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Lutherans/Questions Answered by Expert Martin W. Eldred
| Subject | Date Asked |
| why has the 2nd Commandment been changed or deleted | 1/23/2012 |
| Q: I was raised baptist and have been a member of a very wonderful lutheran congregation. I just ... A: Felicia: Thank your for your question. You raise a great point. The original text of the Bible ... | |
| Lutherans vs. Non-Denominational | 12/28/2011 |
| Q: Can you tell me the differnces between the Lutheran and Non-Denominational faiths and their ... A: Kris: Thank you for your question. "Non-Denominational" churches, are by definition, a little ... | |
| Herod Death | 12/19/2011 |
| Q: In Matthew 2:19 Joseph was called out of Egypt after Herod dies. In Luke 23:7 Pilate sends Jesus to ... A: Karl: Thank you for your question. In short, the answer lies with multiple rulers with the same ... | |
| Eucharist | 12/18/2011 |
| Q: Rev. Eldred, I’m a Methodist, but I frequently worship our Lord in a small Episcopal parish. I ... A: Eric: Thank you for your question; I have actually been pandering it most of the day today. I ... | |
| Bible Story? | 11/30/2011 |
| Q: My name is Butch Fritze. I went to St. John's Academy and College in Winfield in the late 60's and ... A: I resent my first answer, but will be post it here as well, just in case that one doesn't come ... | |
| Rich Man Parable | 11/30/2011 |
| Q: I'm sorry if you have received this question more than once, but it says you are to receive a ... A: This was my first answer. Don't know why it did not come through. Johnny: I owe you a great ... | |
| Bible Story? | 11/26/2011 |
| Q: My name is Butch Fritze. I went to St. John's Academy and College in Winfield in the late 60's and ... A: Butch/Johnny: I know that this is the earlier version same question I just answered, but I will ... | |
| Blessing of animals | 11/25/2011 |
| Q: I just finished reading the Smalcald Articles, and noticed the last paragraph says, "...there are ... A: Stuart: You raise an excellent point. I have participated in a few of these Blessing the Pets ... | |
| German childrens prayer. | 10/20/2011 |
| Q: I spoke German as a child. I remember a prayer and several songs and poems I learned as a child. I ... A: Caroline: Thank you for sharing your childhood prayer. Those prayers stay with us for a long time. ... | |
| marrying outside of state | 7/10/2011 |
| Q: I am a pastor of 30 years. I had a former parishioner come to me and confessed living with another ... A: Dan: Thank you for your question. You are right, this is a tough one. I can only offer my best ... | |
| Gay Clergy/etc; | 7/8/2011 |
| Q: I will be a new member to the ELCA Church, but do not believe in Gay Clergy or Marriage...am I ... A: Shawn: Thank you for your question. Yes, you will be welcomed into your ELCA fellowship even if you ... | |
| Matthew 11 - Sirach | 6/23/2011 |
| Q: Nice to meet you. A small intro Im studying the Bible and generally religions. My study is totally ... A: Christaras: Thank you for your question. I have been on holiday, and am away from my library, but ... | |
| the garden of eden | 6/21/2011 |
| Q: How old was adam and eve when they were kicked out of the garden of eden A: Charles: Thank you for your question. According to the Bible, the ages of either Adam or Eve or ... | |
| unpardonable sin | 6/7/2011 |
| Q: If a person is concerned that he/she may have committed the unpardonable sin, does that mean that ... A: David: Thank you for your question. When people ask me this question, I do usually say, "If you ... | |
| The Virgin Mary | 6/2/2011 |
| Q: Does the Lutheran church believe Mary was a virgin? A: Anna: Thank you for your question. Yes, as Lutherans, we affirm that Jesus was, as the Creed ... | |
| One loaf | 5/28/2011 |
| Q: The Bible refers to the bread in communion as "one loaf, one body." My son is upset that we use ... A: Kendra: Thank you for your question. The quotation from I Corinthians 10:16-17 states. "one bread, ... | |
| Gay Clergy | 5/21/2011 |
| Q: Why do you all allow gay clergy? Isn't this a smack in the face against what the bible says about it ... A: Shawn: Thank you for your question. The decision to allow gay and lesbian Christian to have ... | |
| Ressurection of the soul and the body | 5/14/2011 |
| Q: According to Martin Luther's "Explanation of the Small Catechism", within "The Apostles' Creed" ... A: Raymond: Thank you for your question, and sorry for the delay. I would agree, it does seem ... | |
| Curious | 5/12/2011 |
| Q: The man I am going to marry was Baptised as a baby. I think he is Catholic, he's not sure, he might ... A: Kearstin: Thank you for your question and congratulations on your upcoming wedding. There is ... | |
| Luther's quote re: John 3:16 | 5/8/2011 |
| Q: Pastor, I have used Martin Luther's phrase that John 3:16 is "the heart of the Bible - the Gospel in ... A: William: Thank you for your question. I haven't forgotten you, I just have been frustrated trying ... | |
| Lutheran Minister as Officiant | 4/26/2011 |
| Q: my fiance and I were hoping to arrange a religious officiant for our outdoor wedding in July. Both ... A: Joe: Thank you for your question and congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I cannot imagine ... | |
| Looking for a church | 4/25/2011 |
| Q: My wife and I are looking for a church that we both can worship together at for our sons sake. She ... A: Todd: Thank you for your question. There are some theological similarities between a Orthodox and ... | |
| Marriage | 4/21/2011 |
| Q: Does the Lutheran religion recognize a marriage performed by a notary in the State of Florida. A: Tim: Thank you for your question. Yes, Lutherans would recognize such a marriage. In our theology, ... | |
| Holy Eucharist | 4/12/2011 |
| Q: I am a member of the Episcopal Church and I understand and support both church's full communuion ... A: Paul: Thank you for your question. For the most part, I think you will find that Lutherans and ... | |
| Bibical point | 4/10/2011 |
| Q: When asked about the Hail Mary, your expert answered it was considered an intercessory prayer. Is ... A: Harry: Thank you for correcting my understanding of the words for the "Hail Mary." I must admit ... | |
| Bibical point | 4/10/2011 |
| Q: When asked about the Hail Mary, your expert answered it was considered an intercessory prayer. Is ... A: Harry: Thank you for your question. Intercession, by definition, is asking. Any prayer that asks is ... | |
| Hail Mary | 4/3/2011 |
| Q: Why do Lutherans NOT say the Hail Mary Prayer A: Martha: Thank you for your question. For Martin Luther and the Reformers, the question of ... | |
| St.Paul | 3/27/2011 |
| Q: Why are most Protestants mislead into believing St. Paul wasn't a Catholic. He received the three ... A: Glen: Thank you for your question. It is important to remember that there was no formal ... | |
| Biblical interpretations | 3/21/2011 |
| Q: I have been studying sacred texts recently and after some theological reading I have more questions ... A: 1. why do you follow a particular denomination or accept certain interpretation? I grew up in the ... | |
| I'm drawn to the Lutheran Church but my husband is a lifelong Catholic | 3/17/2011 |
| Q: I am drawn to the Lutheran teaching on redemption and forgiveness as taught by Martin Luther and ... A: Ann: Thank you for your question. Divided religious loyalties can be one of the most complex of ... | |
| Marriage after Divorce | 3/13/2011 |
| Q: In 2004, I was married in a civil ceremony performed in a Congregational church in Vermont. Less ... A: Amy: Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear about your past marriage. I pray that you do ... | |
| First Communion preparation | 3/11/2011 |
| Q: Our 5th grade son will most likely be making his First Communion on Maundy Thursday. His Sunday ... A: Mary: Thank you for your question. First Communion is one of those special times in a young ... | |
| God | 3/3/2011 |
| Q: Martin, Do you know of any scriptures that specificaly state that God is niether male nor female? ... A: Bob: Thank you for your question. I apologize for taking too long to get back to you--it is ... | |
| Baptism | 2/1/2011 |
| Q: Does baptism lead to salvation? I somewhat understand the Calvinistic and Lutheran ideas of the ... A: Wesley: Thank you for your question. Lutherans focus on God's promise in Baptism. As a Sacrament, ... | |
| Commuion | 1/31/2011 |
| Q: Can a person receive communion, even if they have not had the privilege for many years? If not what ... A: Shelley: Thank you for your question. In the Evangelical Lutheran Church of American (ELCA), the ... | |
| Breaking Communion bread | 1/29/2011 |
| Q: Scripture says that Jesus took the bread blessed it and broke it and gave it. I have seen Pastors ... A: Fred: Thank you for your question. It is not necessary to actually break the bread during the Words ... | |
| Heaven | 12/22/2010 |
| Q: Im very intersted in, becoming lutheran and I was wondering. Do you belive that you will go to ... A: Xavier: Thank you for your question. If one reads closely in the New Testament, you'll find two ... | |
| Wanting to be a Lutheran... | 12/4/2010 |
| Q: I'm a Roman Catholic but I just can't for the life of me adhere to her teachings completely, ... A: Shawn: Thank you for your question. My answer to your first question is, no. There is no ... | |
