Lutherans are Devil Worshippers?

[KagomeShuko]

When I was in middle school, if I'd tell people I was a Lutheran or went to a Lutheran church, I was automatically labeled a devil worshipper? I don't know if it's strictly the ignorance of people in Louisiana or if they are truly taught this somewhere? Perhaps they are ignorant about Luther and Lucifer, but does anybody know if there might be a reason for the accusation and has it happened to anybody else?

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[filosofer]

In my first dual parish, in Nebraska, I chanted the pastoral portion of the liturgy and the people chanted the response. No one in that little community had ever hear dof that. So the rumor spread throughout town that I was starting a cult, and the chant was prime evidence of that!

Even when I met with the local pastors at a clergy meeting, they were absolutely surprised that Lutherans "talked of salvation through Jesus" - they assumed that only Baptist, pentecostals, and Church of Christ were the only ones who had the "Gospel" straight!

Many associate liturgical worship with Roman Catholicism, and make the inferential leap that we must practice all those "cult things" like worshiping Mary, praying to dead people, etc.

[KagomeShuko]

In my first dual parish, in Nebraska, I chanted the pastoral portion of the liturgy and the people chanted the response. No one in that little community had ever hear dof that. So the rumor spread throughout town that I was starting a cult, and the chant was prime evidence of that!

Even when I met with the local pastors at a clergy meeting, they were absolutely surprised that Lutherans "talked of salvation through Jesus" - they assumed that only Baptist, pentecostals, and Church of Christ were the only ones who had the "Gospel" straight!

Many associate liturgical worship with Roman Catholicism, and make the inferential leap that we must practice all those "cult things" like worshiping Mary, praying to dead people, etc.
Interesting, but in Lake Charles, the main religion is Catholocism, and the second is probably Baptists. So, I'm pretty sure it's not the Catholic explanation.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[Caelum]

Maybe they should stick to gumbo and leave theology alone :)

[Rechtgläubig]

Maybe they should stick to gumbo and leave theology alone :)
Hahaha! Mmm gumbo... :yum:

[Flipper]

When I was in middle school, if I'd tell people I was a Lutheran or went to a Lutheran church, I was automatically labeled a devil worshipper? I don't know if it's strictly the ignorance of people in Louisiana or if they are truly taught this somewhere? Perhaps they are ignorant about Luther and Lucifer, but does anybody know if there might be a reason for the accusation and has it happened to anybody else?

Stein Auf!
Bridget
My husband has friends down south - I think some are Baptist (one in LA is) and some are Disciples of Christ. They will come visit here and stay here, but when we invite them to go to church with us on Sunday, they will make every excuse available to have to leave first thing Sunday morning, LOL.

[Rechtgläubig]

but when we invite them to go to church with us on Sunday, they will make every excuse available to have to leave first thing Sunday morning, LOL.Sounds like my mother-in-law (Baptist). ^_^

Considering, "there are so many things that are unbiblical at that church, it isn't even funny", I don't blame her. (Where is that :rolleyes: when you need it? LOL)

[SPALATIN]

Sounds like my mother-in-law (Baptist). ^_^

Considering, "there are so many things that are unbiblical at that church, it isn't even funny", I don't blame her. (Where is that :rolleyes: when you need it? LOL)
You have a Baptist Mother-in-law too? Mine thinks I want to debate her in Christianity. I might just take her up on it next month when she visits. :cool:

[Rechtgläubig]

You have a Baptist Mother-in-law too? Mine thinks I want to debate her in Christianity. I might just take her up on it next month when she visits. :cool:I actually wish mine would! She will only make comments to my wife when I am not present. If I ever email or send her an explanation to anything, it is ignored. Any face to face discussion (which is rare because I never know what has been said until she is gone) and all she wants to say is that she needs to "look into it", because she hasn't really studdied it that closely. She sure knows what she believes, she just hasn't got a clue why she believes it. ^_^

[Rechtgläubig]

I think I still have the 19 page paper I wrote in response to a few cut-n-pastes she emailed my wife about "age of accountability" when our kids were going to be Baptized. My wife never gave it to her. She wouldn't have read it anyway...

