Published by the Missouri District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
R eformation R emembered
It’s that iconic time again for Lutherans as images abound. Reformation Day, Oct. 31, Ninety-five Theses and the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, with all that followed. And a lot followed, driven by theology, to be sure, but by other factors as well—politics, personalities, and more, because that’s how life goes. Nearly 500 years later, the episode looms large as we gear up to remember. Luther’s theses started as typical university fare, posted on that era’s version of an in-house bulletin board, offered for debate to prove their worth with rough edges knocked off in the process. But word got out, and the German lands were abuzz. Luther hit a nerve with front-burner issues. Indulgence-sale economics, the contrition-repentance approach, and poor pastoral practice from Rome on down all grabbed headlines, but behind these are issues of sin and grace. From just another “monkish squabble”— Rome’s mistaken estimate — events exploded until Luther found himself before Emperor Charles in what one historian called “the hinge of history,” a turning point for faith and authority. “Unless I am convinced by Scripture or by clear reason …” Luther declared. “Clear reason” is no precursor of later rationalism, but rather, as Luther explained, a conscience, a mind, bound by the Word of God. Method matters. How a reader unpacks Scripture shapes both the message and a Christian’s mind. As a professor of biblical theology, Luther was obligated not simply to repeat what others had said but to contribute to a growing body of knowledge. But a newly minted professor has nothing in the can, so to speak. Luther knew well the standard method: dialectic (discussion) using logical arguments, a timeworn approach based on Aristotle: if …, if …, therefore …. So if God makes no mistakes, and if God gives the Law and says keep it (or else), therefore …. Ergo (therefore) was the operative word. But this gave no peace. Instead, logic brought a sense of impossible obligation. (The Law does work!) But as Luther scrambled to do lectures, he hit upon an alternative approach using Renaissance humanism—not modern secular humanism, but a revival of the liberal arts with an emphasis on language, texts, and history. Grammar told him “righteousness” was not a quantity he amassed but a quality God gave in Christ, not because of (ergo) but in spite of how I am—the German dennoch or “nevertheless” Christ loves. That’s undeserved mercy. Grace!
of Missouri
A month before his Ninety-five Theses, Luther did himself one better—well, two better—with his Ninety-seven Theses, aka, the “Disputation Against Scholastic Theology.” Luther junked the old method: “It is only without Aristotle that one becomes a theologian,” and “Aristotle is to theology as darkness is to light.” Luther pressed for change in the university with “reformation” meaning curriculum reform: ergo logic is out and a new method of biblical study is in. And here lies a lesson: the foundation is key, and method matters. Luther did not shy away from the new but evaluated, assessed, and then used the approach, because sin and grace, because life through faith came clear. A reason to remember—and celebrate. Robert Rosin, Prof. of Historical Theology Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Coordinator for Theological Education in Eurasia LCMS—Office of International Mission
Clergy Appreciation Month
Clergy appreciation month is a special time that a congregation sets aside each year to honor its pastor(s) and his family for their hard work and sacrificial dedication. You might consider a special service of affirmation, a potluck event or planting a tree in his honor. The sky is the limit! This event is usually scheduled in October, but can be held at any time that is convenient for the church. More ideas: • Ask your pastor how he is doing. Be genuine and sincere. What has he been working on lately? What has he been enjoying? • Send him a thank you card. • With his permission, start a prayer group that will commit to regularly praying for him. Ask him
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for specific prayer requests (and make sure you honor his trust and confidentiality with what he shares with you)! • Invite the pastor and his wife over to your house for lunch or dinner. Play board games afterwards. He’ll be encouraged by the time of rest and his wife will enjoy not having to cook. • Remember the pastor’s wife! Send her cards, befriend her, ask her to go shopping or for a walk with you. She can feel alone and “different” from others in the congregation because she is married to the pastor. • Bring a meal to him. This could be a hot lunch during the week, or a supper for him and his family. It doesn’t have to be fancy. • Is his car in working order? If not, do you know how to Appreciation: continued on page 6
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In this issue:
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Page 3 - Backpack Program Page 5 - New members at Faith, Dexter Page 9 - A Transformational Summer Page 16 - Prayer Shawls
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