Opinion of Lutheranism

[barfbag]

Which Lutheranism? Quite a broad and varied faith tradition.

The main difference is that prayer is a sacrament in the Missouri Synod while the ELCA only considers baptism and communion to be sacraments.

[H. Ross Peron]

Very positive. Lutheranism has all the thinks I want in a church.

Strong gospel message (even in the liberal ones)

High church
Intellectual tradition
Protestant theology[/list]

The only quibble I have is their emphasis on episcopal government, but even that isn't major.

[falling apart like the ashes of American flags]

I'm gonna guess that Missouri Synod and WELS are pretty low on the handraising.

[Sic Semper Fascistis]

Pretty good as far as religions go.

[barfbag]

I'm gonna guess that Missouri Synod and WELS are pretty low on the handraising.

They are. ELCA accounts for 80-90% of Lutherans.

[DC Al Fine]

I'm gonna guess that Missouri Synod and WELS are pretty low on the handraising.

They are. ELCA accounts for 80-90% of Lutherans.

It's more like 60-65%. LCMS is on of the bigger evangelical denominations. They're in 3rd place after the Southern Baptists & Assembly of God.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

I'm gonna guess that Missouri Synod and WELS are pretty low on the handraising.

They are. ELCA accounts for 80-90% of Lutherans.

It's more like 60-65%. LCMS is on of the bigger evangelical denominations. They're in 3rd place after the Southern Baptists & Assembly of God.

Depends on the area somewhat.  Around here ELCA is around 90%, but that's because even before they went from being mainline to being a fairly liberal mainline church (tho not at UCC levels of liberality just yet) those in this area who wanted more conservative fare had mostly left for an evangelical church anyway.

[DC Al Fine]

I'm gonna guess that Missouri Synod and WELS are pretty low on the handraising.

They are. ELCA accounts for 80-90% of Lutherans.

It's more like 60-65%. LCMS is on of the bigger evangelical denominations. They're in 3rd place after the Southern Baptists & Assembly of God.

Depends on the area somewhat.  Around here ELCA is around 90%, but that's because even before they went from being mainline to being a fairly liberal mainline church (tho not at UCC levels of liberality just yet) those in this area who wanted more conservative fare had mostly left for an evangelical church anyway.

I was just pulling numbers from wikipedia. What you're describing is a huge problem for conservative mainline churches. We have no trouble keeping the super devout, but the generic Christian families tend to leave us for the megachurches.

[falling apart like the ashes of American flags]

I'm gonna guess that Missouri Synod and WELS are pretty low on the handraising.

They are. ELCA accounts for 80-90% of Lutherans.

It's more like 60-65%. LCMS is on of the bigger evangelical denominations. They're in 3rd place after the Southern Baptists & Assembly of God.

Probably around 70-80%, but anyway, membership numbers is not what I was referring to there.

[barfbag]

I'm gonna guess that Missouri Synod and WELS are pretty low on the handraising.

They are. ELCA accounts for 80-90% of Lutherans.

It's more like 60-65%. LCMS is on of the bigger evangelical denominations. They're in 3rd place after the Southern Baptists & Assembly of God.

I meant as the percentage of Lutherans.

[7,052,770]

Generally positive, assuming they keep their hands to themselves.

[tmthforu94]

Surprised our "resident Lutheran" Scott hasn't posted here yet...

Though I grew up with Methodist and Catholic influence, I've always had a favorable view of the Lutheran church, and have attended it quite a few times recently. Personally, I associate with the Missouri Synod Lutherans, and that's the only type I'll attend.

[TJ in Oregon]

Personally, I associate with the Missouri Synod Lutherans, and that's the only type I'll attend.

Is there a particular reason for this? Do you have issues with the ELCA or WELS or is it just a function of where you live?

[Free Speech Enjoyer]

Surprised our "resident Lutheran" Scott hasn't posted here yet...

Though I grew up with Methodist and Catholic influence, I've always had a favorable view of the Lutheran church, and have attended it quite a few times recently. Personally, I associate with the Missouri Synod Lutherans, and that's the only type I'll attend.

I did, actually.   But after doing some more research, I have concluded that the United Church of Christ is the right church for me.