Category Archives: Lutheranism

The Proper Care and Feeding of Essential Theology

Posted on January 21, 2019 by Matt

Blogger’s note: This is the prose version of a recent talk I gave at my church’s recent congregational retreat where we considered the subject of change in the Church.  It’s intended for a lay audience with varying levels of education.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Gospel, Law, Lutheranism, The Modern Church, Tradition | 2 Comments

Whose Morality Have We Been Teaching?

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Matt

Lately, Dalrock has been getting me thinking about the negative impact of chivalry on Christians’ understanding of sexual morality. One of the key parts of the idea is that the false but ubiquitous belief that sex is legitimated by romance … Continue reading →

Posted in Chastity, Christian Youth, Culture, Lutheranism | 5 Comments

When Devotionals Attack

Posted on January 3, 2019 by Matt

I have a confession to make: I’ve never been a big fan of devotionals. As instructional material, I usually find them both shallow and unnecessarily flowery. As inspirational material, they usually feel emotionally manipulative. And as material that is supposed … Continue reading →

Posted in Gospel, Law, Lutheranism, Theological Liberalism, Theological Pietism, Theology | 8 Comments

The Importance of Properly Characterizing Abuse

Posted on November 3, 2018 by Matt

I had a long Facebook conversation with a Lutheran about headship and abuse this past week. It went the way conversations challenging dominant paradigms usual go: a distinct lack of thoughtful engagement with the critique. It likewise ended the usual … Continue reading →

Posted in Feminism, Lutheranism, The Modern Church, Theology | 8 Comments

Great Stuff: What does the LC-MS document “When Homes are Heartless” Mean?

Posted on October 22, 2018 by Matt

Some temptations are stronger than others. This is particularly true when it comes to a temptation towards worldliness, which often has many layers to it. Sometimes it’s just as simple as a desire to fit in with the world rather … Continue reading →

Posted in Feminism, Lutheranism, The Modern Church | 3 Comments

Stop Wielding “Best Construction” Against Propriety and Ethics

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Matt

It looks like a scandal of sorts has cropped up in LCMS circles, as it’s being reported that Concordia St. Paul, under the leadership of President Ries, sold a property to Susie Ries Interiors (operated by President Ries’ wife) which … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Lutheranism | Leave a comment

A Missionary’s Positions

Posted on January 9, 2018 by Matt

We had a guest speaker at my church this past Sunday—a missionary who spoke to us about mission—both the specific program he oversees and the broader task of making disciples of all nations given to the Church. He gave everyone … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Theology, Tradition | 4 Comments

Probably Because You Aren’t Preaching It

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Matt

At least, that’s my best guess after reading Why Are You Asking For More Law? In it, a Lutheran pastor briefly recounts a time when he was approached by some scare-quoted “pillars of the congregation” who were scare-quoted “very concerned” … Continue reading →

Posted in Gospel, Law, Lutheranism, Theological Pietism | 1 Comment

Why Lutherans Sing

Posted on September 26, 2015 by Matt

A few weeks ago, the adult Bible Study that I teach started a new topic:  the historic liturgy used in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.  We’ll be going through it step-by-step from beginning to end and taking an in-depth look at … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Theology, Tradition | 1 Comment

Did Jesus Destigmatize Sin?

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Matt

Last week, I had a piece on The Federalist about the destigmatization of racism. In it, I argued that despite the way we have been raised to think of racism as the ultimate evil—the closest thing to a moral absolute … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Law, Lutheranism | Leave a comment