2 Good Articles in The Lutheran

[RegularGuy]

Martin Marty has two good articles in the October 2007 issue of The Lutheran magazine.

The first is "What's the Difference?: A look from the ELCA at the company we keep" (page 12 ff) and describes a little of the history and theology of the ELCA's full Communion partners.

The second is "Across the Wide Missouri Divide: Why Lutheran kin are so separate" (pages 16-17). It explains, in irenic terms, the historical and theological differences that separate us from other Lutherans. I found this article especially helpful.

Both articles are available at www.thelutheran.org (http://www.thelutheran.org) to those who hold a (free) membership.

Martin Marty is not my favorite writer. Even when he's aiming toward a popular audience, his tone seems academic to me. (I find him more engaging in person), but he is a fine thinker and a treasure of the ELCA.

Has anyone else read these articles? What'd you think?

[AngelusSax]

I have skimmed the one about our differences with the LCMS. It seemed good from what I've read so far.

It provided me a new term I never thought of when referring to close(d) communion -- Missouri's Table. Hehe.

[IowaLutheran]

I thought they were okay. In some cases, he glossed over some important differences, but considering the audience and the need for brevity, that's understandable. There's a book published by Augsburg Fortress available for about $10 that has a great summary/comparison of all major US denominations that I highly recommend.

I met Marty at a Catholic/Lutheran forum in Omaha a few years ago and he signed my copy of his Luther biography. Seemed to be genuine and gracious at the same time.