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"Connecting Lutherans" |
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G.K Chesterton wrote, "The vices are, indeed let loose, and they wander
and do damage. But the virtues are let loose also; and the virtues
wander more wildly, and the virtues do more terrible damage. The
modern
world is full of the old Christian virtues gone mad. The virtues
have
gone mad because they have been isolated from each other and are
wandering alone. Thus some scientists care for truth; and their truth
is
pitiless. Thus some humanitarians only care for pity; and their
pity...is often untruthful."
This is an apt description that can be applied to Pres. Benke's
participation at Yankee stadium. I sense from his writings that Dr.
Benke is a compassionate man, and that is a fine virtue. Yet, that
compassion became an isolated virtue. It was isolated from the
application of full Biblical truth in regard to participation in the
polytheistic service at Yankee Stadium.
Pres.Benke, having erred in participating in a polytheistic service,
could have given a clear and bold witness of the Gospel. Instead,
he
obscured the Gospel. Secondly he could have presented Christ in such
a
way that He stood out as King of kings and Lord of lords. He did
not do
this. Thus, while his compassion is a virtue it was applied without true
confession. In the end, the compassion itself became a vice.
Based upon the Scripture, Confessions, and Constitution of Synod Dr.
Schulz had had no other choice but to find the complaints against Pres.
Benke "substantiated." Rather than criticize Dr.Schulz he should
be
commended. He is a man who is well known for his outreach with the
Gospel and compassion for the lost. Now he has shown courage in making
a
true confession of the faith under difficult circumstances. His
compassion for the lost has not been isolated from the true confession
of
the Gospel.
David Oberdieck, Pastor
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church
Lebanon, MO
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