;)

[Bradford]

Maybe they should stick to gumbo and leave theology alone :)
It only took four posts to mention food... is that a record?

I get it too... The whole liturgical worship, baptized babies, drinking Blood... in the Southern US these things are not appreciated. They don't know us from the Catholics from the Orthodox from the Mormons from another odd cult. We're not Baptist/Methodist, and in these parts, that makes us strange...

[Flipper]

I actually wish mine would! She will only make comments to my wife when I am not present. If I ever email or send her an explanation to anything, it is ignored. Any face to face discussion (which is rare because I never know what has been said until she is gone) and all she wants to say is that she needs to "look into it", because she hasn't really studdied it that closely. She sure knows what she believes, she just hasn't got a clue why she believes it. ^_^
I hate to make these horrible generalizations, but my experience has been that every Baptist I know will either do that, or will catagorically say you are wrong without saying why and will distance themselves from you. Again, I hate to make that generalization because the Baptists I've met here on the boards, and on other messageboards, are more willing to engage in dialogue than the Baptists I meet face to face.

[SPALATIN]

I actually wish mine would! She will only make comments to my wife when I am not present. If I ever email or send her an explanation to anything, it is ignored. Any face to face discussion (which is rare because I never know what has been said until she is gone) and all she wants to say is that she needs to "look into it", because she hasn't really studdied it that closely. She sure knows what she believes, she just hasn't got a clue why she believes it. ^_^
I think my MIL believes that she can talk some sense into me regarding my beliefs. She knows I don't agree with her on the Baptism issue as I believe in paedobaptism and she does not. She would most likely argue that Baptism is for only those who believe.

[ByzantineDixie]

It only took four posts to mention food... is that a record?^_^ That's so no one is confused that they are on the Lutheran part of the forum! :D

I get it too... The whole liturgical worship, baptized babies, drinking Blood... in the Southern US these things are not appreciated. They don't know us from the Catholics from the Orthodox from the Mormons from another odd cult. We're not Baptist/Methodist, and in these parts, that makes us strange... Indeed I always get that "oh, you belong to a cult" look. Today I am wearing my Peace, Love and Luther T-shirt from www.oldlutheran.com (http://www.oldlutheran.com/). (Friday's are casual day's where I work.) It's freaking some of my co-workers out--and then again some think that the Luther stands for Martin Luther King, Jr.! Whatever....

:D Rose

[SPALATIN]

Indeed I always get that "oh, you belong to a cult" look. Today I am wearing my Peace, Love and Luther T-shirt from www.oldlutheran.com (http://www.oldlutheran.com/). (Friday's are casual day's where I work.) It's freaking some of my co-workers out--and then again some think that the Luther stands for Martin Luther King, Jr.! Whatever....

:D Rose
Hey Rose, tell them "Yes, and we have our meetings every week. Would you like to find out more?" they will either look at you like you are crazy or they might just accept your invitation. Make up a secret handshake which should have them talking. If they take the bait they will realize that you are just pulling their leg and see that your faith is genuine.

[Flipper]

Indeed I always get that "oh, you belong to a cult" look. Today I am wearing my Peace, Love and Luther T-shirt from www.oldlutheran.com (http://www.oldlutheran.com/). (Friday's are casual day's where I work.) It's freaking some of my co-workers out--and then again some think that the Luther stands for Martin Luther King, Jr.! Whatever....

:D Rose
I love that site!!! The T-Shirts are cool.

I never realized that I, too, can have a bobble headed Martin Luther. Wow.

[ChiRho]

You mean we dont worship the Devil?

[Protoevangel]

ChiRho, my brother! Welcome back!!!

[Protoevangel]

and then again some think that the Luther stands for Martin Luther King, Jr.! Whatever....

:D RoseI used to think the Lutheran church was started by MLK! :blush:

[ChiRho]

ChiRho, my brother! Welcome back!!!
Thank you. It is nice to read the posts of my Lutheran friends again. It has been too long!

Pax Christi,

ChiRho

[KagomeShuko]

It only took four posts to mention food... is that a record?

