<> Ask the Pastor The Rev. Walter Snyder Some time ago, we looked at the similarities and differences among the divisions of Christendom. In my part of Lutheranism (The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod), we believe and teach that true unity comes from Christ. Thus, disagreement on the teachings of his Word (doctrine) drives wedges into the unity he desires for his Church. We don't share our altars and pulpits with ministers from other bodies because we don't agree with all that these bodies state in their public confessions of the Christian Faith. We believe that if you claim your church home with a specific body, then you likewise claim the teachings of that body. If these teachings are contrary to our understanding of Scripture, there is no true unity (communion). This is not because we do not desire such unity, but because we do not see that it really exists. This is the time of year when the Ministerial Alliance organizes a pulpit exchange and a joint service. Because of our position on unity and unionism, I can't in good conscience participate. We don't agree with all the teachings of Baptists, Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, Churches of Christ, or others, so we don't share leadership in their services nor invite them to lead our own services. This isn't a statement that we think we are "better" than others. It's a statement that we differ. We believe and teach differently about faith and works, about the nature of grace, about infant baptism, and about other doctrines than do some other bodies. This is not to say that we desire this separation. Indeed, we wish it were otherwise. However, we don't seek unity by ignoring theological differences, but by preaching and teaching from Scripture and praying that the Holy Spirit would use the Word to overcome these differences. We aren't concerned with differences of background or ethnic origin, but of interpretation of the teachings of Scripture. We never turn anyone away from our churches. Indeed, we welcome guests with open arms. Yet merely warming a pew is not a declaration of fellowship. We ask that those who come to our altars and who preach from our pulpits confess the same teachings that our church formally confesses and believes. We recognize Christ as Savior and believe that the Bible is his inspired and true Word. We believe in baptismal regeneration and forgiveness - for adults and for infants. We believe that Christ gives his pastors the authority to forgive sins on earth. We believe that in the Lord's Supper we receive his body and blood as well as bread and wine, and don't believe that juice is an acceptable substitute for wine. These are only some of our Lutheran teachings. Few others believe identically in all of them, just as few of my readers believe the same in all things as do any other churches. We all have the clear words of Scripture; we interpret these words differently. In all this, I still have friends in other churches, and I want to recognize one special friend. He'll soon be leaving Jasper, and my family and I are going to miss him and his family. I speak of Father Gary Hill of Trinity Episcopal Church. Father Gary and I agree in so many areas that I jokingly call him a "closet Lutheran," while he may think of me as a "muddled Episcopalian." We have in common a high regard for the Gospel, a strong sense that the liturgy of the Christian Church is essential to our lives as Christians, and similar understandings of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Yet I still cannot in good conscience exchange churches with him because I don't believe in everything that his church teaches. This doesn't stop me from enjoying his company on a personal level. I know of few people who are more engaging in conversation. I enjoy his intellectual depth. Even more, I can seriously discuss theology with him because he has taken the time to understand Lutheranism and I have done the same regarding the Episcopal Church. I'll miss Gary, Nancy, and their children. So will the rest of Jasper. Our loss is gain for Nacodoches, for their Episcopal church, and for the college students with whom he'll be in contact. There may never be a time on this earth that he and I will join in the Divine Service. But one day we'll depart this world, and our differences - even those caused by the blindness of our sinful natures - will pass away. Then he and I and all our scattered brothers and sisters will truly be one, and together we will celebrate God and the Lamb forever. Until next week, when, Lord willing, we enjoy more of your questions, remember to "Ask the Pastor" at P.O. Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or catch me around town. Pastor Snyder serves St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches, Jasper and Woodville, Texas and is coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1997 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.