June 1996 Lutheran Spokesman Issue
The Lutheran Spokesman
(June 1996)
HOLY HOLY HOLY, LORD GOD OF SABAOTH
In this issue:
Our Great Salvation
President's Message
Importance Of Fathers
Editor's Smorgasbord
Pietism and Promise Keepers III
The Human Embryo
CLC Exploratory Services
Announcements
For Circulation and Subscription Information, click here.
Articles
In a short while a handful of Lutheran Christians will gather in a
humid, mosquitoey corner of Christendom to prayerfully consider,
debate, execute, and otherwise fulfill their tiny share in the Great
Commission. As this is intense and demanding work, responsible
parties will see to it that the CLC Convention delegates are well-
fed from daybreak till its weary end. One cannot carry on the Lord's
work of preaching the Gospel to every creation on an empty stomach,
nor an empty spirit. That is why, while food-service specialists
busy themselves in the shiny new campus kitchens of Immanuel Lutheran
College, other specialists will be preparing morsels of heavenly
manna, consisting of the Bread of Life, Living Water, and the true
body and blood of Christ Himself -- all to be set forth as a source
of spiritual satisfaction and joy suitable for soldiers in the ranks
of the Church Militant.
Part of that spiritual food will come in the form of essays
highlighting our Convention theme: We Appreciate The Means of Grace.
The Means of Grace are the food our Lord has given to satisfy our
souls and nourish our spirits. This food is the Word we preach and the
sacraments which we, as churches, administer -- all of which center on
the redemptive work of Christ.
We appreciate the Means of Grace -- that is our claim. There will be
others who who speak about the Means of Grace. I for the moment would
like to speak about "appreciation." It's an amazingly versatile word,
and it fits many perspectives on the "great salvation" that comes to
us through these Means of Grace.
Maybe the most common meaning of "appreciate" is "to hold in esteem."
When one receives a good teacher or a benefactor, there is an
appreciation of that person. Jesus once declared (to those who held
Him in very low esteem) that "Abraham rejoiced to see My day; and he
saw it, and was glad" (Jn. 8:56).
It's quite a notion to suggest that Abraham, who had been dead for two
thousand years, was able to look ahead to the era of Jesus of
Nazareth, and find some sort of comfort and joy in it. Only by God's
grace could Abraham appreciate the days of Jesus for what they were --
an appreciation that was lost on the proud and self-righteous
descendants of the patriarch.
The Precious Gem Of The Gospel
Through the Gospel we can appreciate what Jesus had done two thousand
years past as being very special to us. For Abraham or for us the
blessing is the same: "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary
for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and
that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name
to all nations" (Lk. 24:46-47).
To "appreciate" something may at times mean that that thing has our
approval -- that we would not despise it or turn away from it, because
of its merits. The apostle Paul boldly stated his appreciation for the
Good News of Jesus' redeeming work in his letter to the Romans: "For I
am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to
salvation for everyone who believes" (Rom. 1:16).
It is through this Gospel, the proclaiming of God's gracious response
to the wretched mess of sin, that listeners in every era are brought
face to face with the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul
appreciated the fact that his telling of the Gospel was more than just
a rehash of history, something for idlers in Athens to dissect and
interpret in a hundred different ways. The Gospel message is God's
means for reaching sinners, confronting them in their sinfulness; and
supplying the healing balm of the Gospel. Paul appreciated the fact
that no amount of moralizing, and no type of feel-good philosophy can
act as a substitute for this simple law/gospel preaching of Jesus
Christ, Savior. It is the power of God for salvation.
But one of the richer uses of "appreciate," one that holds the
interest of financiers and speculators, is its connection with value
and worth. To "appreciate" the value of the Gospel would mean to
realize how rare and precious a gem it truly is, in contrast to all
the "cubic zirconium" vaunted by this world. "Happy is the man who
finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds
are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire
cannot compare with her" (Prov 3:13-15).
A simple trust in the Means of Grace for carrying out the work of the
Church is not a fashionable thing in our day; the stand for sound
law/gospel preaching is trampled underfoot by many who scramble for
outward growth. Our hope is that by recalling the importance of the
Means of Grace -- and what that term means to Lutheran Christians --
we will have a heightened awareness, a better appreciation, of the
magnificent and costly feast of salvation to which we have been
called.
--Pastor Peter Reim
A Convention Message
June 17 will be the beginning of the CLC family reunion known as
convention.
As before any family reunion much work has gone into preparation for
convention. In April the various boards met in Eau Claire prior to
the Coordinating Council meeting. According to the description in the
bylaws of the CLC Constitution, "The primary function of the
Coordinating Council shall be to coordinate the work of the various
boards of the Church of the Lutheran Confession and to propose an
annual budget which shall be presented to the convention for action
during convention years."
