Lutheran   Central "Connecting Lutherans"
	"If Martin Luther Were Alive, He Would Be At the Purple Palace nailing...."
Home For Members For Pastors/Leaders Helpful Secular Sites Contact Us Suggest New Links Our Purpose Advertise on L/C Frequently Asked	I feel compelled to express my opinion and ask questions of the people who accused Pastor Benke of not being a "true LCMS Christian". These are excerpts from the actual document given to Rev. Benke from Wally Schulz: "In all of this I realize we in the LCMS have our own rules for living and working together" - which are man interpreted (man made) "I have tried to use the Scriptures as the final guide in adjudicating this case." - his own human interpretation "May God's living Word and Spirit enable and empower all of us to resolve this case in such a way that we will not be ashamed on the Final Day" - does he really mean he won't be ashamed of this? "Therefore, in situations such as the "Benke/Yankee Stadium" case, we must make absolutely certain that the human guidelines we work with (including all matters of Constitution and Bylaws) are clearly perceived by the greater church to flow naturally from the pure and true Word and will of God. Our Constitution and Bylaws are important. But these are God-pleasing only when their connection to His Word can be easily and compellingly seen by all who examine the procedure of adjudication in the Benke case. This is to say that ultimately, this case has been adjudicated, not on the basis of man's opinions, but on God's clear Word." - Can someone explain to me where in scripture this is? "The substantiated allegation of syncretism, not just in the eyes of the church, but primarily in the eyes of God" - I am speechless on this one "The allegations against Pastor Benke regarding unionism therefore flow from his worshipping together with those who deny the Bible-based Lutheran teachings of regenerative baptism, the real presence in Holy Communion, justification by grace through faith, etc. Representing these anti -Lutheran teachings at Yankee Stadium were one Methodist, one Reformed, two Roman Catholics, one Episcopalian, one Armenian, and one Greek Orthodox." - Where in scripture is this? "While the LCMS has always considered the above denominations to be Christian, l we have also always believed it to be most God-pleasing not to worship with those with whom we have basic differences in doctrine, 2 especially in the basic doctrines Jesus taught and the doctrines He has commanded us to maintain and to proclaim." I think the operative word here is"WE" not Christ " By President Benke's joining with other pagan clerics in an interfaith service (no matter what the intent might have been), a crystal clear signal was given to others at the event and to thousands more watching by C-Span. The signal was: While there may be differences as to how people worship or pray, in the end, all religions pray to the same God." This is a personal opinion. Besides wouldn't the Lutheran Hour be just as guilty of this if there radio program comes on right before another religious radio show. The non-Christian might think that the Lutheran Hour feels the same as the Baptist, Non-denom, etc. radio program. " To participate with pagans in an interfaith service and, additionally, to give the impression that there might be more than one God, is an extremely serious offense against the God of the Bible. In his explanation to the First Commandment in his Large Catechism Martin Luther writes, "Although these words are related to all the commandments, as we shall learn later, yet they are joined to the chief commandment because it is of first importance that a man's head be right." In other words, violation of the First Commandment is very serious since the First Commandment is the foundation of all other commandments. The allegations of the complainants in this case are substantiated in fact." This statement would come from a man made document not from God Himself. " The above listed allegations are serious, not only in man's eyes, but especially in the God's eyes. And I, Rev. Wallace Schulz, in stating that the above allegations of the complainants are substantiated in fact, realize that, I too, will someday be judged by God regarding my faithfulness in carrying out my responsibility in judging this case fairly and in a God-pleasing way (2 Corinthians 5:10).4 In other words, I regard this task of adjudication as a very serious matter in the sight of God"  - This doesn't same like the same God that I worship and rely on for my salvation. P.S. Good luck, Wally! " While there are certainly facts to weigh and judgments to be made, God's Word and Spirit must be considered as the final authority in resolving this issue. The Word and Spirit must be called on by all parties" Again, if this were true we wouldn't find ourselves in this pathetic situation. " Therefore, after thoroughly investigating this case on the basis of the allegations of the complainants, and especially, on the basis of God's revealed will I, Rev. Wallace Schulz, find the above allegations of the complainants to be substantiated, " Again, this doesn't sound like the same God I worship. Feel free to use any or all of the above excerpts. Final comment, if Martin Luther were alive today, he would be at the Purple Palace nailing his thesis on the door. This is exactly the situation that he was faced with when he was a Priest. Chris Miller