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 attend an Assemblies of God church, and in my area there are a very large number of ELCA churches. I don't know much about them, what is there beliefs? fundamental truths? in comparison of AOG? Theres a few co-workers where I work who are active in the lutheran church and have poked fun at my beliefs and I don't understand why....what does it mean to call a person a "holy roller" ? as they've often referred to me as such...
Answer Shaun:
Thank you for your question. First, I am sorry that people poke fun at your beliefs. Even if meant in fun, it is almost never appropriate to make fun of someone else's faith.
Second, allow me give you an overview of Lutheran history and thought. For further Lutheran beliefs, you may try the ELCA site: www.elca.org They should have a page that deals with what we believe.
Lutherans began as a reforming movement within the Roman Catholic church during the 16th century. A monk and priest named Martin Luther pointed out the need for changes in the medieval system that was then in place. He felt that the Bible was being ignored, that ritual had a higher place than relationship with God, and that the doctrine of grace, God's free forgiveness through Jesus Christ, had been lost. For his efforts, he and his followers were excommunicated and forced to form their own separate church. He was saved from burning at the stake because the German princes decided that they were tired of following the Italian popes--thus, the Renaissance/Reformation phenomenon of new nationalism is used by God to save Luther and other reformers of the era. Lutheranism started n northern Germany, alter spreading to Scandinavia and the Americas, then to Africa and Asia.
Lutherans take the Bible as the "Word that points to the Word of God" (My paraphrase of Luther). The Word of God is always Jesus first, and the Bible as it points to Jesus (Luther also called it "the manger in which the Infant is placed." The Bible is human words that have been inspired by God through the course of history. ELCA Lutherans generally do not ascribe to an "inerrant" Bible (Missouri Synod leans more to the inerrant view), but prefers "infallible“ that is, it will not lead us astray.
This is a major difference as I see it between AoG and Lutherans.
Lutherans also see the message of the Bible coming to us as Law (demands) and Gospel (promises). The main religious purpose of the Law ("you shall") is to show us that we are incapable of following it completely and therefore to drive us to the grace of Jesus.
This is a important "Lutheran" way in which to see God's Word
Lutherans have two Sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion. Sacraments are visible means of grace, that is, God's grace comes to us through these action. Why? Because Jesus both commanded us to to them and promised forgiveness through them. The water is combined with the Word (promise) and we are "born again" or "born from above" (you can translate the John 3 passage both ways)in this action.
BIG difference: God comes to me before I can say, "I believe" and transforms me into a Son/Daughter of God by grace. No action on my part is required (I don't find God, God claims me). Throughout my life, I grown in and affirm God's claim. I am also free to reject it, if I so choose.
I hope that this is helpful. Don't let anyone put you down for what you believe. The AofG and other denominations have much to teach us Lutherans about passion and sincerity in following Jesus!
