For each one of us to answer: "What does it mean to be 'Lutheran'?"

[UberLutheran]

Something Confess had posted got me thinking.

She had posted what she found important in being Lutheran.

Now, there are going to be as many different answers to this question as there are people responding to the question -- but I'm also hoping that in answering this question, we might be able to find some general areas of common ground.

The question is: for each of us, individually, what does it mean to be 'Lutheran'?

[Confess]

Was Maude Lutheran? :P

[UberLutheran]

Was Maude Lutheran? :P

I'm not sure, really -- though I loved the show and the character, and actually -- just about anything with Bea Arthur in it!

[porterross]

You actually like her singing, don't you?

[seajoy]

The question is: for each of us, individually, what does it mean to be 'Lutheran'?
It's means that I don't need to 'accept' anything. I never felt I could do that good enough.

Faith in Jesus as my only source of salvation. It's a comfort being a Lutheran Christian, to me.

[dinkime]

It's means that I don't need to 'accept' anything. I never felt I could do that good enough.

Faith in Jesus as my only source of salvation. It's a comfort being a Lutheran Christian, to me.

:amen: :thumbsup:

when i say i am a Lutheran, it means that i know God sent His Son, Jesus, to live and die and live again for me a lowly sinner

when i say i am a Lutheran, it means that my salvation is there whether i do certain things (confession, certain prayers, etc) or not

when i say i am a Lutheran, it means i do what some religions require (penance, confession, prayers, tithing, etc) because i want to not because i have to -- the Holy Spirit is working

[UberLutheran]

You actually like her singing, don't you?

I wish I could sing as low as Bea Arthur can! :P

[Jim47]

For me its accepting scripture as God's Word to us without changes or alterations, as God is unchanging, His Word also does not change.

[BigNorsk]

The doctrine of Justification is just so dear.

Understanding that God saves us and we condemn ourselves.

The theology of the cross is also an important distinctive.

Those are the chief reasons for being Lutheran as compared to some other denomination.

Marv

[DaRev]

For me...

...believing that I am saved by grace alone through faith alone on account of the merits of Christ alone as revealed in Scripture alone.

...holding that the Bible is the inerrant, inspired word of God and the source and norm of all teaching of faith and practice.

...holding a quia subscription to the Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as found in the Book of Concord of 1580, that they are thoroughly Scriptural and a true exposition of the Biblical truths.

...believing that coffee hour is the "fourth sacrament"

...believing that the term "jello salad" is redundant.

...understanding that the only correct way to sing "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" is sitting down.

...having a real hard time not responding outloud while watching "Star Wars."

...believing that Lutefisk is...

... oops, sorry:sorry:
I kinda got carried away.:blush:

[porterross]

Our answer should have nothing to do with Joseph Fiennes, right? :sorry:

[dinkime]

Our answer should have nothing to do with Joseph Fiennes, right? :sorry:


^_^ ^_^ he was MUCH better looking than what we know about the real ML ^_^ ^_^

[GratiaCorpusChristi]

To me, one of the great things about being Lutheran is being both Evangelical and Catholics.

As Evangelcials, we hold to the principle of justification through faith alone by grace alone (and its sister, Law and Gospel) and yet also hold to the historic faith of the church catholic (as it existed for the first millennium) that confesses to infant baptism, baptismal regeneration, real presence in the Eucharist, the divine objectivity of liturgical experience, the inseperability of Word and Sacrament in ministry, and so forth.

Maybe that doesn't entirely distinguish us from high church Anglicans, but hey, I like high church Anglicans...

[Studeclunker]

I was only partly raised in the Luthern Church. My parents had a parting of ways with it when I was about eight or so. Our Church Council had voted to evict the Boy Scouts from their house and the Church property in general. The fact that the boys had built the 'Scout House' at their own expense aside, this council was tired of the expense of youth programmes in general. Since the Scouts were the largest and most expensive, they were the first to go. In the end, the only service that remained was a reduced Sunday School. My father was devistated and left the church.

As I grew up I drifted from Reformed to Baptist, four square, Later Day Saints (yes, the Mormons), many others, and finally the Calvary Chapel group of Chuck Smith in Costa Mesa. I was in their office once, inquiring about a retreat and discussing theology and doctrine with a secretary when Chuck came out and joined the conversation. He suggested that I return to the Lutheran church. Chuck told me he respected the Lutherans because they have the most consistant doctrine and theology of all the denominations.