I get it too... The whole liturgical worship, baptized babies, drinking Blood... in the Southern US these things are not appreciated. They don't know us from the Catholics from the Orthodox from the Mormons from another odd cult. We're not Baptist/Methodist, and in these parts, that makes us strange...
This post stems from 1) A Lutheran 2) Somebody in Louisiana - you absolutely MUST mention food. Period. No negotians.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[KagomeShuko]

I used to think the Lutheran church was started by MLK! :blush:
My sister made that mistake when she was young one time. She got so embarrassed because she answered the question "Who was Martin Luther?" with the response for the question "Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.?" in front of the whole congregation during the children's time!

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[KagomeShuko]

You mean we dont worship the Devil?
If you do, I don't know what Lutheran church you attend!

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[KagomeShuko]

Hey Rose, tell them "Yes, and we have our meetings every week. Would you like to find out more?" they will either look at you like you are crazy or they might just accept your invitation. Make up a secret handshake which should have them talking. If they take the bait they will realize that you are just pulling their leg and see that your faith is genuine.
I think the way my youth group was when I was a youth could call enough attention to think we actually had "secret handshakes" or "signs." We were just crazy teens and pre-teens, spreading love and joy and The Gospel, though!

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[KagomeShuko]

^_^ That's so no one is confused that they are on the Lutheran part of the forum! :D

Indeed I always get that "oh, you belong to a cult" look. Today I am wearing my Peace, Love and Luther T-shirt from www.oldlutheran.com (http://www.oldlutheran.com/). (Friday's are casual day's where I work.) It's freaking some of my co-workers out--and then again some think that the Luther stands for Martin Luther King, Jr.! Whatever....

:D Rose
I love www.oldlutheran.com (http://www.oldlutheran.com), too. I don't think there's a Lutheran who doesn't (the membership in a synod doesn't even matter!)

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[KagomeShuko]

I hate to make these horrible generalizations, but my experience has been that every Baptist I know will either do that, or will catagorically say you are wrong without saying why and will distance themselves from you. Again, I hate to make that generalization because the Baptists I've met here on the boards, and on other messageboards, are more willing to engage in dialogue than the Baptists I meet face to face.
I've had one really great baptist friend that turned to me lots to learn about the Bible. That was about it. Of course, it might've helped that she wasn't too involved with the church until AFTER she had met me.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[KagomeShuko]

My husband has friends down south - I think some are Baptist (one in LA is) and some are Disciples of Christ. They will come visit here and stay here, but when we invite them to go to church with us on Sunday, they will make every excuse available to have to leave first thing Sunday morning, LOL.
That's funny! One of the churches we work the most closely with is a Disciples of Christ church and we're always welcomed there! The local food pantry is located right next to that church and the members seem to know us quite well. We even used to sometimes have our handbell choirs play together!

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[Flipper]

That's funny! One of the churches we work the most closely with is a Disciples of Christ church and we're always welcomed there! The local food pantry is located right next to that church and the members seem to know us quite well. We even used to sometimes have our handbell choirs play together!

Stein Auf!
Bridget
Oops, I meant Church of Christ (not United Church of Christ).

A funny story about the DOC. A friend of mine had a "quicky" wedding done in front of a DOC minister in his living room. I was asked to witness, and my husband came along. A good friend of my husband's from college was a DOC and they had lost touch after graduation. He happened to mention that to the minister, who told him that he had a national directory. He found her address, and hubby got in touch and now we keep in touch. For him to have trusted us enough to look up her address for us, either he was crazy (which I don't think he was), or, he was very, very kind.

[Flipper]

I've had one really great baptist friend that turned to me lots to learn about the Bible. That was about it. Of course, it might've helped that she wasn't too involved with the church until AFTER she had met me.

Stein Auf!
Bridget
When I was in high school, a "friend" invited me to go to a Free Will Baptist church, and got me into their Sunday School. I even went to church camp. After a few months, I find out that she had brought me there to try to "save" me in order to get the attention of the youth pastor who she had a crush on.

