A Warning to Lutherans to Avoid Evangelical Errors

I have noticed in certain strains of Evangelical Catholicism some tendencies which tend toward some of the same errors as American Evangelicalism. I don’t mean that we have suddenly started singing 7-11 choruses or having our Pastors preach on the latest popular movie in his “Jesus is my homeboy” t-shirt. However, I have noticed a certain strain of emotionalism and obsession with aesthetics which mimics that of mega church culture. Let me explain.

I have, for example, heard some Lutherans say that they “feel more worshipful” when the Pastor is wearing a chausable, or when incense is used during the service. This is then the justification for those practices. Or, I have heard of some who claim to be Lutherans simply because they appreciate the aesthetics of liturgy over dull evangelical worship styles. I have heard faithful Lutheran churches denigrated simply because they don’t have enough chanting during the service, or the Pastor chooses an alb and stole over a chausable. Is this not simply buying into the same emotionalism which drives evangelicalism? Stating that you feel God’s presence through the beauty of the liturgy, vestments, and church architecture, is not all that different from the concept of feeling God’s presence through the emotionally manipulating music. Sure, its a heck of a lot more classy than the contemporary version of it. I’m emotionally moved far more by Bach or Handel than Chris Tomlin or Michael W. Smith. However, the same error can be mimicked. 


I’m not saying that emotion shouldn’t be part of worship. The beauty of the liturgy is certainly one of the great benefits of being a Lutheran. Beautiful music does and should move us emotionally. Vestments and architecture do convey a sense of the presence of the Holy that isn’t present in many modern churches. However, there is a danger when this becomes the overriding concern. That which drives a Lutheran should be the gospel as presented in the Lutheran Confessions, and the administration of the sacraments. The beauty of the worship is a secondary concern. God is present just as much in the small country church with 20 congregants, a Pastor who can’t carry a tune, an organist who can’t play in an ugly sanctuary, as He is in a beautiful Cathedral full of candles, icons, and incense. 

I love high church services with all of the smells and bells. However, I think we have to be careful where our priorities lie. If I were to worship solely according to the beauty and emotion conveyed in worship, I’d be Eastern Orthodox, not Lutheran. But the central concern of ours should be the gospel, which is proclaimed more clearly in the Lutheran church than any other. That is what makes us Lutheran and should keep us Lutheran.