One of the blessings of being a District President (I'm learning) is the privilege of being able to read books and other materials prior to their publication (with the opportunity also of being able to suggest and submit possible 'improvements'). President Hoesman shared one such resource with me in August of 2009 during a transition meeting. It is entitled This We Believe with a subtitle of Selected Topics of Faith and Practice in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. (The underlined title/subtitle are dynamic links that will take you directly to the order page at Concordia Publishing House [CPH].)
This We Believe is a outstanding resource that I've already referenced many times. Whether sharing information and suggestions with pastors questioning how to respond to challenging questions and situations or discussing some of the LC-MS's doctrinal stances with laity, it is a most useful reference tool.
The following are a few excerpts from the Preface of This We Believe explaining its purpose and content: "What is the position of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod on ...?" This is
one of the most frequently asked questions received by the President and other leaders of the Synod. This question is asked not only by those outside the Synod but it also frequently comes from members of the synod itself, from lay and clergy alike. After discussion with numerous individuals throughout the Synod about the need for such a resource as this, President Kieschnick commissioned his staff to work together with him in putting together a brief summary of the official position of the Synod on important matters of doctrine and practice.
... In addressing the topics included here, the LCMS has expressed its collective understanding of what God's Word, the Holy Scriptures, clearly teaches. In some cases, the Synod has given Christian counsel, recognizing that where Scripture itself has not spoken directly, guidance must be given in a spirit of Christian liberty and with encouragement to exercise responsible judgments in specific contexts and circumstances. The task of applying Scriptural principles to contemporary problems must always be done in the humble realization that some questions must be lift "open," which A Brief Statement (included in an appendix to this volume) defines as "those questions in the domain of Christian doctrine ... which Scripture answers either not at all or not clearly" (paragraph 44).
... It is our prayer that this volume will serve as a handy and informative reference for congregations, professional church workers, and other church leaders in and beyond the LCMS. We have sought to present this material in such a way as to make available information not always readily accessible. We pray that greater awareness regarding our church's voice on these topics will be a blessing to our Synod in matters of faith and practice.
The cost for This We Believe is $8.99 or $6.99 for 6 or more copies from Concordia Publishing House. It would also prove to be a catalyst for an Adult Class seeking to learn more about our Biblical, Lutheran response to such contemporary issues as Abortion, Assisted Suicide, Birth Control, Care for the Dying, Cloning, Cremation, Euthanasia, Gambling, Homosexual Behavior, Immigration, In Vitro Fertilization, Admission to the Lord's Supper, Ordination of Women, Organ Donation, Pornography, Stem Cell Research, Tithing, Unity Within Synod, Service of Women in the Church, etc.
May our Lord richly bless your use of this wonderful resource.
pm