[SPALATIN]

When I was in high school, a "friend" invited me to go to a Free Will Baptist church, and got me into their Sunday School. I even went to church camp. After a few months, I find out that she had brought me there to try to "save" me in order to get the attention of the youth pastor who she had a crush on.
So did she land her man? Did she feel the "ends justified the means"? I hate it when someone exploits another for their own purposes.

[Flipper]

Eventually, but with someone else.

At the end, I was confronted by a group of kids and the youth pastor and was told that either I was accepting Jesus Christ as my savior and getting baptised right then, or I was not a real Christian. I tried to explain that I was 17, under my parent's roof, and my mom would never forgive me. I begged (yes begged) for them to give me a couple more months to turn 18 because I felt then that my mom wouldn't be as upset if I made that decision as an "adult." They didn't like that analogy and I ended up leaving.

Yes, that little stunt kept me away from church for another 5 years.

I know Free Will Baptists are quite different from Southern Baptists (though no one answered me on that when I asked on the Baptist thread a while back), and I know each and every church is different, but that still turns me off to this day.

[KagomeShuko]

When I was in high school, a "friend" invited me to go to a Free Will Baptist church, and got me into their Sunday School. I even went to church camp. After a few months, I find out that she had brought me there to try to "save" me in order to get the attention of the youth pastor who she had a crush on.
That's terrible! I wouldn't do anything like that to get the attention of a crush! Erg. .I was invited to one of the Pentacostal church's services - a really "out there" one too (and it happens to be right next to the little Lutheran church I attend!) If you go there, they act like you aren't a Christian unless you are a member of their church. It's quite irritating. I was only invited to one of their huge "save people" services. You'd think a friend would invite you to other youth services, too, but she didn't. Turned me off from that church completely even though I already didn't like them from the way they had treated me before.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[Flipper]

When I was working as a waitress (high school and couple of years out), this group of 20 or so people from a local pentacostal church used to come in late on Sunday evenings. This was the long hair, no make up and dresses. They were as nice as can be and after a while, we struck up conversations and while they would tell me what they believed in, they were never judgmental to me. They were usually the last group in the back diningroom, and since cleaning up that diningroom was usually my side job of the night, when I finished, they would invite me to sit with them, and if I didn't have homework to do at home, I would. Their pastor was usually with the group, but I don't think that affected their behavior. They never looked down at me, nor told me that I wasn't a Christian or anything like that. They invited me to their church, but never held me to it. They were some of the nicest Christians I ever knew. Sometimes I wish I would have visited their church. It was this little brick building in the next town over. Just a few months ago, I was driving by where it was and saw it wasn't there anymore. I was wondering what happened to it and further down on the other side of the road was this massive, huge building that could seat 5000 people easilly, and a big welcome sign in front of it had the name of that church.

You know that saying involving flies, honey and vinegar? It's true.

[SPALATIN]

Eventually, but with someone else.

At the end, I was confronted by a group of kids and the youth pastor and was told that either I was accepting Jesus Christ as my savior and getting baptised right then, or I was not a real Christian. I tried to explain that I was 17, under my parent's roof, and my mom would never forgive me. I begged (yes begged) for them to give me a couple more months to turn 18 because I felt then that my mom wouldn't be as upset if I made that decision as an "adult." They didn't like that analogy and I ended up leaving.

Yes, that little stunt kept me away from church for another 5 years.

I know Free Will Baptists are quite different from Southern Baptists (though no one answered me on that when I asked on the Baptist thread a while back), and I know each and every church is different, but that still turns me off to this day.
That's what happens when man believes that his will is free to begin with and that salvation is up to us. I did go through the immersion when my wife and I joined a Baptist church after we married. However, I made sure that they knew that I considered my Baptism as an infant to be binding and that i was doing this to gain membership in their lil' ol' club.

I refute the immersion baptism now and go only with the one that my parents did for me when I was a month old.

