tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712530471749964930.post1226391526658412501..comments2023-06-16T05:09:02.423-07:00Comments on your average pastor: A few brief thoughts--too long for a tweet, too short to stand on their ownJoseph BW Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10158272900007170551noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712530471749964930.post-8267492012072273132009-10-11T23:04:05.860-07:002009-10-11T23:04:05.860-07:00Hey Tracy--
The phantom Luther comment had to do ...Hey Tracy--<br /><br />The phantom Luther comment had to do with the whole concept that somehow a "confirmation" of baptism was somehow required in the Church--which made Luther shudder. Baptism didn't need another transaction later in life. He loved catechism, but hated the idea of confirmation being attached to it. The Lutheran Book of Worship tried to allow for for this distinction by not calling the rite "confirmation" but "Affirmation of Baptism." You can change the name all you want, but Baby Boomers will continue to recall their traumatic Saturday mornings in church basements, while their parents will fondly recall the benefits of discipline. I see very few congregations that have taken positive ownership of their baptismal promise education to young people. The topic is wrought with peril--but I love telling people that Luther didn't put together the Large and Small Catechism for use by pastors, but in the home.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-712530471749964930.post-18623563545291206162009-10-11T20:20:39.671-07:002009-10-11T20:20:39.671-07:001. Luther's unconfirmed comments on Confirmati...1. Luther's unconfirmed comments on Confirmation are intriguing, especially given his emphasis on the process of "catechism." Along the same lines as Luther's recommendation to "sin boldly." Definitely needs some context and explanation. look forward to hearing more! :)<br /><br />2. I thought that Jeanne, Phil, and Youth Group did a great job today conveying to the congregation a simple and great and important message. I want to see and hear more. Seems weird to me that we in the church seem to marginalize youth by making them nothing more than "the future" or "the problem," while the culture at large celebrates the "culture of youth" while marginalizing the young. Not sure I have a much better comment on this, at least not one I can cram into the space of a blog response!<br /><br />3. (a.) The funny and faithful Liberty is always a welcome addition to our services. (b.) Your sermon series titles sound intriguing, especially the "Bible Stories From the Birth of Jesus." Most people think that there are only two stories of the birth of Jesus in the gospels (Matt and Luke), but I insist that there are actually five - maybe more. Ask me sometime!<br /><br />4. I have followed the Christianity 21 Conference somewhat haphazardly on Twitter and have also found it interesting. One problem though: I think the "gnostic" tendencies of some speakers are an ancient and continual issue for Christianity. Perhaps we need a better understanding of what "gnosticism" entails. This to is too big a subject for a blog comment. <br /><br />5. And finally, a prayer goes out for your daughters to get well! And one for you to stay well!<br /><br />Peace!Tracy Fitzgeraldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04796003789416130271noreply@blogger.com