(Lutheran) Home Altar

[JM]

Is this a regular practice for Lutherans? To have a home altar?

I have a kneeler but nothing in front of it. Just my Bible in reach and one of my prayer books (including a Lutheran prayer book).

Ask the Pastor: The Why and How of Home Altars

This Side of the Pulpit: The Family Altar

Christ Lutheran, Sioux Falls, SD - Home Altars - Pr. Walter Snyder - Issues, Etc.

A Lutheran home altar area

Yours in the Lord,

jm

 

[Tigger45]

I do but then I picked up on most of it while being an EO catechumen.

 

[JM]

I do but then I picked up on most of it while being an EO catechumen.

Now you're Lutheran? What was the deciding factor?

 

[Tigger45]

Now you're Lutheran? What was the deciding factor?

EO has had and will have a profound influence on me personally and doctrinally but the constant asceticism and feeling like I was always striving for God’s acceptance doesn’t set well with my soul.

 

[JM]

EO has had and will have a profound influence on me personally and doctrinally but the constant asceticism and feeling like I was always striving for God’s acceptance doesn’t set well with my soul.

I can understand that.

 

[FaithT]

EO has had and will have a profound influence on me personally and doctrinally but the constant asceticism and feeling like I was always striving for God’s acceptance doesn’t set well with my soul.

What do you mean by constant asceticism?

 

[JM]

What do you mean by constant asceticism?

Always denying yourself. Isn't there something like 250 fast days or foods you must abstain from in Orthodoxy?

 

[FaithT]

Always denying yourself. Isn't there something like 250 fast days or foods you must abstain from in Orthodoxy?

I don’t know but aren’t they like Catholicism?

 

[tampasteve]

Is this a regular practice for Lutherans? To have a home altar?

It is probably more regular than most Protestant denominations. I have one, but I kind of feel it is a hold over from being Catholic. I have a icon of St. Mark and Jesus as well as several bibles and prayer books.

I don’t know but aren’t they like Catholicism?

Yes and no. There are some similarities, but also some vast differences. But when Catholics actually follow the fast recommendations it would be fairly similar in this regard. Most fast days are not required in the Catholic Church, at least in regards to the dietary rules....or they have been relaxed greatly in the last 20-30 years.

 

[AMM]

To the OP: I had something like this when I was Lutheran.

Always denying yourself. Isn't there something like 250 fast days or foods you must abstain from in Orthodoxy?

Kinda. We do fast a lot, but it's not done in a legalistic manner (Christ had strong words for the pharisees about that!)

I don’t know but aren’t they like Catholicism?

There are similarities. But we also have differences. Same with Lutheranism: some similarities, other things are different.

 

[Tigger45]

To the OP: I had something like this when I was Lutheran.


Kinda. We do fast a lot, but it's not done in a legalistic manner (Christ had strong words for the pharisees about that!)


There are similarities. But we also have differences. Same with Lutheranism: some similarities, other things are different.

This is off topic per the OP I know but at the parish I attended the priest stuck to a very strict fast rule that baring medical reasons blessings were rarely granted. I personally watched people being turned away from the chalice due to having coffee on their breath.

 

[JM]

This is off topic per the OP I know but at the parish I attended the priest stuck to a very strict fast rule that baring medical reasons blessings were rarely granted. I personally watched people being turned away from the chalice due to having coffee on their breath.

I've heard of this happening.

 

[AMM]

This is off topic per the OP I know but at the parish I attended the priest stuck to a very strict fast rule that baring medical reasons blessings were rarely granted. I personally watched people being turned away from the chalice due to having coffee on their breath.

I've heard of this happening.

