The Lutheran Journey Begins in a Land of Freedom

what the official policy was. The synod appealed to Christiana (present day Oslo) for an answer. The problem? Norway never had slavery and never had to grapple with the question. By the time Christiana gave the Norwegian Synod an answer, the American Civil War was over, but the debate was still hot in the Norwegian Synod. Synods and synod leaders soon discovered that they had to study Scripture themselves to find answers to distinctly American debates.

Related to this was the need for education, especially in training pastors. The Old World couldn't be counted on to supply clergy. There were more immigrants coming from Europe than there were pastors. Quite frankly, most clergy in Europe were set, in the payroll of the government, and in no need to seek "opportunity." Given a choice, would you choose civilization-or untamed wilderness? The colonies and the young American nation also did not have the resources for education. Lutherans were quick to supply education, not only of the Bible, but of secular education to raise Christians who were also intelligent and productive members of society. Today there still exists thousands of Christian Day Schools and dozens of high schools, colleges, and seminaries to carry out the education of Lutherans and non-Lutherans alike.

Living in a Land of Opportunity

God has also blessed American Lutherans within a capitalistic system. Many successful Lutherans have contributed significantly to the work of the church and the benefit of society. Marvin Schwann, of Schwann's ice cream fame, is known not only for the yellow trucks bearing a picture of a swan, but of also donating vast sums for new mission fields and for expanded educational opportunities at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota.

Lutherans helped develop some of the earliest hospitals in our nation's history. Froederdt Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee is one example of this work. (To be honest, however, Catholics started many more hospitals than Lutherans did.)

Lutherans took the lead in education. Luther himself believed that an educated Christian benefited not only the church but society as well. American Lutherans placed a high premium on education as well. Check the links with this topic and see the proliferation of high schools and colleges.

This July Fourth I will celebrate my heritage as an American citizen of German descent (as well as other nationalities). I will also remember my Lutheran heritage and its role in this great Republic. As

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4 5

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic