OFB Community Mailing Lists

[Timothy R. Butler]

Hello Christopher,
> Just to be clear. This is a faith issue with me. I am, as I have 
> stated before, a CONFESSIONAL LUTHERAN. I just posted the ENTIRE 
> contents of the Augsburg Confession on my web page. This, along with 
> the creeds and some of the other links, will give a good formal 
> overview of what I believe.
[...]
> http://kf6snj.tripod.com/confession.html


	I don't understand why this is a faith issue, perhaps you can explain. 
Personally, I believe Chrysostom said on the issue of doctrine: "In 
essentials, unity. In non-essentials, charity.  In all things, Jesus 
Christ." This goes with the CS statement of faith: we are to keep the 
bonds of peace.

	As you can see from the statement of faith, every member of this list 
has affirmed the historical, Biblical tenets of Christianity. Thus we 
are all brothers and sisters in Christ, confessing a Biblical set of 
beliefs. That is, I might not agree with you 100% on Lutheran doctrine 
(I'm more Presbyterian or Baptist in leanings) that isn't what is 
important. What is important is that we agree that Jesus Christ was 
born of a virgin, lived, suffered, died for our sins, was physically 
resurrected, appeared to the apostles (last of which being Paul) and 
ascended into heaven. You and I might disagree on the theological 
particulars of communion or whether there is a rapture or not -- but 
that stuff isn't the stuff that saves us. It is the grace that is 
freely given to us by, and only comes through, the death and 
resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

> For me to remain with the listserv, I will need not less than 12 
> people urging me to stay, otherwise, I feel it best that I leave.


	I'd have to agree with Ron and Greg on this one. I'm not keen on 
persuading people to stay or go. I don't *want* to see anyone go, but 
honestly, I don't even understand why you're talking about leaving, so 
urging to stay is another matter.

	All you've said is that you are leaving because you are a confessional 
Lutheran? We have other Lutherans here, in fact, one of our founders 
(who left due to time constraints) is an LCMS member. I have family 
that is LCMS as well (for that matter, my church's heritage includes 
some strong Lutheran influence), so I guess I'm a bit puzzled at the 
problem. If you feel this list is some how is weakening to your faith 
or some such though, that's certainly not a good thing.

	-Tim

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