I am not a Lutheran, but my time in the Church of Australia (Anglican) has been one of observing an arguably worse course, with more deeply imbedded trouble than just WO. I pray the Lutherans around the world would learn from the grave mistakes many of the Australian dioceses and the Province as a whole has made and resist the overwhelming liberalization of their communions.
Thank you for your comment, Ethan. These progressive tendencies, especially but not limited to women's ordination, have plagued almost every major denomination in some way, shape, or form. Some churches have been far more success than others in resisting it. Yet we know that the gates of hell cannot prevail against the true Church of Christ. And thus, there is always hope. I pray that your congregations remain faithful, and that you may receive Word and Sacraments without the liberalization and abandonment of the true Gospel of Christ.
I attempt to do as much research as possible before writing each article, especially for matters of this nature. I pray that there are churches near you that continue to remain faithful to Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and the pure orthodox doctrine of Western Christendom. Thank you for reading! Blessings.
Hi Marti, thank you for your comment. I would not venture to say it is sinful; rather, it is inadvisable. It is similar to female acolytes. Females who serve as acolytes are not sinning by the very act of serving as acolytes, but rather it may sow confusion concerning the proper roles of men and women in teaching, especially in the Church.
I would, however, also say that reading the Scriptures is, by its very nature, public teaching, which is set aside exclusively for called and ordained men. It is a conversation that anyone must have with their pastor if asked to do any such thing in the worship service. It thus becomes a matter of discretion when asked by the pastor specifically to do so. It remains inadvisable nevertheless.
Some consider it a "slippery slope" argument; perhaps it is. That is debatable. What is certain is that public teaching is the duty of pastors, and careful and prayerful discretion must be exercised when those duties and roles are confused, shared, or otherwise treated apart from their proper context. And, I do apologize if my article sowed further confusion for you. I hope this comment provides more insight and clarification; and, I would be happy to discuss it further.
I am not a Lutheran, but my time in the Church of Australia (Anglican) has been one of observing an arguably worse course, with more deeply imbedded trouble than just WO. I pray the Lutherans around the world would learn from the grave mistakes many of the Australian dioceses and the Province as a whole has made and resist the overwhelming liberalization of their communions.
Thank you for your comment, Ethan. These progressive tendencies, especially but not limited to women's ordination, have plagued almost every major denomination in some way, shape, or form. Some churches have been far more success than others in resisting it. Yet we know that the gates of hell cannot prevail against the true Church of Christ. And thus, there is always hope. I pray that your congregations remain faithful, and that you may receive Word and Sacraments without the liberalization and abandonment of the true Gospel of Christ.
Really appreciate this article, as an LCA Lutheran myself. Your analysis is very good especially for someone not from here.
I attempt to do as much research as possible before writing each article, especially for matters of this nature. I pray that there are churches near you that continue to remain faithful to Scripture, the Lutheran Confessions, and the pure orthodox doctrine of Western Christendom. Thank you for reading! Blessings.
I am LCMS. I have been asked to read Scriptures for worship many times, and I have always studied the readings and carefully read them.
I am not a progressive. I do not wish to see women pastors. I do believe strongly that it is men who are called to lead congregations and preach.
Am I sinning in reading Scripture for the congregation? I do not know what to do now.
Hi Marti, thank you for your comment. I would not venture to say it is sinful; rather, it is inadvisable. It is similar to female acolytes. Females who serve as acolytes are not sinning by the very act of serving as acolytes, but rather it may sow confusion concerning the proper roles of men and women in teaching, especially in the Church.
I would, however, also say that reading the Scriptures is, by its very nature, public teaching, which is set aside exclusively for called and ordained men. It is a conversation that anyone must have with their pastor if asked to do any such thing in the worship service. It thus becomes a matter of discretion when asked by the pastor specifically to do so. It remains inadvisable nevertheless.
Some consider it a "slippery slope" argument; perhaps it is. That is debatable. What is certain is that public teaching is the duty of pastors, and careful and prayerful discretion must be exercised when those duties and roles are confused, shared, or otherwise treated apart from their proper context. And, I do apologize if my article sowed further confusion for you. I hope this comment provides more insight and clarification; and, I would be happy to discuss it further.
God's blessings, Marti! Thank you for reading.