Many Christians are saying that the term "evangelical" has acquired negative connotations and how that movement is in need of "rebranding," so here is an idea: Instead of calling yourself an "evangelical," identify with the church that you belong to. Though "denominations" have fallen into disfavor, bring them back to life by rediscovering the theological heritage they embody. (A free post.)
When I first attended a Lutheran service, like many other visitors, I was impressed but confused. Here is an explanation of what is going on, with an emphasis on what visitors tend to find the most different from what they are used to.
Why the Church Falls
April 28, 2021
Gene Veith
News that church membership in the United States has fallen below 50% has provoked a host of discussions about what that might have happened, expanding to considerations of a wide range of dysfunctions in the church and in society. This blog has participated in those discussions.
But, we might wonder, what would Christians of the past say about our current problems? How, for example, might Luther diagnose the church’s woes today?
The Reformers said that the doctrine of justification–that is, how sinners are put right with God through the work of Christ–is “the article upon which the church stands or falls.” Today in many of America’s churches, this teaching can scarcely be heard.