| willful sinning | 11/8/2010 |
| Q: I just had a question about the bible and Gods word. If you could help me I would greatly thank you. ... A: Josh: Thank you for your question. In two of his most important writings, "The Freedom of the ... | |
| confirmation | 11/5/2010 |
| Q: paster, my son is in his 2nd year of confirmation class at our LCMS church. I have been Lutheran for ... A: Jay: Thank you for your question. I know it must be very difficult to have your family divided ... | |
| Rosary | 10/23/2010 |
| Q: Mr. Eldred, my twin sister has just become a grandmother for the first time, my question is, at ... A: Brenda: Thank you for your question. Lutherans traditionally do not make use of the Rosary, seeing ... | |
| LCMS vs. ELCA | 10/18/2010 |
| Q: I joined a local Lutheran Church a few years back because I didn't want to attend the church I grew ... A: Christina: Thank you for your question. There are two main branches of American Lutherans, and the ... | |
| Infant Salvation and Adult Salvation | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: I and my church are currently studying different denominations and their beliefs. I would like to ... A: Caleb: Thank you for your question. Lutherans believe that the Sacraments are "visible means of ... | |
| LUTHER | 9/30/2010 |
| Q: how does the lutheran church deal with the fact that luther wrote antisemitic texts? A: Henrik: Thank you for your question. Martin Luther was a polarizing figure in his time, and in ... | |
| Remarriage | 9/30/2010 |
| Q: I want to know if God recognizes my marriage to my husband. My husband was married 26 years to his ... A: Ann: Thank you for your question. Divorce is an unfortuanate reality, I am happy that you and your ... | |
| assingment | 9/19/2010 |
| Q: i am doing an assignment on the Lutheran church and i have a couple of questions to ask you. first ... A: Jessy: Thank you for your question. The Lutheran Church is an international expression of ... | |
| Lost Property | 9/18/2010 |
| Q: I lost my checkbook, glasses, and day runner. A very kind lady found them and called me, I am ... A: Alexander: I am glad your things were returned to you. It's so nice to see that there are people ... | |
| Free Lutheran church | 9/9/2010 |
| Q: You answered a ladies questions similar to mine in regards to joining a different Lutheran synod. we ... A: Denise: Thank you for your question. AS I mentioned in that previous letter your referenced, I am ... | |
| other Lutheran groups | 9/7/2010 |
| Q: Our little country church is looking other than the big three groups, synods, that allow autonomy in ... A: Carolyn: Thank you for your question. I must confess that I do not know a great deal about the ... | |
| Divorce | 9/5/2010 |
| Q: I am baptized Catholic......was married to a Catholic woman for 32 years, subsequently divorced and ... A: Robert: The Eucharist, or Holy Communion is one of two Sacraments for Lutherans, the other being ... | |
| Martin Luther | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: This summer I have been studying the life and times of Martin Luther and in some respects I think he ... A: John: Thank you for your question. I apologize that I neglected to answer right away, it must have ... | |
| contemplative prayer | 8/24/2010 |
| Q: Martin What is contemplative prayer? Is it scriptural? Was this practiced by any biblical ... A: Bob: Thank you for your question. Contemplative prayer is a form of prayer that seeks to be deeper, ... | |
| Baptism | 8/23/2010 |
| Q: In your view, in comparison to other denominations,is there anything distinctive about the Lutheran ... A: Leo: Thank you for your question. For Lutherans, baptism is a central focus of our overall ... | |
| Types of Lutheran Churches | 8/23/2010 |
| Q: The church I attend is considering leaving the ELCA and joining another Lutheran affiliation. We ... A: Catherine: Thank you for your question. I must admit, however, that I do not know very much about ... | |
| Bible verses for a mature wedding | 8/8/2010 |
| Q: We are 57 years old and soon to marry in a simple lutheran ceremony Both of us have been married ... A: Jean: Thank you for your question. I am sorry for the delay, I had set my account to "Vacation" ... | |
| What is the best way to convert people into Christianity | 8/7/2010 |
| Q: how can i convert people to Christianity, what does God expect me to do? should i do it through ... A: Ramiro: I am not certain I can really advise you on this one. Try different congregations, talk ... | |
| divorce | 8/5/2010 |
| Q: I am a Baptist and my boyfriend is Luthern. We had a question that maybe you can answer. Can a ... A: Glenda: Thank you for your question. I can only speak for the ELCA, and not other Lutheran ... | |
| prayer | 7/29/2010 |
| Q: DO LUTHERANS PRAY TO THE VIRGIN MARY FOR FORGIVENESS OF THEIR SINS OR FOR HER TO INTERVENE ON THEIR ... A: Aldena: Thank you for your question. While Lutherans respect and honor Mary as Mother of our Lord ... | |
| What is the best way to convert people into Christianity | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: how can i convert people to Christianity, what does God expect me to do? should i do it through ... A: Ramiro: Thank you for your question and for your passion and concern for other people and bringing ... | |
| Sunday Readings | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: Eldred, Last Sunday's readings for the Lutheran service I attended were the same as the readings for ... A: Gina: Thank you for your question. I am so sorry it has taken me this long to answer, I left for ... | |
| This web site advertising | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: Clearly, the LGBT issue is a divisive issue withing the church. I would think that a web site like ... A: Harry: Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, I do not understand which web site to which you ... | |
| bible | 6/4/2010 |
| Q: Martin, What is the lutheran view point on the bible? I know most christians (including ... A: Bob: Thank you for your question. Lutherans very definitely believe that the Bible is the Word of ... | |
| home-schooled confirmation class | 6/3/2010 |
| Q: I am an American from Minnesota working in Japan. My oldest child will enter 7th grade this fall. ... A: David: Thank you for your question.I think you have a wonderful start on thinking about your son's ... | |
| Human Sexuality Statement | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: I've been following closely the actions and commentary following the 2009 ELCA Human Sexuality ... A: Maria: I greatly apologize for the lateness of this response--somehow I missed this! The biblical ... | |
| martin luther | 5/19/2010 |
| Q: what issues drove martin Luther to break with the church? A: Kirsten: Thank you for your question. The Christian denomination known as "Lutheranism" began in ... | |
| Communion | 5/19/2010 |
| Q: If I have been baptized but not confirmed can I still take communion in the Lutheran Church? A: Sue: Thank you for your question. I would suggest that you check on this with your local pastor. ... | |
| Seminary in Crisis/ Jesuit roll | 5/13/2010 |
| Q: I recently read "Seminary in Crisis", an obviously biased account of the events which took place at ... A: Glenn: Thank you for your question. I am not really versed much on the 1974 LCMS split, so I may ... | |
| Struggling with Finding a Church and ELCA Issues | 4/30/2010 |
| Q: Martin. I stumbled upon your profile, and because you are a long-time ELCA pastor, I wanted to get ... A: Teri: Thank you for your question. I my opinion, one of the great strengths of the ELCA is that we ... | |
| Is it appropriate for an ELCA Lutheran to practice REIKI, Homeopathy & other new age alternative healing methods? | 4/27/2010 |
| Q: I'm an ELCA Lutheran. Is Reiki, homeopathy and other new age healing techniques appropriate for a ... A: Lillian: Thank you for your question. I may need a pass on this--I really don't know enough about ... | |
| Lutheran/RC Wedding | 4/10/2010 |
| Q: My daughter just became engaged and her fiance' is Lutheran. She was raised tn the Roman Catholic ... A: Kathleen: Thank you for your question. I pray that your daughter's upcoming marriage is a blessed ... | |
| Lutheran Pastor officiating in a Catholic Church | 4/9/2010 |
| Q: Is is permissible for a Lutheran Pastor to officiate the wedding of his son in a Catholic Church per ... A: Debbie: Thank you for your question. Yes, as long as it is permissible by the Roman Catholic ... | |
| animals | 4/4/2010 |
| Q: i was just wondering if it was possible that god put animals, like cats, on earth to help protect us ... A: Nuyo: Thank you for your question. I have no doubt that God put animals here for our enjoyment as ... | |
| get married to an atheist | 3/31/2010 |
| Q: I am dating an atheist, I am Lutheran. While neither of us have proposed, we have talked seriously ... A: Laura: Thank you for your question. I must confess that I cannot answer your question with ... | |
| Lent | 3/29/2010 |
| Q: Regarding Lent season, if a person gives up doing something for the season of Lent, when can that ... A: Max: Thank you for your question. A lenten fast, or giving something up for Lent, is something you ... | |
| UMC vs LCMS | 3/28/2010 |
