, Care, Share, Bible study or Affinity group. I went to a Koinonia conference in the LCA in the 1980s. The ALC promoted lay-led Bible study groups.

The Pietistic cell group is anti-church. They may attend the Sunday service, but the real worship is the cell meeting. They often foster a holier-than-thou attitude which leads to withdrawal from the congregation. Many Babtist churches have people who have never gone to church but never miss their Bible study, and the Bible study leaders are the worst of the lot.

The Pietistic cell group is anti-Means of Grace. Because their start was unionistic and Reformed, they place all their trust in prayer as THE Means of Grace. This emphasis makes it easy for Pentecostals to show them what real prayer is - praying in tongues. Lalalala. Church is for recruiting people for cell groups.

I told some adults about this at a Missouri congregation. One woman was angry with me because she attended a Lutheran cell group. When she asked about infant baptism and having me speak about it, the female leader said, "I am the leader and we will NOT discuss it." The angry woman realized I was correct, without even knowing the group.

The Pietistic cell group promotes false doctrine because the opinions of an attractive leader become normative for the group. Feelings trump Biblical doctrine.

The Pietistic cell group abuses people by binding them to the power structure. Like the Indian guru, the cell group leader can and does order the disciples around. Disciples are love-bombed into the group and horribly shunned if they depart from the cell. This combination is dangerous to the emotionally fragile, who are attracted to the false intimacy and fake love of the group. I described one such group to a former Lutheran who was a member. He said, "It's like you were there." I said, "They are pretty much all alike."

The Pietistic cell group promotes women teaching men and usurping authority, leading to women's ordination. Not the liberal apostates, but the Pentecostal apostates were first to ordain women. Cell groups assume women will lead men and teach men. St. Paul in German Village started one on Sunday with a married couple leading it, about 20 years ago. The husband stopped coming and his wife led a group of men and women. When one man questioned what was happening, the woman declared, "I AM the leader of this group!" I asked about this at a WELS conference and was roundly condemned for bringing it up. Nitz asked, disingenuously, "Is this still going on?" I said, "It's your church. You should know."

The "making disciples" fever comes from Pietism. That is why the Church Growth gurus must turn the efficacy-of-the-Word Great Commission into a command to form cell groups. Why? Because cell groups make disciples who make disciples who make disciples - according to ex-seminary professor Joel Gerlach, who studied at Fuller Seminary. Kent Hunter explains, in dumbest fashion, that sheep not shepherds have sheep. Ovine intimacy aside, Luke 15 has the shepherd (not the flock) looking everywhere for the lost sheep. From John 10 and Psalm 23 we know Jesus is the Ultimate Shepherd who finds us, carries us home on His shoulders, and rejoices with the angels.

Pietism has always been unionistic. If a Lutheran pastor wants to start cell groups, he will turn to the false teachers and their materials to promote them. He will be trained at Fuller, Willow Creek, and Trinity Deerfield. Do I hear an Amen! Larry?

Pietism leads to Unitarianism. That happened first at Halle University, organized for Pietism. It happened again in the LCA-ALC-ELCA. As Krauth explained, the more Reformed a denomination is, the faster it becomes Unitarian. There are two routes. One is an emphasis on rationalism, typical of pure Calvinism. The other is an emphasis on emotions, which we find in Pietism, Pentecostalism, and revivalism.

Lay-led Cell Group Pietism

Someone asked about lay-led cell groups being the heart and soul of Pietism. I have a chapter on that in Thy Strom Word. All the chapters are posted as links. Please use them. Still, I am happy to summarize:

1. Pietism was a unionistic movement to combine Lutheran and Reformed Christians at the expense of Lutheran doctrine.
2. The lay-led cell group was and remains the heart and soul of Pietism. Now it is also the energy behind women teaching men, women in authority over men, and women's ordination (the ultimate prize, the Helen of Troy, the forbidden fruit).
3. Cell groups foster the idea that they are the Real Church. They despise the Means of Grace and use the Sunday service to recruit more buddies for their cell group.
4. Fuller Seminary promotes cell groups, but loathes Lutheran doctrine, Lutheran worship, the creeds, etc.
5. Cell groups are divisive because of their superiority complex. Read Timotheus Verinus if you can find a copy.
7. Other names for cell groups - koinonia, share, care, affinity, Home Bible Study.
8. Apostates like Mark Jeske love Pietism. When someone comes out in favor of Pietism, count on him endorsing the Church Growth Movement later.