Lutherans in Crisis
An Overview of the Challenges that Face Lutherans Today
The Lutheran Church was born out of great turmoil in the early 16th century. As one looks at the history, one finds a continued healthy struggle to proclaim the truth of God's Living Word in the Bible amidst a world that tolerates error and welcomes compromise.
Lutherans are passionate about doctrine which explains the many splits and mergers that have occurred over the centuries in America and round the world. We list below for the reader who wants to be informed--various blogs, papers, and web sites that describe the varied approaches and positions taken by well-meaning Lutherans who have a distinct (though often overlapping) Lutheran identity, theology, and practice.
Most of these sources will reflect the more traditional approach one will find at Agnus Dei. It is a doctrine and practice most closely aligned with the original founders of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (C.F.W. Walther, Francis Pieper, and others).
Agnus Dei was formed out of a desire to leave much of the fighting over doctrine behind by forming a much more unified group of Lutherans. Our experience is that desire for diverse theological thought and practice has a negative impact on truth and unity.
In a rather unique way, the members of Agnus Dei recognize that The Lutheran Faith is the widest and broadest minded of all churches because it accepts all truth. At the same time, they recognize The Lutheran Church is the narrowest minded of all churches in that it accepts no error.
Browse around and feel free to ask questions. Agnus Dei E-mail Address
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-Pastor Shaw
Papers
What's Going on in Our Synod? (Chart-PDF)
Of Diversity and the Use of Statistics in Worship By David Berger
Because I Care Packet - Pilgrim Lutheran Church Decatur, IL (PDF)
Final Report on the Six Points of Dissent - Trinity Lutheran Church Herrin, IL (PDF)
The LCMS—Its Past and Future by Dr. Wallace Schulz
C.F.W. Walther's 13 theses on Closed Communion
Theses on evangelism by Pastor Robin Fish
Doctrinal Integrity And Outreach Within The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod by Wohlrabe (1 mb PDF)
Playing the Pharisee Card by Todd Wilken (PDF)
Time to Move on by Rev. Richard Bolland
In Defense of Historical Worship by Sean L. Rippy
Ablaze Theology Examined
Ablaze!®, the Movement by David Berger
Accountability and Faithfulness in Reaching the Lost by Newton
Web Sites
Rev. David Jay Weber's Lutheran Theology Site*
Blogs
* These sites are a treasure trove of confessional Lutheran Blog lists and sites.
Disclaimer: Not all of the comments found in the above papers reflect the doctrine and practice at Agnus Dei (though much of what one finds there we would agree with). Those wanting more information and clarification should consult with the pastor.