| Q: My daughter is a confirmed Methodist and is engaged to a devout LCMS member.He has attended a ... A: Julie: Thank you for your question and congratulations on your daughter's engagement. I guess the ... | |
| Baptism | 3/21/2010 |
| Q: Before my daughter was born my Lutheran mother-in-law was pushing us to baptize our daughter in her ... A: Lauren: Thanks you for your question. As Lutherans, we believe that baptism is a visible sign of ... | |
| Communion ?? | 3/16/2010 |
| Q: Is it O.K for a Catholic to receive communion in a Lutheran Church. ELCA understanding ? There are ... A: Bill: Thank your for your question. In the ELCA, we have an "open Table," meaning that any ... | |
| The 10 commandments | 3/12/2010 |
| Q: I was just wondering what Luthereans believe about the 10 commandments? The 10 Commandments and what ... A: Bec: Thank you for your question. Lutherans view the 10 Commandments, and all the commandments of ... | |
| Homosexuality | 2/28/2010 |
| Q: I'd imagine you may be tired of hearing about some of the controversial issues of our time. Anyhow, ... A: DW: Thank you for your question. There are many issues that challenge Christian churches these ... | |
| Luthran vs catholic and divorce | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: As a catholic I am not allowed to partake in the Eucharist because I and my husband are both ... A: Sherry: I am so sorry I forgot to mention this aspect, since it was an essential part of your ... | |
| Luthran vs catholic and divorce | 2/25/2010 |
| Q: As a catholic I am not allowed to partake in the Eucharist because I and my husband are both ... A: Sherry: Thank you for your question. I am so sorry to hear of the difficulties you have ... | |
| Making groups / systems well. | 2/22/2010 |
| Q: Is it wholly acceptable to God, when creating a club / group / lodge / system / &tc., for some ... A: Shawn: I am sorry, but I am not certain I understand your question. If you are asking if is it ... | |
| leaders & mass structure | 2/21/2010 |
| Q: I am at school in Brisbane Australia %26 am researching a different Christian religion for an ... A: Bryce: Thank you for your question. The leadership of various Lutheran bodies can change depending ... | |
| Core Christian Beliefs | 2/20/2010 |
| Q: I'm looking for a church that believes: God(Lord God Jesus Christ)is One Person not three. The Bible ... A: Dru: Thank you for your question. Your raise an excellent point, and one that has been brought up ... | |
| Scripture | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could answer several questions I have when it comes to understanding the ... A: Thomas: Thank you for your question, I am sorry it has taken me a few days to get back to you. ... | |
| Sermon February 21 | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: For my sermon for the first Sunday in Lent, based on Luke 4:1-13 and looking at the notes to this ... A: Frank: Thank you for your question. I suppose I could see what the editors of the Lutheran Study ... | |
| Commandments | 2/8/2010 |
| Q: I was raised WELS, but now consider myself Southern Baptist. I've noticed differences in the 10 ... A: Josh: Thank you for your question. The 10 Commandments were embraced slightly differently by the ... | |
| Revelation | 2/4/2010 |
| Q: What is the formal teaching of the Lutheran denomination on the symbols in Revelation 17 of the ... A: Ernie: Thank you for your question. The book of Revelation is one of those ongoing mysteries that ... | |
| Luther's Bible | 2/1/2010 |
| Q: I've been trying to find images of the original Lutheran Bible, I've always been curious as to what ... A: Dari: Thank you for your question. Martin Luther's first translation of the Bible appeared in 1534 ... | |
| The Atonement | 1/29/2010 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could explain to me what the Lutheran (ELCA) view is on the Atonement and ... A: Jake: Thank you for your question. I am sorry that circumstances have delayed my response. The ... | |
| Holy Water | 1/25/2010 |
| Q: Do Lutherans believe in Holy Water? I've been to several Lutheran churches and have never seen Holy ... A: Linda-Lou Thank you for your question. Lutherans do not typically designate specific water to be ... | |
| ELCA & vote of August 2009 | 1/23/2010 |
| Q: I am so confused about the reaction of members within the ELCA congregations. I believe that God's ... A: Gayle: Thank you for your question. I share some of your confusion and frustration over the way in ... | |
| ELCA | 1/12/2010 |
| Q: How would Martin Luther view the ELCA's recent vote to allow clergy in a homosexual relationship to ... A: Wendell: After thirty years of praying, listening, and studying, I have come to the belief that ... | |
| ELCA | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: How would Martin Luther view the ELCA's recent vote to allow clergy in a homosexual relationship to ... A: Wendell: Of course, there is no way in which to know that answer for certain. Luther, however, was ... | |
| LCMS vs LCMC | 1/11/2010 |
| Q: What are the similarities/differences between the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and the newly ... A: Wendell: Thank you for your question Unfortunately, I am not very versed in the beliefs of the new ... | |
| spirits | 12/31/2009 |
| Q: Is it possible after one passes that they can become a spirit or ghost staying here among the ... A: Teresa: Thanks for your question. I am not really one that supports the belief that ghosts exists ... | |
| Baptisim & communion | 12/30/2009 |
| Q: I have begun dating a man who is Lutheran. He wants me to learn about Martin Luther. I have been ... A: Sherree: Thank you for your question. I pray that your relationship is one that is a blessed one ... | |
| ELCA position on homosexuality | 12/12/2009 |
| Q: I ask this question with the upmost respect. In light of the ELCA new stance recently decided in ... A: Kelly: Thank you for your question. First, please allow me to put your question into context of ... | |
| Core Christian Beliefs | 12/6/2009 |
| Q: I'm looking for a church that believes: God(Lord God Jesus Christ)is One Person not three. The Bible ... A: Dru: I am not certain how to answer your question. As Lutheran Christians, we believe that Jesus ... | |
| Communion | 12/5/2009 |
| Q: I know how communion is done in our church and what we say, however, I am paired with another ... A: Linda: Thanks for your question. Here's what I would suggest: each of you can give one another ... | |
| Divinity of Priests | 12/4/2009 |
| Q: I'm not a Lutheran. I grew up in an Independent Baptist household. About 2 years ago, I found ... A: Andrew: Thank you for your question. I have never heard of the teaching you referenced, so I am as ... | |
| Bible teachings and Christmas | 12/3/2009 |
| Q: I am a confirmed and practicing Lutheran. I was married 19 years yesterday to a military man who ... A: Doris: I am so sorry to hear of your pain and your situation with your marriage relationship. It ... | |
| faith alone | 11/27/2009 |
| Q: I am a catholic religious who is so much interested in lutheranism. I have read so many books on ... A: Jain: Thank you for your question. Faith is one of those easy/hard aspects of faith. It is easy, ... | |
| the true God | 11/12/2009 |
| Q: I attended the Lutheran church in Sweden and over the years have come to understand that God is very ... A: Don: Thank you for your question. The view of God that you describe sounds to me not too much ... | |
| artificial insemmination. | 11/7/2009 |
| Q: \Is it sinful for a virgin to take the sperm of a stranger to have a baby without having intercourse ... A: Kitty: Thank you for your question. I don't think there is anything inherently sinful about ... | |
| Salvation and Suicide | 10/25/2009 |
| Q: Actually, I have two questions. #1 - What is the ELCA belief about suicide? Can a person who has ... A: Janet: Thank you for your question. Suicide is one of the most painful things that sometimes ... | |
| enjoying life | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: Are Christians supposed to enjoy life? ANSWER: Alex: Thanks for your question. Should Christians ... A: Alex: I would be glad to recommend some books that I often loan to people in our congregation. 1. ... | |
| enjoying life | 10/14/2009 |
| Q: Are Christians supposed to enjoy life? A: Alex: Thanks for your question. Should Christians enjoy life? By all means! Although we do not ... | |
| Lutheran Marriage requirements | 10/12/2009 |
| Q: I'm going to try to keep this short but it may be difficult. I would like to be married in a ... A: Ashley: Thank you for your question. Generally, the requirements for marriage in a Lutheran church ... | |
| the authority of the pope | 10/11/2009 |
| Q: Iam a catholic religious,doing my Bph in kottayan,india.I am so much interested in lutheranism.I try ... A: Jain: Thank you for your question. As I answer, I will also try and give you a brief outline of ... | |
| The Triune God | 10/9/2009 |
| Q: where do we get the Triune God from? A: Lewis: Thank you for your question, sorry I was delayed in getting back to you. The doctrine of ... | |
| Numbers 22 | 10/7/2009 |
| Q: How are we to interpret Numbers 22:28-30? Did God really inspire Balaam's donkey to talk, or is ... A: Cody: Thank you for your question. The story of Balaam's donkey is one of those interesting Old ... | |
| God's Law | 10/5/2009 |