So I returned.

To me, to be Lutheran is to admit we don't have all the answers and won't till the Lord returns.

To be Lutheran means that doctrine is something that is very carefully studied and very slow to change. Any changes are very carefully examined to be sure that the scriptures support such a change.

To be Lutheran means that Theology is Scripturally based. That the Bible is the cornerstone of our faith. That upon which we stand and support our belief system.

To be Lutheran means that one must be constantly vigilant to provide edification and education to one's fellow members. That Sunday School doesn't end in childhood. One must know what one believes to defend and promote it.

To be Lutheran is to be able to openly discuss details about the above. Doctrineal and theological subjects are not hidden in back rooms.

To be Lutheran is to be part of a larger Church than the local congregation. Also to be part of the universal Church which includes denominations that are not Lutheran without giving up being Lutheran.

To be Lutheran is to care about one's fellow man, regardless of his creed, race, or religion. To support Lutheran Social Services and our outreach programmes. To reach out in love and assistance, showing the love of Christ for humanity and therefore win hearts for Christ.

It gave me no end of pleasure and pride to see that LSS was the first relief organization on the ground after the Mexico City quake. They were in place and at work before even the Catholics and Red Cross. This led to a raft of questions from my co-workers who all knew I'm a Lutheran. LSS isn't the largest or best relief organization on earth, just one of the best. It is supported by all of the Lutheran denominations. I believe that LSS demonstrates to the world the best of what it is to be Lutheran.

[ricg]

There are many ways to answers this question, and I would reiterate much of what has been said here. Horizontally, I’m in the Lutheran Church because her Confessions are the most authentic summary of the fullness of Christian teaching and thus the greatest witness outside Scripture to the greatest story ever told; vertically, because the treasure they hold is that nothing comes between God and His Righteousness, our Salvation, Jesus Christ. I rely upon neither works, decisions, faith nor anything but the promise of the Crucified and Resurrected alone.

[C.F.W. Walther]

If Christian is being Lutheran then that's why.

[seajoy]

If Christian is being Lutheran then that's why.
Good answer!

[Robert_Barnes]

As I grew up I drifted from Reformed to Baptist, four square, Later Day Saints (yes, the Mormons), many others, and finally the Calvary Chapel group of Chuck Smith in Costa Mesa. I was in their office once, inquiring about a retreat and discussing theology and doctrine with a secretary when Chuck came out and joined the conversation. He suggested that I return to the Lutheran church. Chuck told me he respected the Lutherans because they have the most consistant doctrine and theology of all the denominations.

So I returned.

I have a REALLY hard time imagining Chuck Smith saying something like that.

BTW, Studeclunker, I used to be the manager of the Christian bookstore that was at the other end of the block from Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, at the corner of Harbor & Sunflower.

[Flipper]

Faith and Grace. Not much more to it.

I've had Pagans and Wiccans who study religions in general tell me they respect the Lutherans more than other Christians because of our grasp of the Bible.

[Confess]

Just an honest question / observance.

If we say that what makes us Lutheran is our faith in Christ, or grace and faith as flipper stated or some other short answer like that then what makes us any different from the other denominations?

[porterross]

Just an honest question / observance.

If we say that what makes us Lutheran is our faith in Christ, or grace and faith as flipper stated or some other short answer like that then what makes us any different from the other denominations?
Because we're not along for the ride with the social chameleons. It's always like coming home, knowing our worship will be as it was the first time we experienced it.

For me, it's also the concrete doctrine and liturgical practices that exude reverence and the peaceful, yet intense, emotion evoking expressions of faith that enhance our personal relationship with God.

We are encouraged to ask questions and approach an understanding of our faith academically as well as spiritually. It's the depth and completeness that suits me.

[Flipper]

Just an honest question / observance.

If we say that what makes us Lutheran is our faith in Christ, or grace and faith as flipper stated or some other short answer like that then what makes us any different from the other denominations?


Their definitions of the words are different, or, it's not placed high on the understandings once should have to grasp the concept of being a Christian.

We, of the different Lutheran divisions, can fight over doctrine all day, but what brings us together as Lutherans are Faith and Grace. I don't think what the WELS says about those two words, is much different than ELCA. If I'm wrong about that, then that blows my theory about everyone finding common ground out of the water.

