The Washington times., 1915-02-13
.LUTHERANS EXPLAIN
(. SUNDAY ATTITUDE
Church "Bom In University"
Cannot Approve Of Evange.
listic Campaign.

Twelve Of the German-Lutheran and
English- Lutheran pastors Of Washing
ton, representing that portion OF the
Lutheran Church which declined to CO.
operate in bringing Billy Sunday to
Washington, today made public q state
ment outlining their position.
Because the Lutheran Church. 1t Is
stated, was born In a university" and
stands ''for a trained and cultured min
istry and an educated membership" and
for other reasons set forth in the state.
ment. it Is said "the proposed evan.
gelistic campaign for this city Is out OF
harmony with the teachings and usages
of our church: and twel cannot, there
The statement defining the position OF
the twelve Lutheran clergymen who take
issue with those Lutheran clergymen
who favored Sundays coming follows:
The Statement.
In view Of recent discussions made
by various individuals. whose state
nents have been given publicity
through the local press and otherwise
concerning the attitude of the Lutheran
church on proposed evangelistic SER
vices in this city. we desire to calr at
tention to several fundamental facts IN
connection with the history, the teaen. en-.
i%ss and the prscttsSss tSs 81 sns
numbering one-haif Of the entire Pro-
testant world.
:'First: The Lutheran Church was
born in a university and IN the entiIe
400 years Of her history. she has stood.
in al countries, for trained and cul-
tured ministry and an educated mem
bership, able to give a reason for the
faith that is theirs.
Second: To this end. the Lutheran
Church has systematically taught her
children the fundamental truths OF the
word Of God in course of catechetical
instruction, and has sought to train
them from childhood and early youth youth
years Of religious nurture for their de-
velopment Of the Christian graces.
Reverence Necessary.
'"Third: Tho Lutheran Church
III oughout the world emphasizes the
things-the House Of God. the Lord 8
Day, His word. His sacraments. His
name, His work. These things are not
to be spoken Of or treated lightly or
lrreverently, but in the fear Of God.
The word OF God is to be taught in its
purity and in its entirety. and the wor-
ship Of God is to be conducted orderly
''The Lutheran Church. therefore. con:
demns the use. in Christian worship and
work, Of slang, vulgarity. contempt or
rtdicule Of the church and sacred
things: for the treatment Of the high
est Interests Of the Immortal soul de.
Snands the greatest. the highest. the
best and noblest expression. in thought,
word. and act. that mortal man can
give. The Old Testament demands rev.
erence; tho New Testament urges It;
Christ exemplihed and enforced It: and
10 the Lutheran Church through all the
centuries has emphasized 1t. as she does
today. Other faiths. other people. other
cults may treat divine things frivol-
ously and lightly, but .Lutherans will
Must BE Regeneration. e..
'Fourth: As to the great truths Of
human sin and need and divine love
and redemption. neither ridicule on the
ono hand nor the mere form or fact OF
morality in the outward life on the other
hand are either requisite or suficlent tc
save the soul. Above all and in oil
there must be a regeneration Of the
heart, with a personal faith in q per.
sonal Saviour. whose blood cleanses US
from sin. The Nervousness Of sin. the
by the Holy Spirit, the atoning sacrifce
Of the Son Of God for mans salvation
and in 1t all the love and the merck
Of God are truths SO high. so precious
30 essential to human happiness AND
hope. that they command the deepest
ton. and the most fcrvant prayer
Take off thy shoes from off thy feet
holy ground
':Fer these reasons. we deem the pro.
out Of harmony with the teachings and
usaees Of our church, and cannot, there
1ore, conscientiously approve Of IT,"