| Q: I’m searching for a certain denomination and was hoping that by contacting you, you could help me in ... A: Craig: Thank you for your question. God did give to Moses the 10 Commandments and many other laws ... | |
| Bible ? | 9/28/2009 |
| Q: Martin, Questions concerning the bible; Is the bible the word of God, or just another ... A: Bob: Thank you for your question, sorry for the delay. I would say that the Bible is the word of ... | |
| Lutheran annulment possible? | 9/25/2009 |
| Q: A man and a woman each were baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and married very recently ... A: Bonnie: Thank you for your question. As Lutherans, we really have no provision for a theological ... | |
| Sex on New Earth | 9/21/2009 |
| Q: 1. Resurrected people on earth will marry and having sex? Resurrected husband and wife will be ... A: Samuel: Thank you for your question. I think I can give an answer to the first three of your ... | |
| officiating weddings | 9/16/2009 |
| Q: My daughter is getting married for the second time and would like a very small family affair, She ... A: Karen: Thank you for your question and congratulations in your daughter's upcoming wedding. First, ... | |
| Comparison of PC(USA) and Lutheranism (LCMC Mission Congregation(s) | 9/9/2009 |
| Q: I'm 15, and just began attending an LCMC congregation that's basically next to our house. My mom is ... A: Justin: Thank you for your question. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) is a more orthodox, ... | |
| Eucharist | 5/28/2009 |
| Q: If the bread and wine are the body and blood of Jesus how come the bread and wine are then eaten ... A: The question of hair and clothing; etc. can best be allocated to the realm of contemporary cultural ... | |
| Faith, the Church and Me | 5/26/2009 |
| Q: I am Lutheran who has found himself disillusioned with the Church. When I was young, I was a member ... A: Rob: I am so sorry to hear of your pain, disappointment, and disillusionment with the church. To ... | |
| divorce and remarriage | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I am a divorced Catholic. I remarried a divorced Lutheran. I have experienced much conflict and ... A: Alice: Thank you for your question. I am so sorry for the trouble you have experienced from others ... | |
| Why be Lutheran | 5/21/2009 |
| Q: I realize that I'm asking a question that really can't be answered because it is something I have to ... A: Dusty: Thank you for your question. Why am I a Lutheran? For one, that is the denomination in ... | |
| Eucharist | 5/20/2009 |
| Q: If the bread and wine are the body and blood of Jesus how come the bread and wine are then eaten ... A: For Lutherans, Christ's real presence in the Eucharist does not ontologically change the bread and ... | |
| method of baptism | 5/19/2009 |
| Q: If in baptism we are dead and buried with Lord Jesus, does this not mean that baptism should be done ... A: Arjan: Great question. The way in which I read Hebrews 11 is that we are now called to live a life ... | |
| ECLA vs Catholic | 5/16/2009 |
| Q: what are the differences between the two? A: Kyle: Thank you for your question. I will try and give you a brief outline of the basics of ... | |
| method of baptism | 5/13/2009 |
| Q: If in baptism we are dead and buried with Lord Jesus, does this not mean that baptism should be done ... A: Basically, we follow Jesus' commandment at the end of the gospel of Matthew: "Go and make ... | |
| method of baptism | 5/11/2009 |
| Q: If in baptism we are dead and buried with Lord Jesus, does this not mean that baptism should be done ... A: Arjan: Thank you for your question. You raise and excellent point--it is said that Luther himself ... | |
| What should a Lutheran expect at a Catholic vigil service? | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: Rev. Eldred: I am a practicing Lutheran (LCMS) who will be attending a Vigil service to show ... A: Jesse: Thank you for your question. I must confess that I am not certain exactly what you may ... | |
| mainline/evangelical | 5/5/2009 |
| Q: I attend an Assemblies of God church, and in my area there are a very large number of ELCA churches. ... A: Shaun: Thank you for your question. First, I am sorry that people poke fun at your beliefs. Even ... | |
| Divorce/remarriage | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: I was raised in a ALC (ELCA) church. I was baptized and confirmed. I had an abortion I didn't want ... A: Jane: First of all, thank you for sharing your journey. It sounds as if you are finally at a ... | |
| What do Lutherans call their church leader | 4/16/2009 |
| Q: Do Lutherans call their Ministers "Priests" as the Catholics do? A: Peggy: I am sorry for the delay, thank you for your question. For the most part, Lutherans (at ... | |
| Tree of Knowledge | 4/11/2009 |
| Q: If God didn't want Adam and Eve to eat the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil why did He create ... A: Alex: Thank you for your great question. It does seem as if God is setting up Adam and Eve, ... | |
| Inter-faith/inter-cultural wedding | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: Rev. Eldred, Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I am a non-practicing Lutheran ... A: Eric: Thank you for your question and congratulations on your pending wedding. Sorry that I have ... | |
| Lutheran religion | 4/1/2009 |
| Q: where did lutheran religion first started? what was the reason for Martin Luther separated from the ... A: Berenisse: Thank you for your question. The Christian denomination known as "Lutheranism" began ... | |
| Salvation | 3/31/2009 |
| Q: Pastor, How does one become saved? How does someone in the Lutheran Church/Theology come to have a ... A: John: Thank you for your question. Being "saved"is as easy as trusting in the promises of Jesus. ... | |
| Pastor question | 3/28/2009 |
| Q: I am recently returned to the ELCA and really enjoying it and finding my purpose. It just feels ... A: Keira: Please accept my apologies for the tardiness of my answer. I had a death in the family, was ... | |
| Pet Death | 3/28/2009 |
| Q: I know that this question probably seems petty, but it's really bothering me right now. My ... A: Stevenie: Please accept my apologies for my tardiness. I had a death in the family last week and ... | |
| Communion | 3/23/2009 |
| Q: Rev. Eldred, Could you please explain to me what ELCA Lutherans understand when the terms ... A: John: Thank you for your question. Transubstantiation is the doctrine that teaches that as the ... | |
| understanding history | 3/15/2009 |
| Q: My mother was born in Norway and her family came to the Seattle area in 1913. All of my relatives ... A: Barbara: Thank you for your question. You are correct, in 1913, the primary religious group in ... | |
| ELCA vs. other denominations | 3/8/2009 |
| Q: I'm sure you have probably covered my dilema somewhere in these pages, but I wasn't able to find the ... A: Dee: Thank you for your question. I have been traveling, so I sorry that I am a little slow on ... | |
| Muslim Lutheran Marriage | 3/5/2009 |
| Q: I am a Lutheran and my fiancee is technically a Muslim, will this be a problem as far as being ... A: Holly: Thank you for your question and congratulations on both your engagement and future marriage. ... | |
| Lent and Lutherns | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: I attended church more as a child than anything. I went as an adult with my children on occasion and ... A: Stacey: Thank you for your question. Lenten observances such as a "lenten fast", or giving ... | |
| Amillennialism | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: I had a question about amillennialism. I have always believed that the 1,000 years of Revelation 20 ... A: Dan: Sorry for the delay, I have had some extended family issues of late, and was a little ... | |
| ELCA vs Missouri Synod | 2/22/2009 |
| Q: I would really like to know the differences between these Lutherans. I was baptized Lutheran before ... A: Sheryl: Sorry for the delay. I have been thinking about what you have written and also had some ... | |
| Native american | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: I am half Native American born on a reservation in South Dakota. My mother being white and father ... A: Barbra: Thank you for your question. You raise a goodwhy didn't Jesus physically visit more peoples ... | |
| ELCA vs Missouri Synod | 2/18/2009 |
| Q: I would really like to know the differences between these Lutherans. I was baptized Lutheran before ... A: First: Don't feel guilty. I am ELCA, but would be the first to tell you that if you have found a ... | |
| Luther Movie | 1/28/2009 |
| Q: Pastor Eldred, In the movie 'Luther', a disrbed young man named Thomas hangs himself and Luther has ... A: Stuart: Great question. I am unaware of any historical instance in Luther's life on which this part ... | |
| Church Government | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: What is the church Government like in the Lutheran Church? Is there a priest, bishop, pope? I can't ... A: Diana: Thank you for your question. Generally, the Lutheran churches have a mixture of an episcopal ... | |
| Lutheran view on young motherhood? | 1/25/2009 |
| Q: I am about to give birth in a couple of weeks, and I am very upset at the way a lot of people have ... A: Chelsea: Thank you for your question. First, let me say congratulations on your new arrival! I ... | |