[Edial]

I was brought up in a Baptist church.
I came to a Lutheran church because it was very close from where I live.

The reasons I stayed are these.

- I felt welcome there.
- I enjoy Communion very much.
- I like how Lutherans look at Scriptures - very plain approach.
- I like people. They are down to earth. I could not believe my eyes the first time when I saw wine at men's fellowship.
- Lutherans have a BEST reputation among non-Christians, as compared to Catholics and Baptists and Penthecostals.

Thanks,
Ed

[DaSeminarian]

I'm not sure, really -- though I loved the show and the character, and actually -- just about anything with Bea Arthur in it!


God'll get you for that Uber. j/k couldn't help but remember the line she would use whenever her husband or neighbor would insult her.

My parents hated that show by the way and I was really not allowed to watch it very much.

On what it means to be Lutheran. It means that when I go to church on Sunday the Pastor is talking about MY sins and not the President's or some Rock Star's sins. It is about God's grace to me through his Son Jesus, Christ. It is about receiving Christ's body and blood in the Lord's supper and not a memorial meal. It is about true fellowship with God and receiving what he wants me to have.

It is also about a confession of faith that is second to none.

Scott

[DaRev]

It is about receiving Christ's body and blood in the Lord's supper and not a memorial meal.

But you do know that the Lord's Supper is indeed a memorial meal. "Do this in remembrance of Me."
It's just that it isn't merely a memorial meal. :)

[Flipper]

But you do know that the Lord's Supper is indeed a memorial meal. "Do this in remembrance of Me."
It's just that it isn't merely a memorial meal. :)


A long time ago, there was a thread about whether or not we as Lutherans have a personal relationship with Christ. One person said that he/she does every time he/she takes communion. I thought that was brilliant and use that every time someone asks me that question.

I wish I remembered who said that.

[KimLCMS]

The Real Presence in the Lord's Supper is what brought me to the Lutheran Church and that is also what has kept me. :)

[ctay]

Amen

[KagomeShuko]

Salvation by grace through faith in Christ. . .

easy enough. . .there could be a lot more said. ..

(I know some of the most Lutheran nonLutherans in the world, I think. . .)

[Confess]

Their definitions of the words are different, or, it's not placed high on the understandings once should have to grasp the concept of being a Christian.

We, of the different Lutheran divisions, can fight over doctrine all day, but what brings us together as Lutherans are Faith and Grace. I don't think what the WELS says about those two words, is much different than ELCA. If I'm wrong about that, then that blows my theory about everyone finding common ground out of the water.
I grew up Catholic and have talked to other Catholics who know their doctrine.

They too can say that what makes them Catholic is faith and grace.

So what makes us NOT Catholic, NOT Methodist, NOT Moravian etc., yet very much Lutheran?

[HighLonesome]

Eph 2:8 says "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God"

That being said, we then need to look at Doctrine. Our liturgy teaches us that it is God who serves us and not the other way around. We are reconciled to God through the death of His Son. God bestows His frorgiveness to each one of us through the Gospel & Sacraments.

Unlike other 'churches' that do not admit weekly that they are "poor miserable sinners"; they would rather 'praise' God which puts the emphasis & focus on ME rather than on Jesus.

Thankfully, our doctrine is Scripturally based so it continues to testify to the truth while teaching us God's words.

[I am LCMS since birth]

[Confess]

Eph 2:8 says "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God"

That being said, we then need to look at Doctrine. Our liturgy teaches us that it is God who serves us and not the other way around. We are reconciled to God through the death of His Son. God bestows His frorgiveness to each one of us through the Gospel & Sacraments.

Unlike other 'churches' that do not admit weekly that they are "poor miserable sinners"; they would rather 'praise' God which puts the emphasis & focus on ME rather than on Jesus.

Thankfully, our doctrine is Scripturally based so it continues to testify to the truth while teaching us God's words.

[I am LCMS since birth]
Good answer. ;)

[KagomeShuko]

frorgiveness

frorgiveness? Does that have to do with a frorg? You know, one of those little (oftentimes green) animals that hop and ribbit? Are you giving somebody a frorg? :P:P

Am I just not right in the head at 11pm at night on Mardi Gras? Who knows. . . :D;)

[HighLonesome]

Maybe the frog had to much German beer? As they say at Senor Frogs . . . Do not feed frogs tequila!

