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.
I am a practicing Lutheran (LCMS) who will be attending a Vigil service to show support for a friend whose Grandmother recently passed away. I've never been to a Catholic worship service and would like to know what format differences I should expect and how I should conduct myself during these differences.
I understand things will be more similar than different since Lutheranism has its roots in Catholicism.
Thank you for your help.
Regards,
Jesse
Answer Jesse:
Thank you for your question. I must confess that I am not certain exactly what you may encounter at a Roman Catholic Vigil. I have attended other Roman Catholic services, but not a Vigil. I am going to assume that it will not be something radically different from what you have come to expect at a standard Lutheran service. I assume that there will be readings, prayers, possibly a chanted portion of some sort (such as the Psalm, or a Litany). A Roman Catholic Funeral Mass would include the Kyrie, Hymn of Praise, and all the other elements that we have in our traditional services, but it sounds as if this is just the Vigil. I think you will be surprised how much seems similar.