[KagomeShuko]

When I was working as a waitress (high school and couple of years out), this group of 20 or so people from a local pentacostal church used to come in late on Sunday evenings. This was the long hair, no make up and dresses. They were as nice as can be and after a while, we struck up conversations and while they would tell me what they believed in, they were never judgmental to me. They were usually the last group in the back diningroom, and since cleaning up that diningroom was usually my side job of the night, when I finished, they would invite me to sit with them, and if I didn't have homework to do at home, I would. Their pastor was usually with the group, but I don't think that affected their behavior. They never looked down at me, nor told me that I wasn't a Christian or anything like that. They invited me to their church, but never held me to it. They were some of the nicest Christians I ever knew. Sometimes I wish I would have visited their church. It was this little brick building in the next town over. Just a few months ago, I was driving by where it was and saw it wasn't there anymore. I was wondering what happened to it and further down on the other side of the road was this massive, huge building that could seat 5000 people easilly, and a big welcome sign in front of it had the name of that church.

You know that saying involving flies, honey and vinegar? It's true.
I've known some really, really nice pentacostals. It's just this one church in our area. They say they are pentacostal, but it's not like any others that I know. There are tons of nice "little" pentacostal churches around that I love seeing and hearing about and what they believe. It's just this one, called Glad Tidings, that pushes people to be members of their church. It's such a shame, really. They even refuse to visit other churches. We had invited them to our Vacation Bible School and they refused to come, basically, I even doubt that the secretary told anybody about the invitation. She was nice, but it seemed she didn't want to be on the phone with me at all.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[Flipper]

I almost got rebaptised when I became Lutheran and for some reason I can't fathom, I decided not to. Even though I know that my childhood baptism in the Catholic Church is just as binding, sometimes I wish I did.

[KagomeShuko]

I almost got rebaptised when I became Lutheran and for some reason I can't fathom, I decided not to. Even though I know that my childhood baptism in the Catholic Church is just as binding, sometimes I wish I did.
Yeah, Lutherans count any baptism as binding. Always your own choice. I've actually been baptized twice. Once, when I was a baby by my parents and then once at a Seventh-Day Adventist church. I really wanted to be baptized by immersion and I had done a study there, but it was a huge deal between me and God and the SDAs had no idea I wasn't following all their strange rules! God knew what was important to me, though!

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[KagomeShuko]

Hahaha! Mmm gumbo... :yum:
Now all this talk is making me hungry! . .and I can usually talk about food all day long!

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[CeeBee]

I am from Louisiana. I have only seen two Lutheran chruches all my life here. one 30 miles away and one 60 miles away. We all know Louisiana is dominated by Catholics and Baptists, but most ppl think more of Catholics, but my area is about 80% Baptist, 10% Catholic, 7 or so of Pentecostals and 3 or so of Methodists.

[Breetai]

In my first dual parish, in Nebraska, I chanted the pastoral portion of the liturgy and the people chanted the response. No one in that little community had ever hear dof that. So the rumor spread throughout town that I was starting a cult, and the chant was prime evidence of that!

Even when I met with the local pastors at a clergy meeting, they were absolutely surprised that Lutherans "talked of salvation through Jesus" - they assumed that only Baptist, pentecostals, and Church of Christ were the only ones who had the "Gospel" straight!

Many associate liturgical worship with Roman Catholicism, and make the inferential leap that we must practice all those "cult things" like worshiping Mary, praying to dead people, etc.I thought that Nebraska had quite a few Lutherans?

[Breetai]

You know that saying involving flies, honey and vinegar?Actually I don't!

[filosofer]

I thought that Nebraska had quite a few Lutherans?

If you mean eastern Nebraska, yes. We lived 400+ miles west of Lincoln. Out in the panhandle, there might be one Lutheran church every 30-50 miles. Our circuit meetings lasted all day, but we had to drive 2-3 hours each way in addition to that.

[Flipper]

Actually I don't!
You playing?

You can catch more flies with honey than vinegar?

