tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post6345643469563187326..comments2024-03-27T15:47:46.091-05:00Comments on Pastoral Meanderings: Mainlines Moved to the Sidelines...Pastor Petershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10653554256101480140noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-30285653712764848662010-08-11T23:08:56.343-05:002010-08-11T23:08:56.343-05:00A very good analysis! I, like so many others in th...A very good analysis! I, like so many others in this part of the country, grew up as an 'old-school' Southern Baptist: conservative mainly, but classy, education mattered a lot, and reasonable differences were tolerated.<br /><br />Well, <i>that</i> went away! I just wanted to go to church, see friends, sing hymns, learn something of value from the pulpit, go home, and live a faithful life. What I got was a church version of the WWE. Thus my wanderings began.<br /><br />Long story short, I'm hunkered down in a Presbyterian congregation that has generally not forsaken that list. It was a long trip to get there.<br /><br />Each of those traditions you discuss has a unique history and point of view, and has value. Except for the 'non-denominational' evangelicals. Divorced from history, and accountable to no one except the local zeitgeist, each can become its own cult. Not a good thing. <br /><br />The evangelicals forget one crucial reality, imho: The church's task of catechesis and pastoral care to the flock that is must supercede the attempt to 'lead the world to Christ'. Most of the world doesn't wish to be led that direction. Time and energy are better spent nurturing families, and not trying to look like the outside world. Parishioners and families that function well tend to attract people to church, not the guy at Wal-Mart accosting shoppers to hand them tracts. Happened to me last night.<br /><br />Great work as always. I just may be slipping in your back row one day soon, again. Every visit I've made, I've enjoyed. The organ and music program rock, btw. More Bach, please, always.OldSouthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01381229263357074199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-76292778018563329312010-08-11T22:54:48.573-05:002010-08-11T22:54:48.573-05:00How exciting.Many churches stand for nothing these...How exciting.Many churches stand for nothing these days.they can close if you ask me.Angelanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-29516279669221058442010-08-11T13:07:10.641-05:002010-08-11T13:07:10.641-05:00It's all about Cross and Suffering and the Res...It's all about Cross and Suffering and the Resurrection.Norman Teigenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13704523935095549165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-51302205848950203952010-08-11T11:34:24.969-05:002010-08-11T11:34:24.969-05:00Yes, the tradition (Liturgy), the confession (Conc...Yes, the tradition (Liturgy), the confession (Concordia), and Law and Gospel (the Law preached even to the sheep, so they don't lie to themselves, so the Gospel remains the Great Suprise)!<br /><br />Amen, Rob and Bill S. No more being tired because of our doing and faking from our guilt feelings (induced by Law with NO Gospel)!<br /><br />Let Lutherans be just that.Janis Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02947508427040251166noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-62012655930612476552010-08-11T09:34:16.524-05:002010-08-11T09:34:16.524-05:00Law and Gospel Pastor, Law and Gospel. Remove not ...Law and Gospel Pastor, Law and Gospel. Remove not the ancient landmark! Jesus Christ and Him crucified is all there is.<br /><br />SteveStevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02977465696758179388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-46607265142759355302010-08-11T09:27:24.426-05:002010-08-11T09:27:24.426-05:00Exactly! I'm with Rob when he says that his ye...Exactly! I'm with Rob when he says that his years in Evangelicalism left him tired.<br /><br />We Lutherans have something to say, and something to share that is desperately needed today. Yes, stay the course and honk the horn!Bill S.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-58420672355083490892010-08-11T09:06:06.033-05:002010-08-11T09:06:06.033-05:00The Lutheran church's mightiest influence is f...The Lutheran church's mightiest influence is felt when she is different from the world in which she lives. Her power lies in her being different, rises with the degree in which she differs and sinks as the difference diminishes.<br /><br />I love the Lutheran Church as she is for me so "old school" making the world just a little better one soul at a time.ErnestOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13077415409728022160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-40333190263025818602010-08-11T08:28:05.311-05:002010-08-11T08:28:05.311-05:00I am a recent convert to Lutheranism from over 25 ...I am a recent convert to Lutheranism from over 25 years of Baptist/Calvary Chapel/Non-denom churches.<br /><br />The strength of Lutheranism is LUTHERANISM. Be enthusiastic in who you/we are! There is strength and power in the liturgy and sacraments that the rest of Evangelicalism does not have. Don't try to be like them, be who we are, let them be who they are.<br /><br />My years in Evangelicalism has left me tired. Tired of faking it. Tired of faking my emotions, tired of faking the strength (weakness) of my faith. <br /><br />Do not take me back there.<br /><br />RobAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-68725461616315105392010-08-11T08:16:28.119-05:002010-08-11T08:16:28.119-05:00We need to continue to do what we say we are and t...We need to continue to do what we say we are and that is "Confess!!" We are confessional and we need to continue to "confess" that to the world!! Remember, confession is good for the soul!! Must have been a confessional Lutheran who came up with that!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6329600504016968888.post-21773993136343727312010-08-11T07:51:27.843-05:002010-08-11T07:51:27.843-05:00If we hold to our heritage and identity, then we w...If we hold to our heritage and identity, then we will stand out like a light on a hill. If we fall into the morass, we will be swallowed under the tide and fall into utter obscurity, because we aren't going to out baptist the baptists or out-evangelical the evangelicals.Rev. Eric J Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17747919365522145094noreply@blogger.com