Robed Despotism

Totalitarian movements have long used the technique of silencing to stifle dissent on the part of their critics. Tales of jailed and deported protestors have been a staple of complaint about these regimes. In countries with a despotic rule it is not unusual to hear of seizure of the media to promulgate the agenda of those in charge. We readily and justifiably decry this in government but what about in the pulpit?

An article in the Wall street Journal caught my attention. Briefly, it concerns the cancellation of one of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s radio features broadcast on KFUO-AM in St Louis. The program, “Issues, etc.,” has been a venerable feature for the oldest run religious station in the nation for years and features guests of every denominational and political stripe. Interestingly, this development came during Holy Week and raised a huge level of concern among its faithful listeners.

The back story here is one with which Restorationists have great familiarity. Our Lutheran neighbors have been fighting within their organization for the preservation of the full Christian template as outlined in the scriptures and, as they see it, with those who would alter the message to one of social consciousness. The usurpers have come forth with a “Purpose Driven Church” approach to replace their emphasis on sacraments and liturgy. Does this sound like something we have heard before? Why do we care? After all, these are Lutherans and not Saints.

We should be concerned with any abridgement of the deep meanings of faith and our mutual attempts to become closer to the Master and to His teachings. For the Lutherans or the Saints to accept any compromise to accept feel good doctrine is to insult our God. Are our faith and our knowledge of the Lord so inadequate that we must resort to trickery and artificial devices to lure the youth to understanding? The message which the Savior brings is one of salvation; not self help and self improvement. If one understands the message, the balance comes along as a result and not the primary goal.

Rick Warren admits on his website that the determining factor for the worship style at Saddlebrook was not a result of fasting, prayer and scriptural reference. He plainly states that he polled the existing congregation and asked what their favorite music radio station was. Upon discovering their preference, he then tailored the service to meet their temporal needs. Faith through marketing then allowed the church to experience unbelievable growth. "Give ‘em what they want." Did Jesus Christ do pre-focus group polling before he gave the Sermon on the Mount?

The response to cancellation of the program must have been heartening to the producers. They reported thousands (and growing) of reactions from “49 states, 27 denominations, and 23 countries.” It takes time, effort, and courage to defend the work of Jesus Christ. May we all be blessed with the will to do likewise.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon