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'm 15, and just began attending an LCMC congregation that's basically next to our house. My mom is firmly presbyterian and won't switch until I can show her a comparison of the two.
So I was wondering if you could either compare the basics of the faith or forward me to a site that already has a comparison available. :)
Thanks so much.
-Justin
Answer Justin:
Thank you for your question. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) is a more orthodox, or theologically conservative expression of American Lutheranism. I am actually ELCA Lutheran, the more moderate or progressive of the American Lutherans, so in fairness, I can give you my impression of the LCMS and also refer you to their ofical web site, which seems pretty helpful.
As a Lutheran, I can give you some "big brush" differences.
The main differences that I would see between Lutheranism in general and Presbyterianism in general first centers around the sacraments. Lutherans believe that their are two sacraments and we define sacraments as a "visible means of grace", that is, Jesus' saving activity is there in the physical element. In baptism, we are joined to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6); we are "born from above/born again" (John 4) and we are made children of God. God makes a promise to us and we are indelibly made new creations and Christians. It is my thought that for Reformed churches such as the Presbyterians, baptism is more along the line of a dedication--important and profound, but not the same as a sacrament.
Likewise, Holy Communion, is a participation in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Meal of Bread and Wine. Jesus promises, "This is my body/blood" so we partake in faith that he is there. Lutherans usually avoid explaining how this happens and usually emphasize the faith/trust that it is. Luther took Jesus' words literally, Zwingli and Calvin leaned toward taking this words as metaphorical, so my understanding is that Presbyterians see Holy Communion more as a Memorial Meal. Again, important, but not the same as what we mean by sacrament.
Other things are very similar. As Reformation churches, both Lutherans and Presbyterians hold dear the Bible, and the proclamation of Scripture in the sermon. The role of lay people is essential, since we both hold that we are all equally the Body of Christ. Living out our faith in daily life is also important to both Lutheran sand Presbyterians, and both hold that our vocations in life are also our callings from God and that a teacher, police officer, baker; etc, is just as holy as a pastor if they serve God in their work.
Now the LCMS, as a theologically more conservative denomination, tends to interpret the Bible pretty literally. They usually hold to a 6 day creation, and do not allow women in some key religious leadership roles, especially as pastors. They think we ELCA types are pretty liberal (and they may be right) and, depending on your PCUSA congregation, they may regard Presbyterians the same way (I do know that there can be a wide theological variance within the PCUSA).
I will refer you to bth denomination's web sites, so that they can explain things to you more clearly than I can. God's Blessing on your journey.
