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Why We Left Lutheranism--They Walk By a Man-made Creed

© Claude A. Guild & John L. Hoh, Jr.

Like most Lutheran children, I was schooled from the catechism. My mother was zealous to see all her children confirmed. To meet the question asked by the minister before the congregation on the day of the confirmation, you must know the articles in the catechism. We were taught that the catechism would explain the Bible and make it possible for us to understand the Bible. Mr. W.E. Schramm says so: "It is intended as a help to study and understand the Bible. It is a systematic arrangement of Bible teachings. Because these doctrines are presented in groups, they are easy to lay hold of, and thus the word of study simplified." ("What Lutherans Believe," The Lutheran Book Concern, Columbus, Ohio, p. 14). In the same book Mr. Schramm says, "To aid in the study of God's Word, many Christians make use of a smaller handbook called a Catechism" (W. L. B. p. 13).

In investigating the Bible I found inspired men saying the Bible was all-sufficient and complete. "Every scripture of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work" (II Timothy 3:16,17).

To take the position Lutherans take, as expressed by Mr. Schramm, that we need Dr. Martin Luther's catechism to understand the Bible, challenges the intelligence of God. Think of it! God is the author of the Bible. Still it is necessary for a man by the name of Luther to explain what God wanted to explain. Too, God says, "Study to show thyself approved unto God" (II Timothy 2:15). If God intended for the command "to study" to have an aid, He would have legislated thus. But, be it remembered, God's commands need no crutch or cane to aid them. It they were needed He would have told us so. I could not subscribe to the Bible and to the catechism, hence another reason why I left the Lutheran church.

The Church throughout much of its history has subscribed to a creed. Historical documented evidence tell us that the Apostles' Creed was in use and known by Christians at the first turn of the century AD. In the fourth century the Nicene Creed was developed to clarify Christological doctrines. The Athanasian Creed came shortly after that to defend the doctrine of the Trinity.

These three creeds are considered ecumenical; that is, all Chritians of all time have accepted the beliefs expressed in these creeds. But rarely has anyone considered them inspired. Nicolai Gruntvig was one who considered the Apostles' Creed as inspired. Several Norwegian Lutheran churches had to rewrite their constitutions to remove this error.

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