No doubt, but I think in reality and in truth, we have laid to rest the idea that the LCMS 'idolizes' its doctrine. Re-read Luther's Small Catechism, and honestly say where he places the responsibility for anything good that comes from him. Read again where he credits his actions or work. Oh wait, one can't find that part, because it isn't there. Read again the meaning of the creeds, where in there is the human input? The meaning to the Lord's Prayer, where is the explanation of the good that comes to believers? It isn't in the believer, it is the Grace of God. Remembrance of Baptism? Drown the old Adam. Are there sinners in LCMS? Absolutely and I count myself chief amongst them, but by the Grace of God I have access to repent and start over availing myself of that hateful 'idol' doctrine.
Today I see my church's and my former idolization of the doctrine an issue that lead directly to my experiences.
Inferrring the church's 'idolization' where it doesn't exist, confirming your own. The question remains with a common thread; whose idolatry? whose misconception? whose bitterness and why?
My drinking time may have been in a large part due to the collapse of my faith in the LCMS doctrine idol.
May have, when does one finally take resposibility for their own actions? 56/66/whenever/ or when I have no longer a scapegoat to hang my failing upon? Reflective listening is one thing, when does one engage in reflective thinking? When one is done with reflexive lashing out? Or it that not holistically possible? The time for attaching blame to something outside oneself needs to come to an end, it is big boy pants time, wipe one's own nose and come to grips with the real problem, use a mirror if one's interested.
Praise God that Faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ is on a firm foundation
Skip the 'on' and you're are rightly oriented.
Please see my post 895