[KagomeShuko]

Maybe the frog had to much German beer? As they say at Senor Frogs . . . Do not feed frogs tequila!
Aha! You gave a frog tequila! No wonder we've got problems now! :P

[HighLonesome]

Better the frog than me. rib bit
And I can't be turned back into one either.

[DaRev]

F.R.O.G.

Fully
Rely
On
God

[C.F.W. Walther]

F.R.O.G.

Fully
Rely
On
God:thumbsup: :amen:

[TheCosmicGospel]

As a Lutheran saved by grace...I am free from decision theology, double predestination theology, works theology, Scriptural inventions, empty symbolism, and I can still hold to Jesus' word as He gave them.

As a Lutheran, I confess my sins and receive the needed word of absolution. That is very, very rare these days. Yet everybody will say they have faith and grace as their cornerstones. Words mean nothing unless used. Shed for the forgiveness of sins. Hold on to those words.

I have been delivered from praise songs and their umpteenth repetition of "I love God". I have been delivered from "subjective believism". The Lutheran Church presents an "objective faith", something beyond and outside of ME.

Cheers,
Cosmic

[Flipper]

I grew up Catholic and have talked to other Catholics who know their doctrine.

They too can say that what makes them Catholic is faith and grace.

So what makes us NOT Catholic, NOT Methodist, NOT Moravian etc., yet very much Lutheran?

That's not what the Catholics I know that know their doctrine tell me.

[CaliforniaJosiah]

Some of my thoughts, as a pretty new Lutheran...


It means...


1. I'm a part of a 2,000 year western Tradition of Christianity...


2. I embrace Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, Sola Fide and Soli Deo Gloria...


3. I embrace the epistemological tool of Sola Scriptura.


4. I embrace the Theology of the Cross (and the humility that is fundamental to it).


5. I embrace the proper distinction of Law & Gospel


6. I consider the Lutheran Confessions to be the correct expression of Christian theology.


7. I'm Christocentric, not focused on self or institutions.


8. I like good singing and preaching, potlucks and pretty girls (any Lutheran). I like coffee and danish rolls (ELCA). I like beer and bratwurst (LCMS). Which makes me feel pretty comfortable wherever Lutherans are.



My $0.01


Pax!


- Josiah

[KagomeShuko]

Some of my thoughts, as a pretty new Lutheran...


It means...


1. I'm a part of a 2,000 year western Tradition of Christianity...


2. I embrace Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, Sola Fide and Soli Deo Gloria...


3. I embrace the epistemological tool of Sola Scriptura.


4. I embrace the Theology of the Cross (and the humility that is fundamental to it).


5. I embrace the proper distinction of Law & Gospel


6. I consider the Lutheran Confessions to be the correct expression of Christian theology.


7. I'm Christocentric, not focused on self or institutions.


8. I like good singing and preaching, potlucks and pretty girls (any Lutheran). I like coffee and danish rolls (ELCA). I like beer and bratwurst (LCMS). Which makes me feel pretty comfortable wherever Lutherans are.



My $0.01


Pax!


- Josiah
Hey, Josiah, we in the ELCA like Bratwurst, too!!!

[CaliforniaJosiah]

Oh, I just became a member of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. That seals it, doesn't it?

[DaRev]

Some of my thoughts, as a pretty new Lutheran...


It means...


1. I'm a part of a 2,000 year western Tradition of Christianity...


2. I embrace Sola Gratia, Solus Christus, Sola Fide and Soli Deo Gloria...


3. I embrace the epistemological tool of Sola Scriptura.


4. I embrace the Theology of the Cross (and the humility that is fundamental to it).


5. I embrace the proper distinction of Law & Gospel


6. I consider the Lutheran Confessions to be the correct expression of Christian theology.


7. I'm Christocentric, not focused on self or institutions.


8. I like good singing and preaching, potlucks and pretty girls (any Lutheran). I like coffee and danish rolls (ELCA). I like beer and bratwurst (LCMS). Which makes me feel pretty comfortable wherever Lutherans are.



My $0.01


Pax!


