LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 1973, Page 38

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38 MINUTES OF THE CONVENTION

of charity clearly indicated that Missouri could not be
accused of dead orthodoxy. Missouri’s historical faith
is a faith which works by love. He concluded this sec-
tion of his essay with the prayer that all of us might
hear the words of Matthew 25 from our Savior’s lips on
the day of judgment as he speaks to us of the works of
love and mercy which were an evidence of faith in Him.

Seminary Issues — Point of Privilege

In response to a point of privilege asking whether
the St. Louis seminary faculty minority would be able
to speak on the issues confronting the convention during
its morning session, Chairman Wiederaenders indi-
cated that all members of the seminary, faculty would
have the privilege and opportunity of speaking although
only three members in addition to Dr. Tietjen are the
official representatives of the faculty.

Introduction

Prior to outlining the arrangements for carrying out
the discussion Dr. Wiederaenders addressed some pre-
liminary remarks to the convention. He reminded all
of the delegates that we are brothers and sisters in
Christ. To be brothers and sisters is a great thing, but
this relationship is enriched when it is used with the
name of Christ. The fact that we are brothers and sis-
ters in Christ through faith is surely a great blessing.
He pointed out that we are equally blessed in that God
has chosen us to be brothers and sisters in Christ. If
it were up to us we might not choose each other but by
God’s grace we are brothers and sisters. Dr. Wieder-
aenders said that it was his wish that by the power of
God’s Holy Spirit we would let ourselves be what we
are, demonstrate it in our response to one another in
thoughts, words, and deeds, and shrink from the thought
of rejecting one another.

Procedure

Following the preliminary remarks, the procedures
which had been arrived at by a group to which this task
was assigned the previous evening were outlined. Dr.
Edgar Krentz, Dr. Robert Bertram, and Dr. John Damm,
the official faculty representatives, were to be given
an opportunity to speak according to their choice of ro-
tation at the beginning of each 45 minutes of discussion.
The discussion during each of the periods was to re-
volve around one of the major charges presented in
Resolution 3-09 (TB 107). After each 10 to 12 minute
presentation by one of the faculty representatives, vot-
ing and advisory delegates would be permitted to ask
questions of the man who had just spoken. Discussion
might also be carried on rather than simply the asking
of questions. Dr. Wiederaenders stated that the chair
would not like to limit the length of speaking by indi-
viduals but asked each delegate to limit himself in
making his remarks or in the addressing of his ques-
tions. It was also agreed that there be no applause and
no demonstrations. In addition any members of the
floor committee or any other knowledgeable person
might be questioned. Furthermore, there was to be no
rising for points of order or information and that if any-

one wished to call for a point of order, personal privi-
lege, or information, he should bring his request to the
chair in writing. As a final point of procedure delegates
were reminded that Dr. Tietjen would have speaking
privileges equal to that of the floor committee and that
President Preus would have these same speaking privi-
leges.

Discussion

The chairman of the floor committee, Dr. Lewis Nie-
moeller, first introduced Dr. Edgar Krentz to speak to
the issue of the formal principle in Lutheran theology.
Following his presentation questions were addressed to
him from the floor and statements were made pro and
con by various delegates. After time for the discussion
of this question had expired, Dr. Robert Bertram spoke
to the delegates giving a demonstration of the type of
teaching. Questions were then addressed to him and
responses were made by Dr. Bertram, the convention
floor committee, and delegates of the convention who
were called upon to respond. Dr. Tietjen responded
to a question from a member of the floor committee
asking whether it was still his opinion that the docu-
ment “A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Prin-
ciples” was indeed sub-Biblical and not in harmony
with the Confessions. In his response he indicated that
these statements which had been made had been with-
drawn from discussion since they seemed to impugn
the character and motives of the President of the Synod.
President Preus also responded to this issue indicating
in his remarks that the substance of the charge had
not been withdrawn and that he believed that a minor-
ity ought not be allowed to impose its theology on the
church.

The third faculty representative, Dr. John Damm,
academic dean of the seminary, stated in his remarks
that he was very sensitive to the development of the
seminary curriculum in such a way that it would meet
the needs of the church. He told the convention that
the St. Louis seminary faculty is concerned with pro-
viding a theological education in such a way that it
will prepare men to bring judgment and healing to
people.

The floor committee called on Dr. Scharlemann, a
member of the faculty of Concordia Seminary to ad-
dress the delegates. In his remarks he pointed out that:

1. The basic question which confronts the conven-
tion is one of truth which is determined by facts
and not by recognition or failure to recognize the
facts on the part of the one who is charged.

2. That there was a refusal to answer questions
briefly, directly, and concisely.

3. That there is such a thing as a historical critical
method which undermines the authority of Scrip-
ture. Additional discussion and questions fol-
lowed.

Greetings

After the 3-hour period for discussion of the sem-
inary issues had expired, President Preus introduced

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