Sent: Monday, April 12, 2010 8:48 AM

Subject: Some Personal Perspectives

 

Dave, first and foremost I want to thank you and the path forward committee for all you have done to meet, study, debate, and recommend our path forward as a loving, caring community in Christ. No matter the decision reached by the members of FELC, valued individuals will find it necessary to leave. I will be one of those members should our congregation decide to continue supporting the ELCA. As I have studied the matters before me, my bound conscience prohibits me from belonging to the New Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This decision cuts me to my core as a life-long Lutheran.

  

Current Personal  Perspectives:

 

As I ponder this divisive issue, there are certain things I ask myself. Do I believe in Jesus Christ as the only son of God and whose authority has dominion over all the earth? Do I believe that the blood Jesus shed was for my redemption and a promise of everlasting life? If I believe these things, how is it that I believe? The answer is first in the Word of God, that is the Holy Bible. In Luther’s writings the Bible is referenced as the final authority, not to be interpreted by man to meet personal agendas. The answers also come in my personal relationship with Christ. The key word in the above sentence is personal. That personal relationship along with the Word bring me to my decision. The new agenda of the ELCA is diametrically opposed to where the Spirit leads me.

 

No matter where an individual stands on the social statements, the fact that there are even social statements to consider is a hindrance to any personal relationship with Christ. When organizations reach the level of bureaucracy that the ELCA has, political and personal agendas tend to prevail over divine spiritual light. I recently re-read both Lord of the Flies and The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire. There are several parallels to the current situation in the ELCA found in both stories. In both of these accounts, the power of man is ultimately defeated. This defeat is not without serious consequence. Throughout our Holy Bible the absolute power of man is met with destruction and defeat. Just look at the crucifixion. Man was convinced that they knew God better than God’s own son knew his Father. I suggest that we take a hard look at what the ELCA is doing to our spirits. Since August we have been peppered with words from all levels within this organization that say we have a choice to agree with their stand or not. Yet, each day there are more threats of disciplinary action, refusals to allow congregations to leave, and forced changes to how we deliver the Word of Christ. This leadership style is contrary to the teachings of Christ. Our church then becomes subject to the rules and authority of man, not the authority of Christ.

 

As I sit in church each Sunday under that cross that symbolizes the price Christ paid for my life, I wonder if it will be the last time. Each time I sing, I wonder if it will be my last in this beautiful church building. The agony I feel over this mandated alteration of my spiritual walk with Christ leaves me with both a sad heart and a renewed zest for keeping my church in Christ’s Holy Wings. It is my hope and prayer that the path forward committee is cautiously deliberating the overall control that the ELCA is exercising over each of our personal faith journeys and recommends that we sever our ties with this organization.