| Wedding question from Mom | 1/14/2009 |
| Q: I'll try to keep this brief but wedding ins and outs can get complicated. My oldest daughter is ... A: Kate: Thank you for question and for sharing your very touching family story. My personal opinion ... | |
| Jesus descending into hell | 1/11/2009 |
| Q: Where in the Bible does this come from? A: The Ephesians text may refer to Jesus descending to hell, or simply to his Incarnation to earth. It ... | |
| JOINING LUTHERAN CHURCH | 1/8/2009 |
| Q: I JUST CAME FROM THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL MASS FOR A DEAR FRIEND AT HER CHURCH, ST. PETERS ... A: Helene: Thank you for your question and while I am sorry for the occasion that brought you to a ... | |
| Neo-paganism | 1/3/2009 |
| Q: My faith has been severely tested. I was a Christian, but then I started reading about neo-pagan ... A: Alex: Thank you for your question. I am really not certain how best to answer you. You seem ... | |
| Lutheran Contentions | 12/31/2008 |
| Q: My wife and I are considering joining a local Lutheran church because it seems that Lutherans ... A: Dan: My suggestion to find an ELCA congregation nearest you is to log on to elca.org and you'll ... | |
| Lutheran Contentions | 12/30/2008 |
| Q: My wife and I are considering joining a local Lutheran church because it seems that Lutherans ... A: Dan: would agree with you wholeheartedly about women as pastors. In the ELCA, in fact, we do have ... | |
| Christians reading Novels | 12/29/2008 |
| Q: Do you think, as a Christian, that it's OK to read Novels or non-fiction that include violence? I ... A: Christine: Thank you for your question. I think Christians have been wrestling with this sort of ... | |
| Lutheran Contentions | 12/29/2008 |
| Q: My wife and I are considering joining a local Lutheran church because it seems that Lutherans ... A: Dan: Thank you for your question. Lutherans are a sometimes strange mixture of tradition ... | |
| Holy Communion | 12/25/2008 |
| Q: I was raised Lutheran,and have been married for 20yrs to a Catholic.We were married in the Lutheran ... A: Janis: Thank you for your question. In most cases your husband is more that welcome to Communion ... | |
| ELCA Lutheran need help picking a church! | 12/21/2008 |
| Q: So I'm not sure if you can help me with this, but I found this page and thought why not ask? I was ... A: Chantel: As always, local options differing according to local congregations--the feel, the people, ... | |
| Systematic Theology | 12/15/2008 |
| Q: Hey Rev. Eldred, I was wondering if you could please tell me what systematic theology textbook(s) ... A: Andrew: They generally are Titled, "Systematic Theology, Vol 1" , etc. Volume Two and Three do have ... | |
| Martin Luther | 12/12/2008 |
| Q: Can you explain Luther's anti-semitic writings? I did not really know much about this until just ... A: Carol: Thank you for your question. Luther's anti-Semitic writings have been a topic of a great ... | |
| Systematic Theology | 12/7/2008 |
| Q: Hey Rev. Eldred, I was wondering if you could please tell me what systematic theology textbook(s) ... A: Andrew: Thank you for your question. It is not clear to me what the seminaries re using these days ... | |
| Unpardonable Sin | 12/3/2008 |
| Q: Since last writing to you about the Augsburg Confession, I joined a Lutheran Church {ELCA} and am in ... A: Stuart: Great question. My take on the Lutheran take on the Unpardonable Sin is that it is not one, ... | |
| Faith | 11/29/2008 |
| Q: Could you explain how a person who rejects the Biblical account of Creation and the flood can accept ... A: Hansen: Personally, I have no problem accepting the Exodus account "as is." There are a number of ... | |
| Faith | 11/26/2008 |
| Q: Could you explain how a person who rejects the Biblical account of Creation and the flood can accept ... A: Hanson: Thank you for your question. I suppose much depends on what you mean by rejecting the ... | |
| Christians | 11/16/2008 |
| Q: Eldred What are the of the verses, of what chapters., of what books, of the Bible; that explains ... A: Allen: Thank you for your question. There are three major Lutheran denominations in the US. The ... | |
| Christians | 11/16/2008 |
| Q: Eldred What are the of the verses, of what chapters., of what books, of the Bible; that explains ... A: Allen: Thank you for your question. You raise a great question concerning how we live as ... | |
| Gratia Universalis | 11/16/2008 |
| Q: I live in Brazil and I'm a Lutheran attending Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil ... A: Wanderley: Thank you for your question. The way in which "gratia universalis" is generally defined ... | |
| Calvinism vs. Free will (Arminianism,ect.) | 11/14/2008 |
| Q: Hey, I was wondering if you could help me out with something. My friends and I have theological ... A: Jordan: Thank you for your question. Lutherans are closer to Calvinist than Armenians on the ... | |
| communion | 11/8/2008 |
| Q: when does a child receive communion. do they learn about confessing their sins to God? A: Dawn: Sorry for the delay, I was at a retreat and neglected to turn on my "vacation" setting for ... | |
| Continuing church in college | 11/8/2008 |
| Q: I attend a relatively small college in Wisconsin. I know where the Missouri Synod, ELCA, and ... A: Alicia: Thanks for your question. I am going to guess that if your have a LCMS background, and you ... | |
| differ | 11/7/2008 |
| Q: how do the baptist and Lutherans differ from eachother? also what do you think the Lord would have ... A: Connor: Thank you for your question. I will try my best to highlight some key differences, as I ... | |
| Lutheran religion | 11/5/2008 |
| Q: I grew up going to a Lutheran church. I am looking into going back to church and taking my ... A: Chier: Thanks for your question. A lot of people find themselves rediscovering church after they ... | |
| Kingdom of God, is it inside us? | 11/4/2008 |
| Q: Mr. Eldred, I have a question, what does this quote mean to you, "Jesus said... the Kingdom of God ... A: Lillie: Thank you for your question. The quote you gave seems to have come nit from the Bible but ... | |
| Lutheran theology | 11/4/2008 |
| Q: I'm involved in a very challenging Bible study. As a lifelong Lutheran I'm hearing things from ... A: Anita: Thank you for your question. I know what it is like to be in a small group were those ... | |
| baptism | 10/30/2008 |
| Q: I have always understood that Lutherns believed that salvation was by grace through faith. In the ... A: Del: Thank you for your question. Lutherans believe that were are saved by God's grace which ... | |
| transfer | 10/24/2008 |
| Q: Martin, I was wondering if you could please explain to me what the process is for transferring from ... A: Scott: Transferring to a ELCA congregation is generally very easy. If you desire to make an ELCA ... | |
| Luther and books of bible | 10/22/2008 |
| Q: my name is Nick. I am a student in college and a practicing Lutheran. Recently I have been attending ... A: Nick: Thank you for your question. There is sometimes a lot of confusion surrounding the ... | |
| 1 Tim, 2:15....please help!! | 10/21/2008 |
| Q: in first Timothy it says, the woman shall be saved through childbirth if she continues in faith, ... A: Yana: You picked a very difficult verse, I must admit. I will give it my best shot. First, it is ... | |
| Inviting Evangelicals | 10/17/2008 |
| Q: Eldred, I'm 15 and my parents are Southern Baptist, however I am very interested in the ELCA and ... A: Brad: Thank you for your question. First, yes Lutherans do emphasize a relationship with Jesus. ... | |
| Baptizm | 10/12/2008 |
| Q: My husband & I are going to have our 3 kids baptized this December - our oldest is 2, my brother in ... A: Shawna: Congratulations on the upcoming baptisms of your children. My answer to your ... | |
| Can angels exist on earth | 10/9/2008 |
| Q: Eldred, Can angels from heaven exist on earth and who is seraphim, what are these beings and what ... A: Lille: You have a great question. I don't really purport to ba an expert of Angels, but I will ... | |
| Infant baptism needed for salvation? | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: If a child dies and is not baptized, would they be considered saved? I think this is a belief of the ... A: Michelle: Thank you for your question. Ultimately, we all trust in the grace and mercy of God. If ... | |
| Lutheran versus Orthodoxy | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: My husband recently turned Greek Orthodox. He sent our 12 year old daughter to a very religious ... A: Carol: I am so sorry that your family has this strife and separation within your home. I am not ... | |
| Lutheran v.s. Christians | 10/6/2008 |
| Q: What is the difference between Lutherans and Christians? A: Heather: Thank your for your question. Lutherans are one of many Christian denominations. We ... | |
| Baptism | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: I was wondering what r the requirements to get a child baptised in the Lutheran faith if I am a ... A: Jennie: Thank you for your question. Each congregation may treat this a little differently, so it ... | |
| ELCA vs WELS | 10/5/2008 |
| Q: I am interested in hearing from an ELCA pastor what the differences are b/w the two synods. There ... A: Robyn: Thank you for your question. There are three significant differences that I see between the ... | |
