Carl Trueman argues that Christianity is going into a kind of cultural exile, and he tries to make the case that the church tradition best equipped to endure what awaits us is Reformed theology. Rod Dreher counters by making the case for why his own Eastern Orthodoxy is best equipped to carry Christianity through the exile. Roman Catholics are arguing that Roman Catholicism is.
But Mr. Dreher also called for people of other persuasions to make the case for their theological tradition. So, naturally, we Lutherans need to step up.
What about Lutheranism makes it best equipped to preserve historic Christianity through a time of cultural exile? After the jump, Mr. Dreher’s rules for the conversation, and my first stab at it.
From Rod Dreher, The Best Church For American Christianity In Exile | The American Conservative:
What I would like for us to focus on is the central question of Trueman’s essay: Which form of contemporary Christianity is best suited to living out the time of exile that is fast approaching American Christians?
I’d like readers to make the case for their own church as the best ark to carry us through the time of exile.
Before you answer, here are some guidelines.
First, if you dispute the premise that a time of exile is upon us — and I know some of you do — don’t bother posting. It will only distract from the discussion I want to have.
Second, for the sake of this discussion, set aside questions of strict ecclesiology. A faithful Catholic may believe that his church is likely to do a very poor job of providing sustenance in this particular exile, but he will not leave the Catholic Church because he believes that it is truly the Church founded by Christ. Likewise with Orthodox Christians and their church. Likewise with other churches. Set that question aside for the sake of this thought experiment.
Third, I would like your answer to focus, as Trueman does, on the positive aspects of your church’s doctrine and practice, related to the goal of holding onto a distinct and countercultural orthodox Christian identity through the exile, and passing it on to the next generation. You will have to implicitly, and perhaps explicitly, criticize other churches, but please keep it brief, light and charitable. Be constructive.
I’ll start: First, Lutherans embrace a theology of the Cross that makes “cultural success” irrelevant, which, along with the doctrine of the Two Kingdoms, will help in a time of cultural hostility, indifference, and the powerlessness of the Church.
Second, Lutheranism upholds the best of Catholicism (the spirituality of the sacraments) and Protestantism (the spirituality of the Word).
Third, Lutheranism upholds the best in the various strains of Catholicism (that of Rome and the Orthodoxy of the East) and the various strains of Protestantism (the “grace only” of the Reformed and the “unlimited atonement” of the Arminians; the Bible preaching of the Baptists and the supernatural incursions of the Pentecostals [which Lutherans call Sacraments]).
Thus, Lutheranism can “hold together” the many diverse facets of Christendom.
Your turn.
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