Category Archives: The Modern Church

Moral Wisdom vs Adding to God’s Law

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Matt

“Where does it say that in the Bible?” When it comes to learning God’s Law, it can be a great question when asked in good faith–when one seeks Scriptural warrant for doctrinal assertions out of curiosity or skepticism or a … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Law, Lutheranism, The Modern Church | 5 Comments

The Sin of Partiality Explained

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Matt

Partiality in judging is not good. Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right” will be cursed by people, abhorred by nations, but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics, Law, Lutheranism, The Modern Church, Theology | Leave a comment

They Will Know Us By Our Love (and Hate Us For It)

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Matt

It’s always struck me as odd that many Christians will stake their eternal souls on Jesus’ promise of forgiveness while simultaneously doubting his promise that the world would hate us on his account. In many and various ways, we expect … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologetics, The Modern Church, Theology, Tradition | 1 Comment

Contending Against Critical Theory

Posted on March 28, 2023 by Matt

In Part One, we covered what Critical Theory is. In Part Two, we covered why the danger it poses is primarily spiritual rather than merely political or cultural. If you haven’t read those posts, read them before you go any … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Ethics, Feminism, Heresy, Humanism, Law, Lutheranism, Musings, Politics, The Modern Church, Theological Liberalism, Tradition, Vocation | 5 Comments

Critical Theory is Spiritual Poison

Posted on March 13, 2023 by Matt

Note: If you haven’t yet read Part 1 in this series, “Know Your Enemy: What is Critical Theory?” please do so first. Many Christian conservatives might be tempted to agree with my assessment of Critical Theory, but also relegate it … Continue reading →

Posted in Heresy, Lutheranism, Politics, The Modern Church, Theology, Tradition, Two Kingdoms | 1 Comment

Know Your Enemy: What is Critical Theory?

Posted on March 9, 2023 by Matt

I’ve been writing a lot about the tragedy unfolding in the LCMS lately: the false teachings included with Luther’s Large Catechism along with President Harrison’s response of blaming criticism on the “alt-right” all of whom he has declared worthy of excommunication. Since … Continue reading →

Posted in Feminism, Lutheranism, Natural Law, Politics, The Modern Church | 2 Comments

Excommunicating the Alt-Right

Posted on February 23, 2023 by Matt

In an age of squishiness from most church leaders, many rank-and-file Christians are eager for the day when their leaders take a clear an unequivocal stand on God’s Word. Nothing is more disappointing than when that day comes and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Politics, The Modern Church, Theology | 22 Comments

The Last Confession?

Posted on February 7, 2023 by Matt

As a child, I never really “got” the Nicene Creed. It was basically just the Apostles Creed, but it took a million hundred hours longer to recite on Communion Sundays. And the second article was particularly egregious. How many different … Continue reading →

Posted in Lutheranism, Musings, The Modern Church, Theology, Tradition | 3 Comments

Them’s Fightin’ Words

Posted on January 2, 2023 by Matt

Say what you will about the brutality of dueling, at least it was a mechanism which reminded men that their words have value–that they can be worth fighting over. As we sit and lament cancel culture, it may be tempting … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Ethics, Musings, The Modern Church | 3 Comments

Silencing God

Posted on December 13, 2022 by Matt

Arguments from silence are generally recognized as being weak, proceeding as they do from a lack of evidence rather than an abundance. But the most pathetic form of this argument–the weakling among weaklings–is when you actually have to create the … Continue reading →

Posted in Apologetics, Chastity, Culture, Ethics, Feminism, Law, Lutheranism, The Modern Church, Theology | 7 Comments