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Why We Left Lutheranism--Upholds Denominationalism


© Claude A. Guild & John L. Hoh, Jr.

Jul 27, 2001


The Lutherans teach there is "one church" but that it is made up of various communions - Methodist, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, etc. "The word 'church' is commonly used to designate the various divisions in the communion of saints. We speak of the Roman Catholic Church, the Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church, and a host of others. In a book entitled, The Religious Forces of the United States, an official of our government has listed forty-two general Christian denominations besides a number of smaller independent bodies. Yet, strictly speaking, there is not that number of Christian churches. THESE FIGURES INDICATE RATHER THE DENOMINATIONAL GROUPS INTO WHICH THE ONE CHRISTIAN CHURCH IS DIVIDED...These different denominations exist because of differences in their doctrines" (W. L. B. by Schramm, p. 114).

Lutherans would have the church of the Lord divided into various denominations but when I consult Paul, the Apostle, see what he says: "Now I beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been signified unto me concerning you, my brethren, by them that are of the household of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos: and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized into the name of Paul?" (I Corinthians 1:10-13).

During the time of inspired men there were no institutions such as the Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic and Presbyterian churches. In fact, there were none of the denominations of today. The church you read about in the Bible is the Lord's church.

The word "church" is used in two senses in the Bible; the universal and the local sense (Matthew 16:16 and I Corinthians 1:2). In speaking of the "called out" in every nation the word church was used meaning the church universally. If a writer referred to the church in a given community it meant the local congregation. Never can we read of different denominations, having different founders, doctrines and creeds.

To believe in denominationalism would be to make "sport" of Jesus' prayer in John 17:20,21: "Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be ONE; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou didst send me." Jesus prayed for oneness. Paul said, "There is one body" (Ephesians 4:4). He declared the body was the church (Ephesians 1:22).

Salem Lutheran, Milwaukee
   

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The copyright of the article Why We Left Lutheranism--Upholds Denominationalism in Lutheranism is owned by Claude A. Guild & John L. Hoh, Jr.. Permission to republish Why We Left Lutheranism--Upholds Denominationalism in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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