Collection › LCMS Convention Workbook (St. Louis, Missouri) › 1975 · 51st Convention › Page 102
LCMS Convention Workbook St. Louis, Missouri — 1975, Page 102

Scan: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Transcription machine transcription, uncorrected

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