Rediscovery

I've listened to many voices. I've read the books. I've delved into the thoughts of many brilliant and eloquent people (mostly theologians) who have succeeded in shining bright lights on subjects I've known little or nothing about. I've had conversations with minds brighter than mine in areas of Biblical interpretation, theology, and sociology. I gave an ear to parachurch groups that have the best of intentions. I am truly grateful for everything I've learned and experienced. I've been granted knowledge beyond what I thought I was capable of.

I don't consider myself a very deep thinker. I'm not very good at "painting pictures". I'm most definitely a pointer. But I have been granted the ability to point at and identify things that I haven't been able to identify before. I have too many people to thank for their thoughts and perspectives that have been truly helpful in the ongoing formation of this clergyman.

After wading through and distilling all of the information packed into the gray matter between my ears-- not that I'm done, mind you (I'm probably still looking at the tip of a very large iceberg)-- I have been led to a place I didn't expect, and yet I'm not too surprised that it's where I've ended up.

That place is Lutheranism. With apologies to Teilhard de Chardin, I've rediscovered fire! I truly believe that the one church body that is best equipped to deal with the changes and chances of this postmodern transition is the Lutheran church. Here's why:

1) Its emphasis on grace. Grace must prevail.
2) Its depth as expressed in its doctrine, practice, liturgy, and hymnody.
3) Its suspicion of any system that tries to inculcate works as a path to forgiveness or that introduces abstractions or speculation.
4) Its sacramental theology that gives concreteness to the faith it professes.

I'm glad I'm a Lutheran, and I'm glad to have rediscovered this faith which is so profound in its simplicity.