Although I find some of the LBW's liturgical language a bit wordy or formal, I have not experienced it as being as problematic as some of the hymns. The liturgical language is clear enough. I believe that worship is a teaching moment. There is always mystery in worship, to be sure, even for the veteran Christian. But that we should place such barriers between God and children, between God and the new Christian, is, I believe, unfaithful and counter to the spirit of evangelism we have received from Christ.
Mystery is part of faith and worship.
Needlessly obscure language serves no one. The LBW was a good interim pastor. Parts of it are still very good. But as a whole, it's not capable of taking the ELCA into the new century. The language is too outdated, the liturgies too thick with confusing options.