Being right -- and being alright
Lutherans love Doctrine and Theology. Precise words, strong doctrine, careful definitions are precious things. We don't shy away from confessing the truth clearly and courageously. But here's something that threatens solid and sound pastoral practice: the love for being always right. That's can become a problem not just for ourselves, but also for the people we serve. We can never change Doctrine. But we can always talk, discuss and progress in Theology in the pastoral and congregational practice. As Orthodoxy is something defined and unified, Orthopraxy can be varied and open to discussion. That is because Theology is not always a matter of “either/or”, but rather, of “both/and”. Therefore, we can be right. And we can be alright. Let me explain. Confessional Lutherans, especially pastors and theologians, are often trained to sniff out heresy in every single sound bite of theological conversations from some miles away—or at least we think we are. That can create certain...
