Many pastors and laypeople are aware that a struggle exists between those who hold to the position of the historical Lutheran church and those who support a more moderate view. However, many members of our church are not clear regarding the nature of the controversy. We have provided a description on this controversy in which we seek to clarify the issues as both sides view them.

The historical Lutheran view, which is position A, is that of Lutheran’s Alert National – The Conservative Lutheran Association. The moderate view which is position B, is that of The American Lutheran Church (TALC), Lutheran Church of America (LCA), and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (AELC). While not all Moderates endorse each moderate position listed, they do ask for tolerance for them all.

   

A 

Historic Lutheranism

I. The Nature of the Controversy A doctrinal struggle in which the Gospel is endangered because much of the Bible is questioned.

II. Truth and Doctrine All that is recorded in the Bible is to be accepted and taught as God’s Word.

III. Holy Scripture

1. Holy Scripture contains no errors or real contradictions.

B.

The Moderate Viewpoint

A political, power struggle in which the Gospel is being down-graded.

The only doctrine that is to be accepted withoutquestion is the doctrine of the Gospel.

1. Holy Scripture may err and have contradictions.

A 

2. Miracles recorded in the Bible as historical events actually happened. 3. Christ really said what the New Testament attributes to Him. 4. Only the canonical books of the Bible are regarded as inspired by God and, therefore, the only norm and source of doctrine and practice. B

2. Some miracles recorded in the Bible may not have happened.

3. Many statements attributed to Christ may be later additions made by the church and pious Christians.

4. Church tradition and Christian preaching may be just as inspired as the Bible.

A

IV. Creation

1. Genesis 1–3 is understood as speaking of historical fact. 2. Adam and Eve were two real, historical individuals created directly by God. 3. It is contrary to Scripture to hold that the world or man originated according to theories of evolution. B

1. A symbolical interpretation of Genesis 1–3 is permissible.

2. Adam and Eve may be symbols of humanity and not real people.

3. The world may have developed by chance processes, and man may have evolved from lower beings chosen by God for that purpose.

A

V. The Old Testament

1. The Old Testament predicts the person and work of Christ. 2. Whatever the New Testament teaches about the authorship of books of the Old Testament or any part thereof is accepted. 3. Moses is the author of those sections of the Old Testament which are ascribed to him. 4. The books of Isaiah and Daniel were written by these two men. B

1. There are few or no direct prophecies referring to Christ in the Old Testament.

2. Matters of authorship of the Old Testament books or sections cannot be determined by New Testament authority.

3. The first five books of the Bible were written centuries after Moses died and came from various sources.

4. Isaiah and Daniel were written, at least in part, by others and our Lord either accommodated himself to error or He did not know better.

A

VI. The Virgin Birth

The Virgin Birth, as a biological miracle, is believed since it is taught in the Holy Scripture.

B

The Synod teaches the doctrine of the Virgin Birth but as the Gospel is not jeopardized by its denial, varying viewpoints should be permitted.

A

VIII. The Way to Heaven and Missions

1. Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven and no one can be saved without faith in Him. 2. The primary purpose of missions is the preaching of the Gospel of Christ which is always accompanied by a program of social ministry. B

1. Sincere followers of non-Christian religions may also get to heaven.

2. Deeds of Christian love may be the only preaching of the Gospel that is necessary.

A

IX. Morality

1. Extra and premarital sexual relations are sins contrary to God’s Word. 2. Overt homosexuality is a sin which is condemned by Holy Scripture. B

1. Extra and premarital sexual relations are not always sinful but must be judged by the situation and the precept of love.

2. Homosexuality should be tolerated and accepted in Christian love as a valid life style. 

A

X. Abortion

Except in those cases where the life of the mother or her health is seriously threatened, abortion is a violation of the Sixth Commandment.

B

Abortion is an individual matter and should be left to the decision of the individuals concerned.

A

XI. The Position of Women in the Church

It is contrary to Scripture for women to be ordained to the pastoral ministry or to exercise publicly the Office of the Keys.

B

The question of the ordination of women to the pastoral ministry is one of custom and not applicable to today.

A 

XII. The Ecumenical Movement

The Church should not join movements which are involved in unionism or compromise of the Gospel or Biblical doctrine.

B

Synod should join in Ecumenical endeavors on the basis of agreement on the doctrine of the Gospel, “Jesus Christ is Lord.” For more copies write to:

The Conservative Lutheran Association, P.O. Box 7186, Tacoma, Washington 98407

or for Canadian Congregations

The Conservative Lutheran Association, P.O. Box 567, Abbotsford, British Columbia. V2S 4A 7

Editor’s Note:

One of our ministers provided us with this survey of conflicting views that are emerging in the Orthodox versus Liberal controversy among Lutheran Churches. It may be helpful to us as we confront the same issues. It is reprinted by permission of Lutherans Alert National.