The Magazine

Life worth living

In all the years I have been privileged to read The Lutheran Witness, rarely have I had the honor to read a finer essay than Dr. Gene Edward Veith’s “In Praise of Work” (September). The beauty of Veith’s little essay is what he says so simply and elegantly: That there is equal dignity and worth

From sniper to shepherd

The September article on Pastor Chehab was truly inspirational. It had special meaning for me, whose primary call for my ministry in India (1954–78) was to share the Gospel with Muslims. Luther T. Engelbrecht Seattle, Wash.   Read More Letters to the Editor Send letters to “Letters,” c/o The Lutheran Witness, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road,

Handing on the Word of Truth

With so many Bible translations to pick from, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Which version best drives home what God means to say?

The most desirable way

Dr. Jerald C. Joersz is right that the Sacred Scriptures do not specifically tell us whether pastors should commune themselves or not (Q & A September). Our official doctrine and practice, however, come from the Book of Concord of 1580: “The mass should be a communion, at which the priest and others receive the sacrament

How to Escape the Christmas Madness

Why celebrate Advent when you’re already surrounded by Christmas trees, Christmas carols, and Christmas presents? Rev. Hans Fiene reminds you of what Advent means.

Allowing the opposite

Dr. Joersz’s response to the question about the pastor’s self-communion is slightly misleading. He claims that “The Altar Book . . . allows a pastor’s self-communion.” That is not completely false, but it is terribly inaccurate. The Altar Book allows the opposite thing. It allows a layman to distribute the body and blood of Christ

A Different Kind of Hope

“Because God has promised it, I will be blessed with a miracle, whether it be the healing of my body or Christ’s perfect healing.”

In support of pastors

Dr. Joersz had an opportunity to offer support to a pastor who was just doing what the LSB Altar Book directed him to do. He was being faithful. Instead, the Q & A gave the members of his congregation support for criticizing their pastor. Thomas M. Winger, Acting President Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary St. Catharines,

The Light of the World

“Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word: For mine eyes have
seen Thy salvation, which Thou has prepared before the face of all people: a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel”

(Luke 2:29–32 KJV)

The pastor as Christ’s representative

I thought Dr. Joersz gave a very helpful reply in a recent answer to the question of a pastor communing himself in a worship service. The practice is an adiaphoron, i.e., it’s neither forbidden nor commanded in Scripture. An example by itself does not establish doctrine or church practice, but still it bears some weight

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