How Can This Forum Improve?

[Peter Debelak]

Originally Posted by Ohio

But for those, as you say, who are sleeping peacefully in the LC's, and do not have an "inner nag" bothering them, I have no delusions that a million forums would affect them. They have been successfully "inoculated" as they say, and if their spiritual needs are being met, then I am truly happy for them. There's no such thing as a perfect church; many are far worse than the Recovery; and some of the LC's are actually quite decent, as I have been told.

I have lived in both Cleveland and Anaheim. In both I have seen the "true believers (in the LC)" and the "true believers(in finding Christ)."

There are many I know, even neck deep in "LSM churches" who approach their faith quite simply. Enjoyment of Christ is not just a "pill" to eat - but an engagement with their savior in their life. The "church life" is not just "speaking the same thing" etc... but rather a mutual concern over the lives of their brothers and sisters. Sure, they are exposed to the arguments around "leadership" and "oneness" and "dissenting ones." But they keep doing what they were doing before the argument arose. Seeking to find CHrist in their lives and caring for those around them.

I will add that these ones I speak of are either 1) second generation who lost their faith, but then regained it through trevail; 2) first generation who found a way of living that completely awakened them in contrast to their former life.

I do not know many second generation who haven't had a crisis of faith - wherein they had to choose their faith - who are simple in this way. Most who persist in their faith simply based on upbringing generally care very much about the "elitist" type doctrines. I was guilty of this for many years. These seem to be the most zealous ones.

This is, of course, a very broad observation - but its borne out at least in this limited experience.

Point is, if people genuinely engage with God, it may not lead them out of a flawed situation - they might just find God right there in all His multifarious wisdom and varied grace.

My great uncle was a Lutheran scholar. He once explained that he knew all the ways in which the Lutheran church was not aligned with Scripture. He would write and speak to discuss these matters. But he couldn't leave. Because that's where, he said, God wanted Him.

None of this is to say that we don't speak out concerning error or abuse. You speak it out, but perhaps judgement is for Someone else.

Just some scattered thoughts...

Thanks all for these posts. Very encouraging.

Peter