AboutMartin W. Eldred Expertise I have been a Lutheran Christian for 47 years and a Lutheran pastor for almost 19. I can answer most general questions about Luther, Lutheran History, Lutheran Theology, and a Lutheran approach to Biblical Interpretation. I am ELCA, for those who know what that means, and I tend to be moderate theologically. I hope that I can converse with those that are either more conservative or liberal than I, and especially with those who are really just seeking.
Experience Pastors are "generalists" and generally have a working knowledge on many subjects. We are also used to working with a variety of answers from a variety of people. I teach a great deal, especially in the area ofthe New Testament. I particulalry enjoy the Pauline literature.
Organizations I have been a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, an international gathering of biblical scholars and teachers, since the late 1980s.
Publications I have written a few book reviews for the journal, "Lutheran Quarterly."
Education/Credentials I have a B.A. from Pacific Lutheran University in Religion (Biblical Studies)and a Master of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary.
Question I realize that I'm asking a question that really can't be answered because it is something I have to figure out and experience for myself. Anyway, I am a Christian, I was raised in an Evangelical non denominational church. Not to be unkind, because there are many sincere Christians in such churches, but I never cared for that kind of environment. It was very anti tradition and anti intellectual generally (at least the church I went to). So, as an adult I have been attending an Episcopal Church, but it might actually have to close soon. So, I want to try all of the mainline denominations and get a feel for them all. Ive already done Methodists, Presbyterian and Baptists. So, now to finally get to my point I would like to know why of all the groups in Christianity did you decide to stick with Lutheranism? Im not asking you to say its the only path to Christ, just tell me what makes it a special tradition for you? I just want to inquire since Ive never given Lutheranism much though until recently. Thank you in advance!
Answer Dusty:
Thank you for your question. Why am I a Lutheran? For one, that is the denomination in which I was raised, so I know that has a lot to do with it. I have also had the opportunity to explore a wide range of Christian denominations, traditions, and theologies. So maybe I should respond, "Why am I STILL a Lutheran?"
First, I love our emphasis on grace--God's unmerited love and acceptance of all those who cannot be perfect (that all of us) through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am not perfect, nor will I ever be perfect. The gospel--good news--of God's grace is that Jesus, the only perfect one, makes it possible for me to be fully welcomed, forgiven and loved by God. We Lutherans aren't the only ones who teach this, but we do emphasize it in such a way that it makes it a huge part of our contribution to the larger church. It was Luther's big rediscovery of salvation through grace that lifted him from the guild and shame that his upbringing him had taught him to feel. Gone was the fear of God's wrath and in its place was a life lived in thankfulness.
I like that we look at the Bible through the lenses of Law (God's demands) and Gospel (God's promises and actions). It helps us discern between God's demands and what God has already done in Jesus. We don;t have to confuse our salvation with following every commandment. This goes back to the first point.
I love our embrace of tradition, liturgy, music, and the vocation of all Christians. We uphold that all vocations are callings by God (the word, "vocation" stems from the Latin word for, "call.") That means all vocations are equally holy, as long as they are honorable, honest calls from God. Pastors are no better than anyone else, my job is no more holy than a teacher, a welder, a cook, a homemaker.
I live that we do not demand that everyone "tow the party line." In other words, we allow vigorous and loving discussion, debate and dissent. We were born on a University campus, and we try to retain that grace-filled pursuit of the truth, and the respect of various positions. This goes back to grace again. We don't have to be "right" to be right with God.
That is just a little of what keeps me a Lutheran. I believe that each of us have to find a place that where we feel comfortable, where we hear God speak, and where we can be part of a community were we are fed and were we can serve God and God's people with thanksgiving and joy.
I pray that you find such a place for yourself. I hope that this has been helpful.