- Josiah

Hey, we LCMSers like coffee and danish...


but given a choice between the two... ;)

[Zecryphon]

Our answer should have nothing to do with Joseph Fiennes, right? :sorry:
And why not? That was a, can I say d*mn here? That was a d*mn fine movie and actually was my first exposure to Luther and his teachings. I had never heard of them before when I was in the Evnageliecal Free church or the mini-mega, non-denom, half caffe with whipped cream church I attended for six years prior to becoming a Lutheran.

The book by Frederick Nohl was quite exhaustive too and included pictures from the movie. I've seen it advertised as a companion to the movie as it goes into much greater detail about events than the movie can. I'd say it's the second best biography of Luther I've read, but I'd have to finish reading the first one "Martin Luther: The Man Who Started the Reformation" before I could say for sure. That biography was stolen a few months ago when I had my truck broken into. I have not replaced it yet. :cry: I also have not repalced the other books in there too, mainly Luther's Small Catechism and The Lutheran Handbook.

[DaRev]

That biography was stolen a few months ago when I had my truck broken into. I have not replaced it yet. :cry: I also have not repalced the other books in there too, mainly Luther's Small Catechism and The Lutheran Handbook.

One could pray that after the theif read the books, the Spirit moved him to contrition and repentance and he turned himself in... and you got your books back.


If that were the case... I'd let him keep them!

[Confess]

Hey, we LCMSers like coffee and danish...


but given a choice between the two... ;)
Not me!!! I live on beer, brats and other Germanic foods and in the morning it is coffee and KRINGLES!!!!

http://www.kringle.com/

[porterross]

Not me!!! I live on beer, brats and other Germanic foods and in the morning it is coffee and KRINGLES!!!!

http://www.kringle.com/
If I ate those every morning by backside would resemble the north end of a south bound steam shovel no matter how many miles I put on the treadmill.

[Jim47]

If I ate those every morning by backside would resemble the north end of a south bound steam shovel no matter how many miles I put on the treadmill.



Hmm, Must be what my problem is?

Wait! I don't eat that stuff, but maybe I should since I already have the problem :yum:

[CaliforniaJosiah]

I have a bowl of homemade real oatmeal every morning - with just a little milk and butter (no surgar or fruit) and an entire pot of very strong Starbucks coffee - black.

But then I'm new to Lutheranism...

[Confess]

If I ate those every morning by backside would resemble the north end of a south bound steam shovel no matter how many miles I put on the treadmill.
I should have stated, "I COULD LIVE on ..." ;)

[Zecryphon]

^_^ ^_^ he was MUCH better looking than what we know about the real ML ^_^ ^_^
That's true, but would you have enjoyed the movie as much with John Goodman as Luther? :)

[Zecryphon]

One could pray that after the theif read the books, the Spirit moved him to contrition and repentance and he turned himself in... and you got your books back.


If that were the case... I'd let him keep them!
Yeah, not to mention that he got a leather-bound, thumb-indexed, Thompson Chain-Reference Bible in the NIV too! LOL

[Zecryphon]

I have a bowl of homemade real oatmeal every morning - with just a little milk and butter (no surgar or fruit) and an entire pot of very strong Starbucks coffee - black.

But then I'm new to Lutheranism...
Don't worry, I'm a new Lutheran as well. I was only presented to the congregation as a new member just last Sunday! But from what I understand we'll both have a strange and unexplainable love affair with all things Jell-O in no time. Soon, the term Jello Salad will be redundant. LOL

[Izdaari]

Gee, I'm kinda thinking that maybe I should be a Lutheran... but I totally don't get the Jello salad thing. :scratch:

But at least I get the beer and bratwurst thing. :cool:

[seajoy]

Gee, I'm kinda thinking that maybe I should be a Lutheran... but I totally don't get the Jello salad thing. :scratch:

But at least I get the beer and bratwurst thing. :cool:
Welcome Izdaari! Yes, being Lutheran is pretty fun.

We do more than eat jello, and drink beer, and eat brats!

[DaRev]

Welcome Izdaari! Yes, being Lutheran is pretty fun.

We do more than eat jello, and drink beer, and eat brats!

Yeah! We drink coffee, too!:)

[HighLonesome]

Gee, I'm kinda thinking that maybe I should be a Lutheran... but I totally don't get the Jello salad thing. :scratch:

But at least I get the beer and bratwurst thing. :cool:

Us Luts like potlucks because we like food! Sometimes, we have a little beer & brats and always lots of coffee. Of course, there are always a few Jello salads at potlucks also. Starting to get the picture Iz?

