I write this on the Feast of the Epiphany, which is the celebration of the birth of Christ “epiphanied” –manifested – to the Gentiles. One of the themes of this celebration could be stated as “bringing in the outsiders.” Over the centuries prior to Christ’s birthGod had spoken to the descendants of Sarah and Abraham […]
Why the ELCA Should Uphold Traditional Christian Sexual Ethics
Though it was one of the last things I really wanted to do, I felt obligated to argue for traditional Christian sexual ethics at two “dialogues” or “debates” sponsored by the Northern Illinois Synod and the Central/Southern Illinois Synod in November 2003. The task was made easier by the presence of Martha Stortz as a […]
Standing Between God and the World: Reclaiming the Priesthood
“The priesthood of all believers,” “the ministry of the baptized,” “the call of the baptized” All phrases and concepts for ministry that are rightfully the source of much conversation and reflection as we seek to order the ministry of the church for the 21st Century. These phrases and concepts can also be the source of […]
The Laity, Vocation, and the Church: A View From the Pew
We have been nourished with Word and Sacrament. We have received the benediction. A lone voice cries out, “Go in peace. Serve the Lord.” We respond, “Thanks be to God.” I always shout this response. Sometimes this shout is an affirmation. Moved by proclamation and fortified by the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, I […]
The Vocation of the Baptized and Good Works
Note: The following excerpts are from an article by the same name in Lutheran Forum,Vol. 29, No.4, November 1995. Used by permission. Over the centuries since the Reformation, Lutherans have proudly laid claim to the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers and that of Christian vocation. Luther, they declared, was the first Reformer to […]
The Path to Lambaréné
My interest in the life and thought of Albert Schweitzer as a guiding principle came via a circuitous route. For some time I had been aware of considerable social and economic change and turmoil in the world. It seemed to me that we, as a society, were losing what I call “mutual regard,” i.e., a […]
Jazz and Our Calling
In his congregation’s newsletter, Pr. Peter Marty of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, Iowa, describes being struck by the way a summer camp counselor spoke of her role as a “memory-maker for kids.” He comments that this young woman did not have a summer job, she had a calling—a wonderful experience that can happen to […]