The Common Confession
Two periods in particular mark times of great theological
debate in Christian history. The first spans the first four and a
half centuries, covering everything from the formation of the New
Testament to the Church Councils that codified orthodox Christian
belief. With the turn of the 16th century, a second period of
great debate stormed across the Christian landscape. Luther’s
posting of 95 Theses in 1517 triggered this renewal, and in many
ways it continues still. If anything, future generations may well
look back at the 21st century as one of the most important periods
shaping Christian belief and practice.
This now offers us an amazing privilege and responsibility to
stand up for Jesus. But where will we stand? On what side of the
great theological issues confronting us now do we take our places?
What will Christianity look like through our beliefs and
practices?
Great theological debates echo in the hallways of most
churches, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Much is at stake. So I am grateful that our church affords
opportunity for long and complex discussion, and I have decided to
take advantage of it.
Last year, I was asked to serve on the initial steering group
for a new effort, the Lutheran Coalition for Reform (Lutheran
CORE). This group, a spin off of the WordAlone Network among ELCA
congregations and leaders, is intended to provide a place for
individuals, other reform groups within the church, and
congregations to join together in theological unity to foster
biblical, orthodox reform in the ELCA. (Discover more about
Lutheran CORE at www.commonconfession.net or www.wordalone.com).
Several other groups have also gathered within the ELCA, all
sharing agreement in a new document, the Common Confession. (It is
posted on St. John’s website and can also be found on the web
addresses above.) The Common Confession simply represents an
attempt to speak biblically in this day and age to seven of the
current and most pressing theological issues facing our church.
Furthermore, members of the Lutheran CORE steering group have each
written one page theological reflections on the seven points of
the Confession. I want to invite you to discuss this together with
me.
What an amazing time to live for Christ!
In Christ,
Mark
Please prayerfully read over these documents.
If you have any questions, please contact
Pastor Mark.
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