Lutherans and the Pope

[Stan]

Interesting to note that our LCMS friends have not repudiated their doctrinal stance regarding the pope:

43. As to the Antichrist we teach that the prophecies of the Holy Scriptures concerning the Antichrist, 2 Thess. 2:3-12; 1 John 2:18, have been fulfilled in the Pope of Rome and his dominion. All the features of the Antichrist as drawn in these prophecies, including the most abominable and horrible ones, for example, that the Antichrist "as God sitteth in the temple of God," 2 Thess. 2:4; that he anathematizes the very heart of the Gospel of Christ, that is, the doctrine of the forgiveness of sins by grace alone, for Christ's sake alone, through faith alone, without any merit or worthiness in man (Rom. 3:20-28; Gal. 2:16); that he recognizes only those as members of the Christian Church who bow to his authority; and that, like a deluge, he had inundated the whole Church with his antichristian doctrines till God revealed him through the Reformation -- these very features are the outstanding characteristics of the Papacy. (Cf. Smalcald Articles, Triglot, p. 515, Paragraphs 39-41; p. 401, Paragraph 45; M. pp. 336, 258.) Hence we subscribe to the statement of our Confessions that the Pope is "the very Antichrist." (Smalcald Articles, Triglot, p. 475, Paragraph 10; M., p. 308.)

http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=579

Wonder how widely that view is held within the Lutheran Community?

[skyblue888]

That would be interesting to know indeed!!! :)

[cricket]

Ask a Lutheran.

[David Koot]

(e)]Ask a Lutheran.

Which synod? Would that make a difference?

[cricket]

S_tan was interested in knowing how widely the belief was held in the Lutheran community. From that perspective, I suppose it would not matter.

[David Koot]

My guess is that the Missouri Synod would stick with the traditional position, while ELSA would tend to see the papacy differently today. But I dunno. YMMV

[skyblue888]

I believe the answer to that question can be found in the book The Great Controversy, p.563.

[olger]

The Lutheran pastor that I spoke with, said they are "very interested in getting reunited with the Roman church."

oboy.. Let public scrutiny fall upon these people (ALA the Bible Readings for the Home episode in the late 90's) and they will trip over themselves backpedaling away from Martin Luther.

olger

[cricket]

As Lutherans are my brothers and sisters, I choose not to let scrutiny fall from my lips upon them. I praise God for His good work through Martin Luther and for the faithful found among the congregation of believers.