| LCMS Autonomy | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: Greetings, I am now a former LCMS Lutheran having left the synod in the past few months. I was ... A: Leah: Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, I really don't have expertise in this facet of ... | |
| Differences between religions | 9/22/2008 |
| Q: I was raised (American) Baptist (not active at the moment) dating a active Lutheran. I know there ... A: Chris: Thanks for your question. Some of the major differences between a Lutheran and a Baptist ... | |
| I am lutheran trying to go out with a SDA | 9/14/2008 |
| Q: Iam a Lutheran "trying" to go out with a member (She is a born Cathloic but she is NOT baptized ... A: Kyle: Thank you for your question. First, I would assume that your friend would qualify as ... | |
| Marrying in the Lutheran Church after Divorce | 9/13/2008 |
| Q: I am a divorced Catholic. Was married for 18 years and my husband left me for another woman and was ... A: Kathy: First of all, congratulations on finding a new person person to spend your life with. I ... | |
| lutheran vs other christian denominations | 9/8/2008 |
| Q: I am spearheading a group of musicians to present a city-wide collaborative event on Reformation ... A: Nancy: It sounds as though it will be a festive Reformation Day in Oklahoma City! I will assume ... | |
| Battle of New Orleans | 9/7/2008 |
| Q: I am continuing to study the issues surrounding the ELCA/LC-MS division. The ELCA perspective ... A: Glenn: I think you are right on the track regarding some of the differences and their implications. ... | |
| marriage | 9/4/2008 |
| Q: I recently got engaged and my fiance and I cannot wait to get married. I am going over seas for the ... A: Gabe: Thank you for your question and congratulations on your upcoming wedding. It is possible to ... | |
| ELCA LC-MS | 9/4/2008 |
| Q: Some time ago I read an article which described the separation of the ELCA and the LC-MS. The ... A: Glenn: Thank for your question. The relationship between the ELCA and LCMS is complicated, I hope ... | |
| divorce | 9/1/2008 |
| Q: If someone gets divorced, does the lutheran religon allow them to become a pastor? A: Khristan: Thank you for your question. In the Evangelical Lutheran Church of American (ELCA) to ... | |
| Denomination of Protestants | 9/1/2008 |
| Q: Why Protestant have so much so denominations? like Catholic and Orthodox have no sub denominations ... A: Nick: You ask a great question. The Lutheran theologian/historian, Martin Marty has described this ... | |
| Pastor's wife | 8/27/2008 |
| Q: In the ELCA, is there any prescribed role for a pastor's wife? Is there an expectation that she be ... A: Mare: To my knowledge there are no official rules or manuals to describe the role of the pastor's ... | |
| God command of killing | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: An Atheist asked me if your God Jesus is love and love us then why He command Saul to killed every ... A: Nick Thank you for your question. Your friend poses a very difficult and hard to reconcilehow do ... | |
| marriage | 8/18/2008 |
| Q: I recently became engaged to a great guy! We are both of Catholic upbringing but have found ... A: Erin: Congratulations on your engagements and upcoming nuptials! I think that in most cases, a ... | |
| Marriage and ordination | 8/17/2008 |
| Q: My husband of 17 years is a senior at The Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia. He sent me ... A: Cathleen: First, let me extend my sympathy for your recent experience--I cannot really imagine just ... | |
| Coming of Lord | 8/16/2008 |
| Q: when will Lord Christ will come, within 50 years ? A: Nick: The short answer to your question is, "We do not know." Jesus was pretty clear that the time ... | |
| Age of Mary | 8/1/2008 |
| Q: What is the age of mary when she became pregnant and how many month she was pregnant ? A: Nick: Thank you for your question. The Bible doesn't tell us how old Mary was when she became the ... | |
| Going from catholic to Lutheran.... | 7/20/2008 |
| Q: My question is....In 1999 I got married in a Cat. church.and then marriage...well 9 years later ... A: Becca: Thank you for your question. Most generally, Lutherans approach remarriage with a "Law and ... | |
| transferring | 7/11/2008 |
| Q: I am a Presbyterian pastor. I have seen my denomination take clear steps in recent years to deny ... A: Donald: I write as an ELCA pastor, and I think that you may find that the ELCA has some similar ... | |
| How do you see re-marriage? | 7/6/2008 |
| Q: I am Catholic and my divorce is almost final. I filed for divorce because of my husbands mental ... A: I am very sorry to hear about your difficulties. I am not familiar with the term, "Pauline ... | |
| death and the soul | 7/4/2008 |
| Q: I have heard several Pastors say that when a person dies, the body returns to dust and the ground ... A: Cal: Thank you for your question; you raise a particularly difficult and personally powerful ... | |
| marriage | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: Is a marriage compatable or accepted between a male Baptist and Female Lutheran? how exactly would ... A: If you were to come to me as a couple wanting to get married, I would have no difficulties in ... | |
| Synods | 6/1/2008 |
| Q: Do the ECLA, LCMS, and the WELS consider themselves separate and distinct from one another? All ... A: Gina: Thank you for your question--it is one that is commonly asked. Yes, we are all Lutherans so ... | |
| miracles | 5/24/2008 |
| Q: Does the Lutheran Religion officially recognize miracles? A: Susan: Thank you for your question, I am sorry that the holiday weekend delayed my answering you. ... | |
| Confirmation | 5/18/2008 |
| Q: My husband grew up lutheran, and went to church till he was confirmed. I grew up baptis, and would ... A: Cyndee: Thank you for your question. Lutherans believe that in Baptism, God has given us the new ... | |
| Baptism...my husband is Lutheran and I am not. | 5/16/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I are expecting the birth of our first child this summer. My husband is an active ... A: Mandy: Thank you for your question. I respect your desire to do the appropriate things in regards ... | |
| Lutherans and Catholics | 5/6/2008 |
| Q: Is there a time of the year when Lutherans "bad mouth" (for lack of words) the Catholics and their ... A: Christa: Thanks for your question. The answer, in a word is: no. There is no time of the year, ... | |
| Starting of Lutheran Church | 4/27/2008 |
| Q: What things about the Roman Catholic Church did Martin Luther disagree with and how did he happen to ... A: Jane: Thank you for your question. I will try and give you a brief outline of the basics of ... | |
| lutheran baptism | 4/22/2008 |
| Q: My husband and I and my sister-in-law and her husband are having our two children baptized together ... A: Laura: First of all, congratulations on the upcoming baptisms! As far as an enumeration or an ... | |
| Romans 11 and Messianic Jews | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: Can you comment on the relationship between the olive branch imagery in Romans, Ch 11., and ... A: Bruce: I am sorry for the lateness of my replay, I have been at a church Assembly all week and ... | |
| Female pastors | 4/15/2008 |
| Q: I have no problem with female pastors;but where does St.Paul/or other speakers allow this? Thanks. A: Ron: Good question. The case for women pastors usually follows two tracks from the New Testament ... | |
| First Communion | 4/8/2008 |
| Q: I am writing an article that mentions First Communion, hereafter FC. I now understand from your ... A: Rick: There is no set date for FC and local congregations are therefore free to choose what works ... | |
| Baptism | 3/16/2008 |
| Q: Are there any hard and fast rules relative to requirements that parents, grandparents, witnesses, ... A: Joseph: Thanks for your question. By "classes" I am going with the idea of a pre-baptism meeting ... | |
| Communion | 3/16/2008 |
| Q: I was raised a Lutheran. I married a Catholic. He felt very strongly that our children be raised ... A: Charlene: Let me assure you that I am not an expert when it comes to Roman Catholic rules and ... | |
| The Lutheran Church Service | 3/15/2008 |
| Q: I was raised Catholic, my husband Episcopal. We want our son to have a religious upbringing but my ... A: Donna: If you were raised Roman Catholic I think you will find that, in most cases, Lutheran ... | |
| baptism | 3/10/2008 |
| Q: what is the baptism etiquette, are gifts to be given and the responsibility of Godparents? A: Debbie: Please excuse my tardiness in replying to your question. Godparents, or Baptismal ... | |
| Lutheran vs. United Methodist | 3/7/2008 |
| Q: I am a United Methodist and I have been looking for a private school for my daughter. One of the ... A: Jennifer: Yes, that is how I would explain it. Lutherans revel on being the "middle ground." We ... | |
| Lutheran vs. United Methodist | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: I am a United Methodist and I have been looking for a private school for my daughter. One of the ... A: Jennifer: You raise a good question. I do think that for your experience, in a school setting, you ... | |
| Reward in heaven | 3/4/2008 |