The boards met this year late into the evening to discuss their
particular responsibilities, and to prepare budgets. For the first
time in recent memory, the Coordinating Council itself went well into
the afternoon of the last day. These meetings of the boards and the
Coordinating Council were more than "housekeeping" chores. The fruit
of their work can be seen in the Prospectus that you will be
receiving, and discussing in your congregation and in delegate
conferences. As one can see, the convention will be addressing some
very important and knotty practical issues in the interest of the work
of the kingdom.
The Prospectus will also alert everyone to the doctrinal matters to be
addressed. When we address doctrinal maters we are getting closer to
addressing the real purpose of our church. Doctrine is important. The
apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "Till I come, give attention to
reading, to exhortation, to doctrine . . . . Take heed to yourself and
to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save
both yourself and those who hear you" (1 Tim. 4:13,16). True doctrine
is important to salvation, and continuing in it no less important.
The theme of our convention, therefore, in spite of the practical
matters that come before it, concentrates on doctrine -- the doctrine
of the Means of Grace.
When we speak of the Means of Grace we are speaking of the Gospel.
Pure and simple. It is through the water and Word of Baptism that we
have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of
Light. In that blessed Means of Grace our Lord claimed us for His own,
and blessed us with every blessing in Christ Jesus. He exhorts us, and
gives us the privilege, to feast regularly on "the sincere milk of the
Word" (1 Pet. 2:2). Through that Word, both read and heard, He
perfects the good work which He through His Spirit has begun in us.
Finally, through the sacrament of His body and blood our Lord
strengthens each penitent in a most personal fashion.
The Means of Grace are given us by our Lord as a means to an end --
the end is conversion and strengthening in faith in Christ to the
purpose that we should live in the hope of heaven, and attain the end
of our faith which is the fulfillment of our hope, the reality of life
in heaven. Therefore we have chose as our theme: WE APPRECIATE THE
MEANS OF GRACE.
We encourage every delegate to bear in mind that what we do in
convention, however detached it may seem from the mission of the
church, is in reality in the service of the Lord and of the Means of
Grace. Keeping that in mind will help guide our attitude toward all
matters, doctrinal and practical, as well as our relationship to one
another. Remembering that we are in convention in the service of our
Lord and the Means of Grace will be demonstrated by a firmness in
doctrine that is manifest at the same time through a spirit of
evangelical meekness and fervor.
Our family reunion is a reunion with a divine purpose. The Church of
the Lutheran Confession is not here to perpetuate itself. The
convention is not called to devise innovative programs so that we can
make a bigger splash in the ecclesiastical ocean.
The essays this year will direct our attention to the Means of Grace,
and encourage us to grow in appreciation of our Reformation heritage,
our worship heritage, as well as new zeal to share the good news.
Nothing that we resolve in convention is worth our time, money, or
effort if we do not keep the Means of Grace at the center and core of
our preaching and church life. Indeed, unless we do, we will not have
shown due respoct to doctrine, and even less for the Lord Himself Who
has placed the doctrine of the Gospel at the center of His commission:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, (by) baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit;
teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" (Mt.
28:19-20). Scripture tells us that it is by grace that we are saved.
With what else shall we therefore concern ourselves than proclaiming
the grace of God through the means He Himself has given us?
To all who travel to convention, delegates and visitors, we wish God's
grace for safe journey. We pray that our convention reunion be a
manifestation of grace at work. We are confident that it will be
because we trust the power of the Means of Grace through which we are
saved also to effect what is good and pleasing to the Lord.
--Pastor Daniel Fleischer
The Importance Of Fathers
I complained to my wife that I couldn't find any Father's Day cards
that I liked. Most of them were overly sentimental and gushy, sounding
too much like a son's or daughter's desperate attempts to make up for
a year's (or more) inattention. They didn't do a good job of
expressing the gratitude of a son for a Christian father and for the
blessings that God gives children through their fathers. To find the
words to express such things the best place to begin is the Bible.
The importance of fathers is expressed and stressed in the Bible --
though in a negative way -- in what it says about the "fatherless."
The Law of Moses extended explicit protections to fatherless
children. "You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you
afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear
their cry" (Ex. 22:22). The Law also gave them privileges (Deut.
24:19-21), recognizing that the fatherless might well have extra
trouble getting the necessities of life, food, clothing, and shelter,
for these are things that fathers traditionally have provided for their
children.
The Scriptures teach the importance of fathers also in a positive way.