We also love our Doctrine which is Scriptually based.

Come join us, but don't bring a Jello salad, there will already be plenty there.

:cool:

[seajoy]

Yeah! We drink coffee, too!:)
Oh, Rev :doh:

[seajoy]

We also love our Doctrine which is Scriptually based.

Come join us, but don't bring a Jello salad, there will already be plenty there.

:cool:
For sure!!! :groupray:

[Kotton]

I did not realize how Lutheran I was till I tried, really hard, to become a Catholic. However, I'm a Lutheran because I believe that when we, the Church (including the saints and Jesus' mother, Mary) get to Heaven we will all sing praise, with the angels, to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit instead of that The Church and the Angles will sing praise to God the Father Son and Holy Spirit and Mary. I believe that if there is any argument between the Holy Scripture and the Fathers of the Church that The Scripture has the final say, rather then that the Chruch Fathers,recalling and relying on oral tradition, interprete Scripture to match the Oral Tradition. I just don't think the Old Testament should be redacted to read " Praise the Lord and Our Lady all ye nations; praise them, all ye people. For their merciful kindness is great toward us; and the truth of the Lord and His Mother endurth for ever. Praise ye the Lord and Our Lady.... I called upon the Lord and the Holy Mother in distress; They answered me and set me in a large place. The Lord and the Lady are on my side; I will not fear; What can man do unto me? .... And NO I never hear anything like this in any Mass nor read most of it in the Catholic catechism- But I read it in various Catholic books writen by various "Doctors of the Catholic Faith" and heard it from various Catholics on various web sights and in various prayers to Mary and from various " approved" Apparitions of Mary. When I asked, I was told it was "just flowery language" That if if were not in the Catechism it was not improtant. Somehow to me it is important. Important enough that I thank God I'm a Lutheran. Mrs. Kotton

[DaRev]

I did not realize how Lutheran I was till I tried, really hard, to become a Catholic. However, I'm a Lutheran because I believe that when we, the Church (including the saints and Jesus' mother, Mary) get to Heaven we will all sing praise, with the angels, to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit instead of that The Church and the Angles will sing praise to God the Father Son and Holy Spirit and Mary. I believe that if there is any argument between the Holy Scripture and the Fathers of the Church that The Scripture has the final say, rather then that the Chruch Fathers,recalling and relying on oral tradition, interprete Scripture to match the Oral Tradition. I just don't think the Old Testament should be redacted to read " Praise the Lord and Our Lady all ye nations; praise them, all ye people. For their merciful kindness is great toward us; and the truth of the Lord and His Mother endurth for ever. Praise ye the Lord and Our Lady.... I called upon the Lord and the Holy Mother in distress; They answered me and set me in a large place. The Lord and the Lady are on my side; I will not fear; What can man do unto me? .... And NO I never hear anything like this in any Mass nor read most of it in the Catholic catechism- But I read it in various Catholic books writen by various "Doctors of the Catholic Faith" and heard it from various Catholics on various web sights and in various prayers to Mary and from various " approved" Apparitions of Mary. When I asked, I was told it was "just flowery language" That if if were not in the Catechism it was not improtant. Somehow to me it is important. Important enough that I thank God I'm a Lutheran. Mrs. Kotton
God bless you! :amen:

[FriarTuck]

I'm Lutheran by birth, common heritage, common confession

[rd151]

Being a Lutheran is what a modern Roman Catholic should now be, but once was in the first three centuries of church history.

[Kotton]

Being a Lutheran is what a modern Roman Catholic should now be, but once was in the first three centuries of church history.
you nailed it. Some folks say Lutheran is Catholic light, but I say we are Catholic right.

[IowaLutheran]

you nailed it. Some folks say Lutheran is Catholic light, but I say we are Catholic right.

Good saying!

You should probably change your icon.

[Plutonius]

you nailed it. Some folks say Lutheran is Catholic light, but I say we are Catholic right.

:thumbsup:

[C.F.W. Walther]

Being a Lutheran is what a modern Roman Catholic should now be, but once was in the first three centuries of church history.
Depends what you mean by Catholic. "One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Holy_Catholic_and_Apostolic_Church)" as stated in the Nicene Creed.