| Q: My question is different, but on the same subject as rewards in Heaven. The New Testament speaks of ... A: Laurie: You raise a common question. IT is easy to get confused with some of the language in the ... | |
| First Communion | 3/3/2008 |
| Q: I am sorry to say, I have been away from the Church for a number of years and have recently gone ... A: Bonnie: Welcome back! I hope you are finding your experience a helpful one. I am going to assume ... | |
| comparison | 3/2/2008 |
| Q: What is the main difference(s) between the Lutheran religion and the Assembly of God religion? A: Any: Let me start with the foundation of how we are they same. Both Lutherans and Assembly of God ... | |
| Lutheran religion | 2/29/2008 |
| Q: Why did Martin Luther leave the catholic religion? Was he a priest? A: Loretta: Thank you for your question. The Christian denomination known as "Lutheranism" began in ... | |
| Roman Catholic v.s. Lutheran | 2/20/2008 |
| Q: I am going to a Lutheran service for a funeral of a family friend. Are Roman Catholics permitted to ... A: Maura: Thanks for your question. I am going to say yes, but with a qualification. If you are ... | |
| Son of God | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: Why do we say that there is one God (God, the Son, the Holy Ghost) that is one person (trinity I ... A: Christians have embraced the idea of a God as Trinity from the beginning, as they began to see that ... | |
| Communion | 1/30/2008 |
| Q: My Husband Grew up ELCA and I grew up in a non-denominational Church. I have a son that is 11 years ... A: Robin: Thank you for your question and I am very sorry to hear about your predicament. Communion ... | |
| Bible | 1/29/2008 |
| Q: What version of the Bible is used by the Lutheran Church? A: Sarah: Thanks for your question. There is no "official" translation of the Bible that is either ... | |
| History of the Lutherans | 1/21/2008 |
| Q: I am a Lutheran, born & raised, but the history has never really been explained to me. I know that ... A: Kelly: Thank you for your question. I am sorry for the delay; I had an email address issue that I ... | |
| godmother from a different church...problem? | 1/13/2008 |
| Q: Good afternoon. I have a question regarding the baptism of my daughter. I am trying to do as much ... A: Phil: You raise a great question. A generation ago, when it came to baptisms, we all pretty much ... | |
| Sacaraments | 1/9/2008 |
| Q: What are the 5 scaraments in the Lutheran religion? A: Georgene: Thank you for your question. There are just two sacraments that Lutheran Christians ... | |
| salvation issues | 1/8/2008 |
| Q: Mr. Eldred: Does the bible teach anywhere that you can "lose" your salvation? For someone who loves ... A: Leah, Once again, I apologize that it has taken me a week to write back. Please know that you have ... | |
| Augsburg Confession Revisited | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: First, I never got around to thanking you for your reply to my Augsburg Confession question a while ... A: Stuart: Sorry for the delay. First, congratulations on your reading through the Augsburg Confession ... | |
| My enemies? | 12/23/2007 |
| Q: What is meant by the statement on a card I found in my mailbox (from a Lutheran Church, inviting me ... A: Salley: Thanks for your question. The Christmas press has delayed my somewhat. You wrote: I ... | |
| Books | 12/18/2007 |
| Q: I am a southern Baptist interested in the Lutheran Church, do you have any books you recommend for ... A: Bradley: Great question. I am going to recommend three books that I give to folks new to our ... | |
| communion | 12/16/2007 |
| Q: I am 14 and very interested in the Lutheran CHurch (ELCA) I am currently a Southern Baptist. My ... A: Bradley: Good question. Lutherans believe that Jesus is truly present in the bread and the wine. ... | |
| Baptisim | 12/9/2007 |
| Q: Mr. Eldred, Can you tell me what are the Lutheran churches' belief on baptism? Does this church ... A: Lutherans emphasize Baptism a great deal. In the water of baptism, combined wit the Word of God and ... | |
| Lutheam types | 12/8/2007 |
| Q: Sir; I was born a Lutheran in the year 1944. I have been through many changes, and did not write ... A: You raise a great question. All these various types of Lutherans, past and present can be quite ... | |
| I believe that worship and faith should have more freedoms | 12/4/2007 |
| Q: I was raised Baptist, and have experienced firsthand Pentecostal, Methodist, and Catholic churches. ... A: Joshua: You raise some excellent points. I would agree that all churches, regardless of ... | |
| Lutheran Religon | 12/3/2007 |
| Q: How and when did it begin and what are the important changes throughout it's history? A: Alexa: Thank you for your question. I will try and give you a brief outline of the basics of ... | |
| Visiting Pastors | 12/2/2007 |
| Q: We have a call out now for a new pastor. In the interim, we have had four or five visiting pastors, ... A: Carol: In my opinion, you have plenty of right and responsibility even to discuss your ... | |
| Lutherans' perspective | 12/2/2007 |
| Q: Can you tell me if Lutherans believe that we lost our free will when we took on our sin nature after ... A: Mike: Thank you for your questions. You raise some challenging points about which there is much ... | |
| Divorce and remarriage | 12/1/2007 |
| Q: What is the Lutheran (ELCA) view on divorce and remarrage? I'm Lutheran and have been divorced for ... A: Liz: Thank you for your questions. It is obvious that you and your boyfriend are being very ... | |
| Southern Baptist vs ELCA | 12/1/2007 |
| Q: My boy friend and I are trying to learn the differences and similarities in our denomintaions. Can ... A: Liz: Thank you for your question. I will try my best to highlight some key differences, as I see ... | |
| Confession | 11/29/2007 |
| Q: I would like to know more about confession of sin, I understand that we as sinners need to confess ... A: Charles: Excellent question and one that has bothered people for some time. Martin Luther, in fact ... | |
| Marriage | 11/13/2007 |
| Q: I have been baptized since I was a baby and was raised in the ELCA church. I am now engaged, but my ... A: Abbi: First, let me congratulate you on your engagement and upcoming wedding. Second, you should ... | |
| Yearly Pledge on Loyalty Sunday | 11/4/2007 |
| Q: I find it difficult to fill out my pledge card each year. I try to be as generous as possible every ... A: Carol: Thank for your question. I have always viewed our financial stewardship pledge as a covenant ... | |
| what you believe concerning: | 11/2/2007 |
| Q: I was told that catholics and lutherans believe in ghosts, you know spiritual beings that are the ... A: Robert: Thank you for your seasonally timely question. While I cannot specifically speak for Roman ... | |
| Attending a service | 10/30/2007 |
| Q: I was raised Catholic and my fiance was raised Lutheran and Baptist. We are expecting our first ... A: Kelly: First, let me express my congratulations on both the impending birth of your child and of ... | |
| God punished nations | 10/22/2007 |
| Q: Can you explain the idea that in the Old Testament God punished nations collectively for sinfulness ... A: Bruce: I am sorry that I have been delayed in my response—I forgot to turn on the “vacation” ... | |
| Lutheran Churches are so plain inside | 10/17/2007 |
| Q: Why are Lutheran Churches so plain inside? Other than the stained glass windows and the Cross at ... A: Carol: You know, I have often wondered that myself. First, let me say that my experience has been ... | |
| Unaltered Augsburg Confession | 10/14/2007 |
| Q: I have read several references to the 'Unaltered Augsburg Confession'. Was there ever an altered or ... A: Stuart: You raise a great question; most people do not notice the "unaltered" part. Yes, there have ... | |
| scripture | 10/10/2007 |
| Q: Could you please explain Matthew 16:19 to me. Also, is this scripture meant only for Pastors? ... A: Bridget: Thank you for your question. Matthew 16:19 has been a source of much discussion over the ... | |
| Heaven & Hell | 10/5/2007 |
| Q: It is my understanding that those who have no knowledge of Jesus or have not had the opportunity to ... A: Carol: Great question. While the Bible speaks of Jesus being the “only way to the Father”, it is ... | |
| Protestants | 10/3/2007 |
| Q: Are Lutherans Protestant? You do believe in Jesus, don't you? Is your religion based entirely on ... A: Deb: Sorry for the delay. Luther felt that stricter criteria were needed to determine which ... | |
| Protestants | 10/1/2007 |
| Q: Are Lutherans Protestant? You do believe in Jesus, don't you? Is your religion based entirely on ... A: Deb: Thank you for your question. Yes, Lutherans are Protestants; we are, as it were, the ... | |
| Marriage | 9/26/2007 |
| Q: My husband and I are already married and we want to renew our vows. We believe in God but we don't ... A: Karen: First, let me pass on my congratulations for your renewal of marriage vows! You raise a ... | |
| degrees of reward in heaven | 9/20/2007 |
| Q: I am confused about this statement. If there are degrees of reward in heaven, does that mean that ... A: Carol: Thank you for your follow up question. I am sorry if I added to your confusion in any way. ... | |
| degrees of reward in heaven | 9/19/2007 |