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring
them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). Here
the Lord gives fathers the primary responsibility for discipline in
the home, but also much more than that. Fathers are to apply
discipline as the spiritual leader in the home. They are to give that
correction and admonitioin (or instruction) that is of the Lord, that
is found in the Word. This includes especially instruction in the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Christian father teaches right and wrong
of course, but he especially teaches, by word and example, the
forgiveness of God in Christ.
God's Representatives
The good things that fathers do for their children and give to their
children are blessings from God, for fathers and mothers are God's
representatives to their children. As disciplinarians they are
representatives of His holiness. As providers they are representatives
of His goodness and generosity. As teachers of the Gospel they are
representatives of His grace. And as representatives not only do they
act toward their children on God's behalf, they also demonstrate to
them who their God is and what He is like, for it is His blessings
that they bring to their children.
You fathers then should understand the importance of your place in the
home and in the lives of your children. Yours is a God-given role, an
essential part of God's design for the family. No matter how important
the work you do outside the home, raising your children is one of the
most significant things you will do with your life.
All of which should not cause fatherless children and single mothers
to despair. Where there is no father, the role of father can be filled
by others; the Lord provides. And finally we all have one true Father,
God Himself. Jesus has made us God's own children and heirs. We have
received "the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father'"
(Rom. 8:15).
Earthly fathers may die and leave us. They may even be irresponsible
and abandon us. But God is our Father forever. His blessings are ours
forever.
--Pastor John Klatt
EXPLORATORY SERVICES
Again this month you will find a table of "Exploratory Services"
which first ran in the February issue. Information such as this is
helpful only if it is current, which is why the Board of Missions
has asked if it could appear periodically with updated data. For
example, this month's table adds Denver and Colorado Springs; shows
that the St. Cloud group has relocated its worship site to Kimball;
and corrects the location of the outreach effort in Washington state.
Chairman Ohlmann says he has heard favorable comments on this guide
to exploratory services, adding that "at least one CLC member is
attending one of our services since being contacted because of the
article in the Spokesman."
Let's be spreading the Word!
SUBMISSIONS WELCOMED
Readers have noticed that on occasion the Spokesman has reprinted
sermons, chapel talks, bulletin articles, annual reports etc. which
have been submitted. Please be encouraged in this.
More often than not our pastors and teachers are hesitant to submit
something they have spoken or written. But if you, the person in the
pew, hear or read something that has helped you along the way,
suggest that it be forwarded to the editor for his consideration.
SUBSCRIPTION RATE INCREASE
As everyone knows, in this world we live in there is a price for
"progress."
Benno Sydow, our efficient business manager for many years, is (at
this writing) sending a report to the Coordinating Council asking
for a rate increase for Spokesman subscribers on all fronts --
bulk to congregations (from $6.50 to $7.00 yr.); individual rates
(1 yr. from $7.50 to $9.00, 2 yrs. from $14 to $17, 3 yrs. from
$21 to $25); and foreign rates (1 yr. from $9 to $12, 2 yrs. from
$17 to $23, 3 yrs. from $25 to $34). It is recommended that the
increase go into effect immediately (Late note: approved by the CLC).
Not only have printing and mailing costs gone up, but so have the
editor's office expenses. For example, back in 1984 roughly $100.00
was needed every six months to cover "snail mail" postage and long
distance calls. Twelve years later the requisition to Benno is about
$200.00 every three months -- to cover, besides postage and long
distance calls, computer, fax/modem, and America Online expenses.
Currently, to cover expenses the Spokesman needs $1200 monthly. Under
the old rates a deficit of $1500 is expected by the close of our
fiscal year (June). The need then is obvious.
When we speak of "progress" we put the word in quotes. Other than
the cost increases mentioned, little about this magazine has changed
over the years. We know that many consider this commendable. The
following comes from a well-known Lutheran author: "I read all of
the official church magazines and the Lutheran Spokesman is the best
one. Always has been..."
To God alone the glory. When it comes to church magazines the first
criterion to achieve a "best" rating is, as far as we are concerned,
faithfulness to the verbally- and divinely-inspired Scriptures.
RENEWAL TIME
Thirty years ago this month the following appeal appeared in the
Spokesman:
"In these last days -- shouldn't your friends be reading the Lutheran
Spokesman regularly? You are very concerned that the Gospel is
being distorted more and more in many pulpits? How can you comm-
unicate the life-giving truths to your friends and relatives? Why
not show your concern by sending them a subscription to the Lutheran
Spokesman"
Speaking of subscription rates, prospective subscribers were then (back
in 1966) offered a yearly subscription for $2.00, $3.50 for two sub-
scriptions, $4.75 for three.
In those early years our Savior's comment that "the Scripture cannot be
broken" (John 10:35) was regularly on the cover of the Spokesman.
Though it no longer appears regularly on the cover, that theme remains.
