I don't believe this blog should be very self-referential, and so I promise that this type of apologia will not occur again anytime soon. The following post is NOT directed at any of my loyal "10" (ten) "followers." - - JWW
The blogosphere is large; too large (and blogs aren't even popular anymore--they're so 2009). There are thousand of blogs on every topic under the sun; zillions on matters theological and even...Lutheran.
My blog (Megalunei) is a private blog, insofar as it's totally unrelated to my calling in any "official" capacity. It's not an official church/parish blog - - it's my blog as a human being who just happens to be an ordained Lutheran pastor with lots and lots of opinions and views on matters: religious, political, synodical (sic), theological, and metaphysical.
The reason the blog is "open" to everyone with a PC (at least for the forseeable future) is that I do post sermons. Some of my former members and friends who might not want to "sign up" on blogger/google to be a "follower" can still read these homilies. Believe it or not, I have had former parishioners request my sermons.
Now, a blog isn't Face Book to be sure, but a blog is still much like being invited into someones living room for cigars, brandy, and a tasty buffet. I would no more argue and cast aspersions at someone if I had been invited into their home, than I would snipe on someone's FB 'wall.' And I certainly would not continue to haunt a blog that I did not agree with, or find eddifying. This blog is a combination of sermons, hymn lyrics, lame-o self-drawn (if you want to call them "drawn") cartoons, even lame-er "Top-Ten" comedic lists, and screeds and rants.
It's my blog. It certainly isn't hurting anyone. Dr. Scaer is one way in class, and another way in talking with Grandma Schmitt and the LWML. Not that I owe this explanation to anyone...but it might not be safe to assume that how I express myself in/on MY (emphasis) blog is identical to how I conduct Mass or deal with parishioners.
Am I angry? Sure, some of the time and sometimes all of the time. Am I frustrated with the world, the country, the synod (sic), the Minnesota Twins? Sure, lots of the time but not all of the time.
If you don't like Grabau, Loehe, the Swedish Lutheran Mission Province, the Society of Saint Polycarp, Fr. Hollywood, hyper-Euro lutheranism ( :) ) the doctrine of Semper Virgo, than what in the blue-blazes are you doing hanging around here?
The only time I will share my bona fides:
0. I believe the Holy Bible is innerrent, infallible and inspired. (I think all the higher-critics and seminex weasels should have been ex-communicated). I believe in: a literal 6-day creation (24 hour days); the Adam and Eve I learned about in Sunday School; that Jonah was swallowed by a great sea-creature.... ya 'get the drift.'
1. I believe, teach and confess that the article upon which the Church stands or falls is Augustana IV. I would rather be tortured and die before giving up the Rule/Analogy of Faith: Justification by Grace through Faith in Christ alone (which we know because of Holy Scripture) These solas are not alone but work together. They are always alone when juxtaposed against works righteousness or anything other than Christ Crucified for the forgiveness of sins.
2. I like Luther. I like Flacius. I love the way Gerhard uses "types" and almost, allegory.
3. One of the reasons I went to the Seminary was because of my love for the theological writings of Dr. Robert Preus.
4. I would love to see the world wide confessional Lutheran communities re-institute an Episcopal form of church government. I fully realize that that is NEVER going to happen; I hardly ever mention it.
5. I love the Blessed Virgin Mary (who is not dead, but alive with Christ as are all the Saints who pass from this mortal coil at death until the great resurrection of all flesh at the Eschaton) and believe and confess that she was, is, and always will be SEMPER VIRGO. I don't teach this doctrine to Lutheran laymen. And when I do talk about it (which I do frequently) I fully realize that nobody agrees with me. Que sera, sera.
6. When I write, I enjoy sarcasm and "Stan Lee" type humor.
So in conclusion, I think certain individuals should let this tiny, microscopically insignificant blog alone. I didn't create it to be like some other blogs wherein "give & take" and thrust/counter-thrust repartee is solicited.
And again in conclusion, Mother Mary prayS for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.*
Deo Vindice,
JWW
* The Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Chapter IX, ARTICLE XXI, Of the Invocation of Saints, paragraph 8, pp. 235-236, Jacob's translation
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