Category Archives: Lutheranism

Theological Pietism Part 2: What Is Theological Pietism?

Posted on November 1, 2013 by Matt

Part 1 of this series can be found here. So what do I mean by “theological pietism?” Well, the adjective modifies the noun, so let’s begin with ‘pietism.’ To put it briefly, pietism was a practice that grew out of … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Theological Pietism | 2 Comments

Theological Pietism Part 1: A Lesson from History

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Matt

As the name of this blog implies, I believe reformation is a continuing task in the Church. As a Lutheran, this is obvious when I look at the Church as a whole, for from the Lutheran perspective, most Christians depart … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Sanctification, Theological Pietism | 1 Comment

Why We Don’t Worship With You

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Matt

It’s not because “those are our rules.”  It’s because we believe our religion is actually true. That’s the long and the short of it.  And as shocking as the concept might be in a postmodern age, the fact that our … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism | 5 Comments

Rightly Understanding Good Works: Purpose vs. Substance

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Matt

To say that the value of our good works is their benefit to our neighbor is nothing more than an extension of the doctrine of justification.  Our works do not make us righteous before God–Christ has completely taken care of … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Lutheranism | Leave a comment

Sharing the Same Error: Some Thoughts on Medium & Message

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Matt

There are times when errors are so deeply ingrained in a culture that they show up on all sides of a hotly debated issue.  The result is often that two people who hold vehemently opposed positions do so because of … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, The Modern Church | Leave a comment

Preaching the Law vs. Preaching About the Law

Posted on July 25, 2012 by Matt

About a month ago, I posted a comment over at Brothers of John the Steadfast on a thread regarding legalism and a high view of the law.  The gist of the original post (with which I completely agree), is that … Continue reading →

Posted in Law, Lutheranism, Theological Pietism | Leave a comment

Let Exceptions Be Exceptions

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Matt

Perfection in design is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but rather when there is nothing more to take away. –Antoine de Saint-Exupéry As a software engineer, I can appreciate this statement.  Good engineering isn’t cluttered and … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Theology | Leave a comment

I Do Not Wish We Had Women’s Ordination

Posted on July 10, 2012 by Matt

Back in June, Rev. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, had a Q&A session at the Northwest district convention.  One of the questions (starting at 34:50)  was how he would explain the LCMS’ refusal to ordain women as … Continue reading →

Posted in Feminism, Lutheranism | 2 Comments

In Defense of Thomas Kinkade

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Matt

First, let me make it clear that I am not defending Thomas Kinkade’s artistic talent or sensibilities.  I am neither an art critic nor an art conisseur, and am entirely unqualified to make such a defense if, indeed, one is … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Lutheranism, Theological Pietism | 1 Comment

Sanctification is not the Think System

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Matt

Let’s begin by making one thing clear.  Some Christian communities apply a great deal of pressure on their members to take up the impossible task of making themselves more Christlike.  The gospel of self-improvement, of course, is not the Gospel … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Sanctification, Theological Pietism, Theology | 2 Comments