The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-08-28
In a Discussion It Was DeveI-
oped DoctrinaI Position Of
Ohio and Iowa Synods Was
Similar.
A FEW DIFFERENCES
MUST BE HARMONlZED
Learned Thesis Adopted by
Toledo Theologians, Cover
ing Point in Dispute, Up for
Consideration.

The question of the relationship be-
tween the Ohio and Iowa synods was
again up for discussion yesterday af-
ternoon at the meeting Of the Evan.
gelical Lutheran joint synod of Ohio
and other states. The question of fel-
lowship between the two synods was
not taken up but that Of the doctrinal
position. In this regard there seemed
to be substantial agreement between
the synods.
Three years ago . step towards the
union Of the two synods was taken at
Toledo when . set Of thesis was adopt.
ed which revealed the essential unity
Of the two respective bodies. At that
time but one district, Wisconsin, re-
fused to ratify q part Of the resolu-
tions adopted and there were few
members Of the Iowa synod who dis
sented.
The duty remains to harmonic the
differences In the ranks Of tho Ohio
synod and on this point the discussion
arose. The first point which came up
was the church. A thesis adopted by
the Toledo theologfans is this. "The
church in the proper sense of the term
is the communion Of true believers as
It Is begotten through the means Of
grace and as by this use it edifies It.
self. From this 1t follows: First. ac-
cording to its real essence. the church
is and remains invisible on this earth: i:
second. common participation in the
means of grace 10 tho necessary form
OF the chureAss aappeaFaQoe and the
infallible mark Of its existence
Meaning Of Thesis.
The meaning Of this thesis is that
not any outward form, ceremony or
affiliation, is the means of member
ship in the kingdom of God. but only
the word of God, the instrument of the
Holy Spirit which produces faith. the
number of the faithful constituting
the church which is essentially invis-
ible since human eyes cannot see
faith. However, since the faith of be-
levers must and will continue to feed
upon the word OF God. the invisible
church becomes visible insofar as be-
levers cooperate for purposes Of
hearing and doing the Word of God
Also 1t follows that the degree of faith
fulness with which the word of God
is confessed Is the mark Of the rela-
tive purity and the source of power
Of the church. DR.. Ernst of st. Paul
led in the discussion and the synod
was substantially agreed on its con-
ception of the church.
Another point on which synod sub
scription has not been unanimous is
the thesis:
A Disputed Point.
Full agreement in all articles of
faith constitutes the irremissible con-
dition of church-fellowship. Error in
an article Of faith must under all cir
cumstances lead to separation. Per
feet agreement in all non-fundamental
doctrines. though not attainable on
earth is nevertheless. q desirable end
and one we should labor to attain"
Dr.. Ernst again lead in the discus
sion of the subject "Open Questions" /"
or doctrines which have no direct
bearing upon the faith. He brought
out two antagonistic doctrines. one in
which 1t is believed the soul is the
product Of natural creation and the
other that 1t Is the immediate creation
of God. He held that different views
may be held without imperiling unity
in the faith. nor does 1t affect such
unity when the view IL doubled that
the ministerial office Is given BY God
with the congregation ~ IN agency of
Transmission.
R.H. e.