[KagomeShuko]

I am from Louisiana. I have only seen two Lutheran chruches all my life here. one 30 miles away and one 60 miles away. We all know Louisiana is dominated by Catholics and Baptists, but most ppl think more of Catholics, but my area is about 80% Baptist, 10% Catholic, 7 or so of Pentecostals and 3 or so of Methodists.
Where in Louisiana are you? There are quite a few Lutheran churches in New Orleans. Here, where I am, in Lake Charles, there's two Lutheran churches - one ELCA (the one I attend) and one Missouri Synod. Then, there's a Missouri Synod one in Sulpher. I think there's also a Lutheran church in DeRidder, but I'm uncertain and I wouldn't know the synod.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[CeeBee]

Northern Tangipahoa Parish.

[InnerPhyre]

When I was little I thought Lutherans were devil worshippers. Not because of anything anyone told me, just because I mistook the word "Luther" for "Lucifer." With my Catholic upbringing, I had no exposure to Protestantism at all, so as a child, I simply assumed that all Christians were Catholic. A friend of mine in the 3rd or 4th grade told me he was a Lutheran and I became incredibly concerned until he told me who Luther was. I assume I wasn't completely retarded, and such claims might also come from a similar mistake?

[Phoebe]

I find your story amusing.

Hell, I'm sitting here laughing.

Luther, Lucifer...

I suppose some might argue that point. ;)

[Rechtgläubig]

Lol!

[KagomeShuko]

Northern Tangipahoa Parish.
Oh, well, I've not been there, really. Might've been through on some trip once, but that would've been it.

However, there's a Lutheran presence here. Just not like up North - or even like in Texas. Seems somewhat odd, actually.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[KagomeShuko]

When I was little I thought Lutherans were devil worshippers. Not because of anything anyone told me, just because I mistook the word "Luther" for "Lucifer." With my Catholic upbringing, I had no exposure to Protestantism at all, so as a child, I simply assumed that all Christians were Catholic. A friend of mine in the 3rd or 4th grade told me he was a Lutheran and I became incredibly concerned until he told me who Luther was. I assume I wasn't completely retarded, and such claims might also come from a similar mistake?
Yeah, but you were how young? I had people in 6th, 7th, 8th grade taunting me and telling people I was a devil worshipper!

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[KagomeShuko]

I find your story amusing.

Hell, I'm sitting here laughing.

Luther, Lucifer...

I suppose some might argue that point. ;)
I think some people are actually that ignorant, though. It's okay if you're in 2nd grade or younger. That's understandable, but in middle school?

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[Breetai]

If you mean eastern Nebraska, yes. We lived 400+ miles west of Lincoln. Out in the panhandle, there might be one Lutheran church every 30-50 miles. Our circuit meetings lasted all day, but we had to drive 2-3 hours each way in addition to that.I've learned something new!

[InnerPhyre]

Yeah, but you were how young? I had people in 6th, 7th, 8th grade taunting me and telling people I was a devil worshipper!

Stein Auf!
Bridget
I think I was probably 8 or 9. Don't stress too hard about it though. We Catholics get called devil worshippers all the time :)

[CeeBee]

Lol InnerPHyre. WE know how you feel guys!

[Music4Hym777]

Ya'll are talking about having to drive so far to get to church, when we lived in KS we had to drive to MO inorder to get to a Lutheran church! That was quite a drive for us, so most the time we went to a Vineyard church.

[KagomeShuko]

Ya'll are talking about having to drive so far to get to church, when we lived in KS we had to drive to MO inorder to get to a Lutheran church! That was quite a drive for us, so most the time we went to a Vineyard church.
I'm not saying I've ever had to go far to get to church. There are just few Lutherans in my area. In fact, it doesn't take over 10 minutes to drive to my church from where I live.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[Phoebe]

We have plenty of Lutheran churches in Iowa.
I don't recall ever being considered a devil worshipper. People (Baptists) have tried to inform me just how close we are to Catholocism.
:)

[KagomeShuko]

We have plenty of Lutheran churches in Iowa.
I don't recall ever being considered a devil worshipper. People (Baptists) have tried to inform me just how close we are to Catholocism.
:)
I don't worry about being close to Catholocism. It's a fact that we know quite well, and yet, there are significant differences, too.

I guess people in Southwest Louisiana are really ignorant! Iwas taunted so much in gym class by girls who knew I was Lutheran and insisted I was a devil worshipper.

Stein Auf!
Bridget