Social Issues
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,who loved me and gave himself for me." - Galatians 2:20
"But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do." - James 1:25 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14 |
Creeds |
Lutherans teach that a creed, as the word itself implies (credo -- I believe), is simply a statement of what one believes; that every professing Christian has a creed whether he admits it or not; that a true creed is not an addition to the Bible, but only a necessary emphasis of the truth against those who misuse the Bible for the support of their false teachings; and that without a creed a church will be engulfed in a flood of errors. References. -- 1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 10:32.
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Religion & Science |
Lutherans teach that since God, who has revealed Himself in the grandeur and complexity of the universe which he created, is the same God of mercy and love in the redeeming work of Christ the Savior, there can be no lasting conflict between true science and the truths of the Bible. Evolutionary theories and philosophies denying God's place in the universe or attempting to negate His saving and sanctifying revelation are rejected. Science can be and has been a means of God's manifold blessing upon the human race. References. -- Psalm 8:3,4; 19:1; Hebrews 1:10: 11:3; Genesis 1:28
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Church Union
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Lutherans teach that the divided state of the visible Christian church is a deplorable condition, for which, however, not the supporters of divine truth, but the teachers and upholders of false doctrines are responsible; that there can be outward union without inward unity of faith; and that the hope for a united Christianity will become a reality just as soon as all professing Christians have become one in rejecting all error and accepting every doctrine set forth in the Word of God. References. -- Romans 16:17; Ephesians 4:3-6.
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Religious Education
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Lutherans teach that the religious education of the young is the task, not of the state, but of the home and of the church; that it is proper for the church to organize Christian day schools and devise such other agencies as will assist parents in bringing up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; and that Christian parents owe it to themselves, their children, their church, and their country to cooperate in activities undertaken for the Christian education and training of children and young people. References. -- Mark 10:14; John 21:15; Ephesians 6:4.
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Church & State
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Lutherans teach that the American principle providing for the separation of church and state is in harmony with the spirit and letter of the Bible; that, therefore, the enforcement of civil laws is the business of the state and not of the church; that the church addresses itself to the human heart and operates, not through compulsion, but by persuasion; and that interference of church and state in each other's affairs cannot but result in religious persecution and the destruction of free government. References. -- John 18:36; Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:1-7.
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Divorce |
Lutherans teach that the marriage bond must be kept inviolate; that before God no divorce is valid except in cases of fornication or malicious desertion; and that the present tendency to make light of engagements and marriage vows results in immeasurable harm to the home, the children, the church, the state - in fact, to the whole structure of human society. In cases of marital strife, it is far better for husband and wife to strive to forgive, reconcile, and keep their marriage vows. Divorce should be considered only after all good efforts to reconcile have been exhausted. References. -- Matthew 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7:15.
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