About Gordon F. Stoneburner Expertise I am a Principal/Superintendent at a Faith Lutheran School/Church in
Houston, Texas. I have served as a Director of Christian Education, teacher, and principal in the past. I have a BA in education/theology, and a MA in human services (counseling) from Concordia University, Chicago, IL. I have worked youth and adults in the education/theology field for 25 years.
Follow-Ups to Answer from Expert Gordon F. Stoneburner
seafan2 wrote at 2006-08-21 22:29:20
I don't know where on earth you got your ideas about ELCA!!! I have been ELCA 45 years in many different churches as we moved around. I have never met an ELCA Lutheran who believed in salvation outside of Christianity (how on earth could that be?), who leans toward homosexual rights and ordination, teaches evolution or is fairly pro-abortion! The only one you got right was the women pastors - and that is a small percentage. There may be a less than 10% of members or pastors leaning toward some of these concepts, but very small. This is probably true in any denomination. We are, after all, human. Please if you are going to answer for us, get your facts straight!
Richard wrote at 2007-06-04 17:26:54
The ELCA only belive you can be saved if you have faith in Christ. The ELCA does not suport abortion and is Pro Life. The ELCA does not have gay clergy! The difference between ELCA and LCMS and WESC is simply. MSLC and WELC act very Catholic and the ELCA does not. However they are at the same time very anti Catholic and the ELCA is not! The other main difference is the MSLC and WELC Lutherans seem to always be worried about other Christians. They are very quick to point out why they are right and everyone else is wrong. That seems to be the whole focus of the Churches. ELCA does not do that. They also close the Lords table to members only (like Catholics). The ELCA does not belive the Lords supper belongs to them, but to all. Christ opened his table to all, so should churches. If you are looking for a open minded and Christ like Lutheran church go to a ELCA. If you are looking for the same closed minds you find in a Catholic Church go to a MSLC or WESC. You could also try Methodist, or any Christian Church. All that matters is that you belive and that Christ is the leader in your life. Everything else is just for show!
Christ Love
Richard
Robb wrote at 2007-07-18 16:37:10
Richard,
I would sincerely recommend you update your research regarding "The ELCA does not have gay clergy". Fact of the matter is contrary to your understanding. The ELCA is methodically leaning towards gay rights and quiet recognition of an ELCA Congregation's choice of having a gay pastor (or not). Currently, the ELCA will not specificially condone or endorse gay clergy but rather their under-current dictates a blind eye if an ELCA Congregation chooses to have a gay pastor.
Lead by the Holy Spirit,
Robb
taylorirvine wrote at 2008-07-12 13:57:34
I implore you to complete better research on the ELCA. As a member of the ELCA for 28 years, I have never heard a pro-choice stance in the church. Please reference your statement. I am vehemently pro-life as God is the maker of life.
janice dulemba wrote at 2008-10-19 22:14:56
I would like to add to the answer by saying that the ELCA is definitely NOT Pro-abortion. I have been in the ELCA over 20 yrs and have never heard this before.
j dulemba wrote at 2008-11-23 22:23:42
Saying the ELCA teaches "salvation outside of Christianity" is confusing to me. I am in the ELCA and never heard this before. Please explain, as I do not think this is a fair thing to say about the ELCA lutherans. We believe God's salvation is a free gift, given by Jesus' dying and resurrection, and not that you can buy your way into salvation with "good works", as is taught in some churches. This doesn't mean we don't do "good works", just that they aren't a "ticket" to salvation. Is this what you mean by "Salvation outside of Christianity"? Please explain. thank you
Josh wrote at 2009-03-04 04:42:16
ELCA= The Bible is a suggestion of what to do and is way out of date. LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
LCMS= The Bible is the true inspired word of God. The Bible is eternal and never goes out of date. CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS
hjhaney wrote at 2009-05-01 15:11:05
http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues.aspx
"There is no opinion so absurd that some philosopher will not express it"
Marcus Tullius Cicero
Ancient Roman lawyer, writer, scholar, orator and statesman, 106 BC - 43 BC
hjhaney wrote at 2009-05-01 15:35:30
There's nothing like an uninformed biased answer.
Expert = Ex/hasbeen spirt/a drip under pressure.
http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe.aspx
new LCMS member wrote at 2009-09-19 19:11:53
well - I guess our questions are answered. The ELCA now, since the August 2009 convention, DOES endorse homosexual pastors - and rejoices in that. If you research the ELCA website - you will see that the ELCA also rejoices in Universalism - meaning ALL people go to heaven whether they believe in Jesus or not. AND - the health insurance of all rostered Pastors and staff included no-questions asked abortions until the end of the first trimester. We are no longer ELCA Lutherans - the church has left us. oh- the vote to allow homosexual pastors passed by 66.6%.
