What caused thee to ignite?
Norm Teigen has objected to my views about fraternal insurance promoting commercialism in the congregations and synods. I do not like pie sales or car washes either. Churches should not compete in the market place for business, like the Methodist Church that advertised on its sign, "Home of the Yumbo Sandwich." I saw the photo - I am not making it up. The insurance company is entitled to corrupt as many churches as possible. The congregations and synods also have a right to resist temptation.
I was going to write, "Get your own blog," but he has one.
The other objection is calling John Moldstad "Pope John the Malefactor." I thought it was a catchy and appropriate title. WELS and ELS leaders are so impressed with themselves that they take on papal power. In fact, I imagine Pope Benedict envies their infallibility and their clout.
I know Pope George the Eternal did the same things, removing pastors according to his own whim, promoting false doctrine by fiat. The only Lutheran autorities I acknowledge are the Scriptures and the Book of Concord. Lutheran leaders are neither norma normans nor norma normata (a ruling norm like the Bible, a ruled norm like the Book of Concord). Someone who respects the real norms should be respected, but that is just the opposite in the WELS, ELS, and the micro-crazy sects (so small they are not worth mentioning).
Here are some things that would make me a cheerleader for Pope John the Malefactor:
- Denunciation of forgiveness without faith, without the Means of Grace, which is the doctrinal foundation of current evils.
- Teaching the efficacy of the Word without reservation, repudiating all programs where evildoers cast doubt on this Biblical doctrine.
- Apologizing to the congregations and pastors ejected from the Evangelical Lutheran Synod under the flimsiest of excuses. Do a Nifong, even if it is too late.
- Breaking fellowship with Fuller Seminary, Willow Creek, and Church and Change.
- Promoting a multi-year study of the Book of Concord and Luther.
- Urging WELS to stop inviting Roman Catholic, Unitarian, Methodist, and ELCA speakers.
- Showing contrition for having a former Roman Catholic bishop march in a religious process at the Bethany Chapel and giving an address.