| Q: I am confused about this statement. If there are degrees of reward in heaven, does that mean that ... A: Carol: You raise a great question. In Second Corinthians 12: 2, Paul talks about being “caught up ... | |
| hey | 9/16/2007 |
| Q: hey guys like clothic's? i have another are you guys like the wells lutheran Syond? A: Andre: Thank you for your question. The WELS Lutherans are very different from the ELCA. The WELS ... | |
| Holy Ghost (Spirit) | 9/5/2007 |
| Q: How does one explain the Holy Spirit in literal terms? A: Carol: Please pardon me for the delay; I seem to have some difficulties with my computer and ... | |
| lutheran religion | 8/31/2007 |
| Q: when did lutheran religion originate A: Ryan: Thank you for your question. The Christian denomination known as "Lutheranism" began in ... | |
| Mark of Cain | 8/23/2007 |
| Q: Please tell me what the "mark of Cain" refers to. Thank you. A: Carol: Great question. I am not really certain if we can know exactly what that was, since the ... | |
| Lutheran Practices | 8/22/2007 |
| Q: my husband and I just joined a Lutheran Church. My son goes to a Lutheran school so we decided to ... A: Valorie: Responding to the question, “How do Lutherans and Roman Catholics differ?” can literally ... | |
| temple | 8/15/2007 |
| Q: Martin Imediately after Jesus died, the curtain at the entrance to the holy of holys in the temple ... A: Bob: First let me apologize for the delay. I forgot to se my account of "vacation" mode and missed ... | |
| Baptism | 8/10/2007 |
| Q: What is your view of the requirements of baptism in the Lutheran Church. I have recently remarried ... A: Alexis: Thank you for your question. Certainly, there are no hard and fast requirements for being ... | |
| Jesus Christ the only way to heven? | 8/2/2007 |
| Q: How does the Lutheran church view Jesus as the only way into heaven? I as because my Dad was raised ... A: Glenn: Thank you for your question. If you father was raised in the Lutheran church, I am almost ... | |
| ELCA MSynod ect | 8/1/2007 |
| Q: What does it meanwhen a Lutheran Pastor declares that evangelical pastors embrace a decision ... A: Shane: Thank you for your question. When a Lutheran pastor speaks of “decision theology” he or she ... | |
| marriage | 7/30/2007 |
| Q: I married a man in 6 months of knowing him,(not smart I know)now I see we are not compatable. He ... A: Donna: I am very sorry for you situation. I hesitate giving you advice online on this matter. I ... | |
| sign of the cross etc. | 7/29/2007 |
| Q: Happy day of the Lord! I would like to ask you a question about the practice of the sign of the ... A: Lutherans are encouraged to use the sing of the cross in rememberance of their baptism. Not all do ... | |
| Bible | 7/28/2007 |
| Q: Martin Is the bible the inerrant word of God? thanks ... A: Bob: You raise and old question from a long debate over inerrancy. For myself, I have worked ... | |
| Bible | 7/27/2007 |
| Q: Martin Is the bible the inerrant word of God? thanks ... A: Bob: I would not say that the Bible is inerrant, no. I will not say that the Bible is infallible, ... | |
| Communion Procedures | 7/17/2007 |
| Q: I was baptized a Primitive Baptist when I was 13. My family only attended church a few times after ... A: Vickie: Thank you for your questions. Please don’t feel embarrassed or intimidated—there’s a lot ... | |
| the 10 commandments | 6/16/2007 |
| Q: What do does the luthern church believe about the fourth commandment? Does the church preach to ... A: Haley: Thanks for your question. I am sorry that it has taken me a few days to answer, I have been ... | |
| WELS | 6/4/2007 |
| Q: Would you say that WELS is the most orthodox of the Lutheran churches? How many different Lutheran ... A: Rose: I have been out of the office for many days, sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I ... | |
| Lutheran writings | 5/30/2007 |
| Q: Do Lutherans have a main source of writings? like the Bible or have sacred writings? and did Martin ... A: Nancy, I have been out of the office for a number of days; sorry it has taken me so long to answer ... | |
| Martin Luther's Book on Free Will | 5/25/2007 |
| Q: I love to read Martin Luther's works such as his commentary on Romans. I started to read his book ... A: Ann: Thank you for your question. The issue of Free Will and Luther’s understanding of it is one ... | |
| My Lutheran Wedding | 5/23/2007 |
| Q: I am Catholic and my future husband was raised Baptist so when we began planning our wedding, we ... A: Andrea First, let me say that I am so sorry to hear of your difficulties. Weddings are emotionally ... | |
| ELCA vs PC USA | 5/16/2007 |
| Q: I was raised in the ELCA. We now go to a Presbyterian USA church. I am confused about the ... A: Ann: Thanks for your question. The terms, “reformed” and “evangelical” can be confusing especially ... | |
| American Lutheran Church verses Missouri Synod | 5/7/2007 |
| Q: I have been a member of the American Lutheran Church all my life. My wife was Methodist. We could ... A: Tom: Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay; I have been distracted by some other ... | |
| Lutheran Wedding Plans for a Catholic | 5/6/2007 |
| Q: I was born and raised Catholic, and have been a practicing Catholic my entire life. My fiance is ... A: Isabel: I am sorry for the delay in answering, I have been distracted by other matters the past ... | |
| Antichrist | 4/30/2007 |
| Q: Is it true that the Lutheran church teaches that the pope is the antichrist? A: No, it is definitely not true that the Lutheran church teaches that the Pope is the anti-Christ. It ... | |
| prayer | 4/29/2007 |
| Q: I am examining prayer in the eyes of Paul Tillich for a religion class and I am having a little ... A: I am not certain I can anwer this. Although I studied Tillich a my "main" theologian in Seminary ... | |
| Lutheran thology reference | 4/27/2007 |
| Q: Can you recommend a reference book on Lutheran Theology? I teach an adult Sunday School class for ... A: Bruce: Good question. A good, handy, concise book on Lutheran Theology has been unfortunately hard ... | |
| Canon of Old Testament | 4/26/2007 |
| Q: Can you point me to the writings of Martin Luther where he gave his justification for his version of ... A: I am going to pint you in the diurection of Luther's "Preface to the Old Testament"(1523, revised ... | |
| Single-predestination and a question about the Spirit | 4/22/2007 |
| Q: I have this quote "The Spirit of God moves where it will." Can you explain the biblical references ... A: Joan: Thank you for your question. I hope my answer is what you are looking for. I notice your ... | |
| lcms member whose has a good question.. | 4/19/2007 |
| Q: I belong to a lcms church and we are now looking for a new pastor. Right now we have visiitng ... A: Stephanie: Great question. I am an ELCA pastor, so my answer will be very unofficial. My ... | |
| Communion ELCA and LCMS | 4/19/2007 |
| Q: I just recently learned that we had some visitors attending our church for several Sunday services. ... A: Carol: Let me start by saying that I am an ELCA pastor, so my immediate answer will be, “Of course ... | |
| language | 4/13/2007 |
| Q: Was the Bible originally written in Greek or Latin? Either way, since no one currently fluently ... A: Jon: Thank you for your clarification on my misquotation of you. I understand your point and the ... | |
| language | 4/12/2007 |
| Q: Was the Bible originally written in Greek or Latin? Either way, since no one currently fluently ... A: Jon: You raise excellent points and I don’t think that you are being negative at all, just ... | |
| language | 4/12/2007 |
| Q: Was the Bible originally written in Greek or Latin? Either way, since no one currently fluently ... A: Jon: Thank you for your question, it raises an important point about how we read and seek to ... | |
| theology | 4/12/2007 |
| Q: I am a recent new member to the elca and was wondering where can i get some theology books for lay ... A: Shane: Here are some suggestions. The best is a book written in 1972 by Gerhard Forde (pronounced ... | |
| Who is responsible? | 4/10/2007 |
| Q: I was on the Eastern Orthodox forum and one of the experts on this forum stated that "the Jews ... A: Rose: Thank you for your question, it raises a sticky point in the history of Christianity and our ... | |
| First Communion | 4/9/2007 |
| Q: At what age do children of the Lutheran Church begin to take communion? What is the process they ... A: Shelli: Thank you for your question. With in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) the ... | |
| Pastor's financial support | 4/5/2007 |
| Q: How does a congregation support the pastor, such as salary, health insurance, home, etc.? If the ... A: Carol: Thank you for your question. Most often, the local congregation does support the pastoral ... | |
| Difference between Catholic and Luthern Religion | 4/2/2007 |
| Q: My son is approaching this first communion in our church. He has ask me the diffence between ... A: LaDetra Thank you for your question, I am sorry it took me a while to get back to you-- this has ... | |
Lutherans
Answers by Expert:
Martin W. Eldred
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I have been a Lutheran Christian for 51 years and a Lutheran pastor for almost 23. 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.
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