Americans and Lutherans are NOT Perfect

In the aftermath of September 11, there have been elements speaking out against what is perceived as American wrongs committed throughout the world. Invariably, these elements will say that "America deserves what it got on September 11."

Ironically, I have heard the same charges leveled at Lutherans and Christians in general. We often don't act in a Christian manner. Thus, the reasoning goes, Lutheranism, or Christianity in general, is flawed and a bankrupt philosophy if its adherents are like everyone else.

To which I say, you're right. We have erred, we have sinned, we have fallen far short of perfection.

The United States certainly has a long history. For about a century the US government sought to eradicate Native Americans. Oh, sure, they made treaties, but is a treaty binding when made with a "savage?" (This was the argument presented to Emperor Charles V when Charles stood by his promise of safe conduct to Luther after the Diet of Worms: "Does the Emperor have to keep his word to a heretic?")

For several centuries Americans had the institution of slavery. Yes, we destroyed this "peculiar institution" before we celebrated our centennial, but the roots of slavery go way back.

For many years one could only vote if HE was a free white male, 21 or older, and owned land--and this in a so-called democracy!

Americans shunned German-Americans in World War I, detained Japanese-Americans in World War II, and practiced some rather brutal warfare in Vietnam.

On the Lutheran side, Lutherans must always answer for Luther's tirade on the Jews. (My personal take? Luther was human, he made an unfortunate error. There are other things he said and did that he may wish he could take back.)

We have Melanchthon who first was of one mind with Luther, but after Luther's death changed the Augsburg Confession to allow for unionistic practices. This action would result in confessional Lutheran churches proclaiming to follow the "Unaltered Augsburg Confession." You will see on older cornerstones the inscription UAC. That stood for "Unaltered Augsburg Confession."

And Lutherans have had some petty disagreements. It isn't hard for Lutherans to come up with a name or two of a pastor with a sinful lifestyle or gross sin. The argument could be made that the Lutheran doctrine doesn't seem to make much difference in the lives of its adherents.

First, don't overlook the positives. America came through with the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe and Japan after World War II. How many nations in history have helped their vanquished foes in such a manner?

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