# LCMS Convention Workbook_St. Louis Missouri_1975_S102 # Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration) 102 THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS 3-128 To Resist Pressure Against Historical-Critical Methodology WHEREAS. The use of historical-critical tools in Biblical interpretation has contributed immensely to a growing under- standing of the Scriptures: and WHEREAS. The CTCR, in its document “A Lutheran Stance Toward Contemporary Biblical Studies,” lists the presupposi- tions governing an acceptable use of historical-critical tools; and WHEREAS. Our Synod has neither officially promoted nor forbidden the use of any specific method of Biblical interpreta- tion: therefore be it Resolved: 1. That the Synod continue to resist pressures to endorse or reject any specific method of interpreting the Bible; and 2. That encouragement be given for the use of all methods of Biblical interpretation which will help us understand the Scriptures. Bethlehem Lutheran Church Minnetonka, Minn. Harold W. Marquardt, Chairman Ruth L. Maertens, Secretary Arden H. Malotky, Pastor 3-129 To Expose Seminary Students to Various Methods of Biblical Study WHEREAS. The ministry needs a professional knowledge of every method of Bible study: and WHEREAS. The Word is its own unique power and does not need the protection of men; therefore we 1. Memorialize the 1975 convention of the Synod to instruct that each of our seminaries expose its students to contemporary and traditional methods of Biblical study: and 2. Urge that each of our seminaries and colleges be in- structed to teach its students to discriminate between con- structive and destructive methods of Biblical study and guide guide them to a belief in an inspired and inerrant Bible; and 3. Affirm that we continue to put out trust in the Holy Spirit to create men of faith capable of proclaiming eternal truths in the face of all opposition. Eastern District Richard L. J. Hoemann., Secretary 3-130A To Repudiate Historical-Critical Method WHEREAS. Neither the historical-critical method nor that part of it commonly known as the JEDP source hypothesis have ever been adopted or approved by the Synod as viable tools for interpreting the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments: and WHEREAS. The historical-critical method does not offer adequate checks and balances against unlimited academic free- dom in the Scriptures and in Scriptural doctrine; and WHEREAS, Academic freedom may be optional in the area of secular subjects so long as this does not lead to contradictions of, or militate against, the Scriptures anc/or the historic doc- trinal position to which the LCMS is deeply committed (ef. Bylaws 6.53 d): and WHEREAS, In the areas of doctrine all pastors, professors, and teachers are bound under the Sacred. Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and the Lutheran Confessions “without reservation” (Art. II, synodical Const.); and WHEREAS. the Synod is and must remain the final arbiter whenever a dispute arises as to whether a doctrine is Scriptural: therefore be it Resolred. That The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod, in convention assembled, instruct all members of the Synod in the public office of the preaching and teaching ministry of the LCMS (pastors, professors, teachers, et al.) to cease forthwith and/or to desist from employing as a viable tool for interpreting the Sacred Scriptures, higher criticism, the historical-critical method, and that part of it known as the JEDP souce hypothesis, or any other method which allows any degree of Gospel reduc- tionism; and be it further Resolved, That all pastors, professors, and teachers of the LCMS be instructed to honor the historic position of the Synod, as required by the ordination vow, with regard to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, demonstrating such attitude by ceasing and/or desisting from the practice of academic freedom in matters of doctrine; and be it further Resolved. That the president of each college and seminary of the LCMS be held directly and personally responsible for every member of his faculty abiding by Article II of the Synod's Constitution, and this resolution in particular; and be it further Resolved, That all who cannot accept the historic doctrinal position of the Synod or teach in accord with Article II of the Synod’s Constitution be respectfully required to tender their resignation forthwith: and be it finally Resolved. That the Board for Higher Education be required to see to it that the respective Boards of Control implement this resolution, and that the President of the Synod be required to act if the respective Boards of Control do not fulfill the responsi- bilities given them in this resolution. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church North Platte, Nebr. L. V. Schneider, President Craig Wolske, Secretary Identical or similar: 3-130B Trinity, Sturgis, Mich. Erwin Ruhlig 3-131A To Return to Strict Discipline in Doctrine and Practice WHEREAS, By the grace of God our Synod was greatly blessed by God while we faithfully guarded against doctrinal error and unionism (Rom. 16:17); and WHEREAS, Our Synod has a right and a duty to put down in clear doctrinal statements what we believe to be Scriptural doctrine and practice; therefore be it Resolved: 1. That we require of all who wish to hold membership in our Synod to hold and teach fully and only our official Scripture doctrine and practice: 2. That we ask those who cannot with a good conscience hold and teach fully and only our official Scripture doctrine and practice to separate from us as soon as it becomes evident that after due admonition they will not “walk with us”: 3. That we discontinue fellowship and support to any and every group or organization which does not fully hold. teach. and promote our official Scripture doctrine and practice. (Rom. 16:17; Amos 3:3; John 8:31-32) First Trinity Lutheran Church Bloomfield, Nebr. Adrian Rathgeber, Secretary Identical or similar: 3-131B St. John’s, State Center, Iowa E. L. Stuempfig 3-132 To Canvass Synod Membership Regarding Theological Position WHEREAS, It is apparent that the membership of the Synod