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Lutheran Central |
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NE Layman Calls Suspension "Blatantly Political" |
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The recent suspension of Dr.Benke is
blatantly political. It is further shameful that those pastors and congregations
bringing charges against him and that those of the Praesidiumsuspending him
are also blatantly hypocritical in hiding behind God, Scripture,constitution
and by-laws to justify their actions. This latest controversy further reinforces
the opinions of many that this church body is not run by
Dr. Benke's accusers would have us believe that they are the "defenders" of "pure" doctrine and of the "true" faith. The first century Jewish social world crystalized itself into a purity system of the "righteous"--those who were inside the purity system--and the "sinners"--those who were not. Jesus spent his ministry challenging this purity system. We read in the Gospels where He frequently ate with and associated with the sinners, the outcasts of this purity system. Jesus' compasson for all led him to welcome and include everyone--the poor, the maimed, women, the lepers, the tax collectors--that the purity system had rejected. This inclusiveness and compassion was one of the most distinguishing hallmarks of early Christianity. Remember Philip's ministry to the Ethiopian eunuch, who, because he was a eunuch, was excluded from full participation in the religious life of Israel. Remember also St. Paul's words from Galatians: "In Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female." Jesus' ministry witnessed to this boundary shattering truth: Be compassionate as God is compassionate. Have these accusers and judges of Dr. Benke forgotten, or, perhaps, never learned this central truth of Christianity?
Kim Loges
Zion Lutheran Church, LCMS
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