For whatever it's worth (and this is getting quite off topic so we can always start another thread if you're curious), I've only heard of this happening on these forums. I've attended 7 different parishes, in a number of different jurisdictions, and never seen this happen. And I'm not talking about just going to a parish for one random Sunday. I've been to all of these churches a number of times. I'm not saying that it doesn't happen - I believe your experiences, but I just wanted to add that I've not seen it in any of my experiences

 

[JM]

For whatever it's worth (and this is getting quite off topic so we can always start another thread if you're curious), I've only heard of this happening on these forums. I've attended 7 different parishes, in a number of different jurisdictions, and never seen this happen. And I'm not talking about just going to a parish for one random Sunday. I've been to all of these churches a number of times. I'm not saying that it doesn't happen - I believe your experiences, but I just wanted to add that I've not seen it in any of my experiences

It happens everywhere and in every denomination. I know a very heavy handed Elder in a Presby churh that should probably be removed for his mean spirited, strict rigidity. It doesn't have a shepherds heart but he does have a fat wallet.

 

[Tigger45]

For whatever it's worth (and this is getting quite off topic so we can always start another thread if you're curious), I've only heard of this happening on these forums. I've attended 7 different parishes, in a number of different jurisdictions, and never seen this happen. And I'm not talking about just going to a parish for one random Sunday. I've been to all of these churches a number of times. I'm not saying that it doesn't happen - I believe your experiences, but I just wanted to add that I've not seen it in any of my experiences

First I want to make clear I don't doubt your experiences. On the occasions I've attended either of the two Greek churches in our area I've not seen it happen myself. Although the Russian parish has it if you want to receive communion on Sunday you'd need to attend Saturday Vespers and do a confession.

 

[Lyrasong]

EO has had and will have a profound influence on me personally and doctrinally but the constant asceticism and feeling like I was always striving for God’s acceptance doesn’t set well with my soul.

Please forgive me for moving your thread further off-track. I respond because I converted to Eastern Orthodoxy many years ago, but am considering visiting a little Missouri-Synod Lutheran Church near us.

It seems that keeping home altars is becoming more common among Christians across denominational lines. This is evident on websites such as Pinterest. It is a blessing for believers to have at least a small space at home devoted to our Lord, and where we regularly go to spend time with Him. For my part, there was a little difficulty in the past because, though icons do touch and instruct our souls, I also felt drawn to statues. This dilemma might bypass a Lutheran altogether!

As for the extreme astheticism encouraged (even demanded) by some Orthodox pastors, what I experienced decades ago was a balanced approach to spirituality. Our church had a strong monastic influence, but there was acceptance for where each person might be on their spiritual path. We were given the opportunity to keep the whole monastic fast, for instance, but not burdened with guilt if we fell short. No fear, save for a righteous fear of the Lord Himself, was hung over us. I see this more clearly now and am very thankful. Perhaps things have changed.

I look forward to learning more about Lutheranism and to watching the videos that have been shared (especially concerning deification). May God bless you all.

 

[JM]

Any pics of Lutheran home altars that anyone wouldn't mind sharing?

 

[Tigger45]

Any pics of Lutheran home altars that anyone wouldn't mind sharing?

 

[JM]

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Thank you for sharing.

 

[Tigger45]

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The great thing about home altars is there’s no right or wrong way to to do them (baring obviously anything inappropriate of course). Ours is Christocentric and includes personal objects that are Spiritually significant to us.

In my top photo is my first icon (Pantocrator). I got it from a previous Lutheran pastor who with his wife were downsizing to go to China for five years. Next to the left is the Theotokos and to her left is St. Anthony the great which I received from an Eastern Orthodox priest. Up top is of course a cross with a blessed Basil.

In my lower photo top and center is the crucifix from my late uncle’s funeral. The Rosary draped over it is to remind us to pray for my wife’s nephew who was in a terrible motorcycle accident. To the left is the Theotokos with the baby Jesus and to the right is the Archangel Michael with a blessed palm branch from the last Palm Sunday. Left on our altar shelf is a lion bust (Lion of Judah) I received as a b-day gift from one of my sisters. Of course a bottle of Holy water, a free standing Virgin Mary with baby Jesus, a framed copy of the Apostles creed & three candles. One for me, my wife and Christ.