UnLutheran, Part Two

Is a layperson or a group of laypeople able to read the account of Daniel and the Lion's Den and not fall into serious theological error? Is it possible to evaluate the account of the Tower of Babel (or any other Bible story, for that matter) without the guidance of a trained theologian?

Bottom line: who can read the Bible safely?

You may recall that, in part one of this blog post, I mentioned a doctrinal reviewer's comment that reading and expressing opinions about Bible stories without a trained theologian present may lead readers into dangerous theological errors. Okay. That may happen. But is it possible that it wouldn't happen? In fact, doesn't the reviewer's opinion push very hard against the Biblical doctrine of the Scriptures? Let's take a look:

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone):
• Their efficacy: Being wary about laypeople "messing" with the Scriptures shifts the emphasis of the Word of God from being HIS living Word, powered by the Holy Spirit, to being a Word dependent on human control. True, correct teaching is essential, but the Word is that which contains the power to bring truth, produce faith, and lead someone into correct understanding. Laying down the law that a trained theologian must be present militates against the Scriptures themselves and denies the access to the Scriptures won during the Reformation.

• Their sufficiency: The Bible contains everything needed to make us "wise unto salvation" (2 Timothy 3:15). While the pastoral office is divinely created and essential to God's plan for the church, it is not lord over the Word of God and it doesn't exclude the Scriptural doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. The Bible can do the job God intended it to do.

• Their perspicuity: The Bible is clear enough so that every reader and hearer can understand God's truths. As Edward Koehler said, this teaching is "over and against the view that the Scripture is obscure, waiting for a priest and Pope, theologian and council, to demonstrate its real meaning" (p. 14, A Summary of Christian Doctrine).

Trouble always results when fear and control take the wheel of Christ's Church. Biblical balance gets lost. The doctrine sought to be protected becomes corrupted and denied. When fanaticism takes command, the fanatic creates layers of human-created teaching that eventually obscures and destroys Biblical doctrine.

Making Bible stories off limits to regular laypeople causes the heart of Lutheranism to crumble. Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Sola Scriptura get left in the dust. Suddenly, the voices that cry out for pure Lutheranism become unLutheran.

UnLutheran, Part One

Recently I received comments about a simple Bible study I submitted for doctrinal review. The Bible Study asked participants to read a specified Bible Story at each gathering, reflect on it, try to find Jesus in it, and discuss what it meant then and in their lives now. The point of the Bible Study was to get people into the Word of God, build their Biblical literacy and understanding, practice applying Scriptural truths to their lives, and reach out to others with the Word of God. Something our society needs these days--or so I thought.

The assertion of the reviewer was that the study wasn't Lutheran because it did not mention Law, Gospel or the sacraments. In addition, the reviewer commented, the study could lead the participants into dangerous errors. Without a trained theologian leading the way, the people studying the Bible stories might not be able to make their way through questions they have.

After reading the comments, I was struck how Lutheranism has become so un-Lutheran. Some of the doctrines that seem to be lost or crumbling are:

Sola Gratia (Grace Alone):
In his book "Here We Stand," Herman Sasse asked the question, "What does it mean to be Lutheran?" To be a Lutheran does not mean to focus on a hero (Luther) or a nation (Germany). It does not mean to be a product of a historical movement (the Reformation) or a cultural shift (the enlightenment). Lutheranism is not simply an expression of morals or knowledge or religious practice or observance of God's law. The heart of Lutheranism is the Gospel of the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. As I observe Lutherans trying to get the "buzzwords" correct, but forgetting to teach and apply those words from the divine source (the Scriptures), I see a pathway leading to works righteousness. The mention of the phrase "word and sacraments" earns the stamp of approval (ex opera operato). These are means of grace, however. They are tools of God. There is a time for the craftsman to talk about his tools, but there is also a time for the craftsman to let the tools do the work. I hear much talk, but do not see a great deal of craftsmanship. I hear the buzzwords, but I don't see a great deal of trust in, or application of, the living Word that empowers them.

Sola Fide (Faith Alone):
It is no surprise that people crumble into a frightened legalism. That, after all, is the nature of the sinful flesh. Command and control usurp walking by faith. I grieve, however, when fear drains faith from the Lord's Church. Fear attaches the label "Law and Gospel" to everything in order to protect the Scriptures. Faith is confident that the Scriptures speak the Law and Gospel because that's what the Scriptures do! We have received that teaching from the Bible; we didn't invent it and unnaturally foist it upon the Bible. Fear keeps people away from studying the Bible without a trained theologian. Faith embraces the priesthood of all believers who are able not only to study the Word of God, but to teach it to others! Fear believes it has to protect God. Faith receives the gifts God gives and stewards those gifts. Are we being stewards or have we killed the son and taken over the vineyard?

The next installment will focus on how the doctrine of the Scriptures (Sola Scriptura) may be crumbling.