There are no bigger and better things toward which we aspire than not
to distory, but to communicate, proclaim, and apply God's word of Truth
to the current situation. This the staff seeks to do within the limits
of its varied gifts and abilities.
CONVENTION TIME
The theme of the 1996 synod Convention is "We Appreciate The Means of
Grace." The three essays assigned will address different aspects of
this theme.
As a parish pastor I have found that the term "Means of Grace" is one
of the most difficult concepts to convey to children in confirmation
class. What comes to mind when you hear the term? Do you know what is
meant by it? Do you know what the Means of Grace are? How would you
answer if you were asked to define the term and/or to tell what it
refers to?
The term is not, as such, a scriptural one, so I suppose it
could be argued there is little or no need to define, describe, or
even to know it. But neither are terms like "Trinity" and "Triune"
scriptural terms as such, yet we want them as part of our Christian
vocabulary.
So with the term "Means of Grace." One catechism in use among us asks
and answers:
What is meant by the Means of Grace?
By the Means of Grace are meant those things by which God offers and
gives His gifts of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation.
Which are the Means of Grace?
The Means of Grace are the Gospel of Christ in Word and Sacraments.
What makes the chosen theme for the 1996 Convention so timely? You
have heard of the Church Growth Movement (CGM). A prime fallacy of
this movement which has been infiltrating segments and synods of
Christendom is the veiled suggestion that God wil offer and give
His gifts of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation through means
other than the Gospel of Christ in Word and Sacraments.
We might suggest that the CGM promotes a means of growth for grace,
rather than letting the Means of Grace be effective for spiritual
growth. CGM's "means of growth" include, for example, such methogs as
dropping the denominational label of your church to attract people,
deemphasizing doctrine, and making right living a mark of the Church
instead of the Word and Sacraments. Following through with this, the
ramifications are dangerous, and in full bloom deadly, for the church.
(The CGM's "new methods" are among the "unchurchly activities" con-
demmned by the Brief Statement).
Rather than stressing methods for church growth, the early church
stressed the effectiveness of the Word of the Lord: "And the word of
God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied ... greatly"
(Acts 6:7); "But the word of God grew and multiplied" (Acts 12:24);
"So mightily gew the word of God and prevailed" (Acts 19:20).
Let our prayer be that the synodical delegates come away from the 1996
convention with a renewed appreciation for the Means of Grace and their
effectiveness for church growth.
STEWARD OPPORTUNITIES
There is no shortage of opportunities for those who are looking for
avenues to help. We speak of opportunities to share the Gospel by deed
as well as word -- and beyond the contributions to the general fund
budget of the CLC.
Last month Board of Missions Chairman Don Ohlmann wrote here of the
pressing needs in the Mission Development Fund (MDF). As this is
being written the mail brings the latest Mission Newsletter, which
includes information about a "Children's Fund for VBS in India."
The suggestion is for our CLC children to bring offerings designated
specifically for outreach to their age group in India.
Not too long ago an article in another religious publication called
attention to the fact "in this current generation a tremendous sum
of money will pass from parents to their successors. How important
it is that this be accomplished to bring blessing to children and
heirs and also to promote the spread of the Gospel. Certainly God and
His church deserve a place in planning for the future of the resources
God has given the individual as His steward."
The CLC is not the richest church body material-wise, yet most of its
members have been richly blessed -- even in terms of "a tremendous
sum of money" -- compared to people in other countries of the world.
And as we have suggested, for all who are looking for special ways to
serve their Lord as good stewards, there has been and will be no lack
of opportunity.
Of the Means of Grace
21. Although God is present and operates everywhere throughout all
creation and the whole earth is therefore full of the temporal
bounties and blessings of God, Col. 1:17; Acts 17:28; 14:17, still we
hold with Scripture that God offers and communicates to men the
spiritual blessings purchased by Christ, namely, the forgiveness of
sin and the treasures and gifts connected therewith, only through the
external means of grace ordained by Him. These means of grace are the
Word of the Gospel, in every form in which it is brought to man, and
the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and of the Lord's Supper. The Word of
the Gospel promises and applies the grace of God, works faith and thus
regenerates man, and gives the Holy Ghost, Acts 20:24; Rom. 10:17; 1
Pet. 1:23; Gal. 3:2. Baptism, too, is applied for the remission of
sins and is therefore a washing of regeneration and renewing of the
Holy Ghost, Acts 2:38; 22:16; Titus 3:5. Likewise the object of the
Lord's Supper, that is, of the ministration of the body and blood of
Christ, is none other than the communication and sealing of the
forgiveness of sins, as the words declare: "Given for you," and: "Shed
for you for the remission of sins," Luke 22:19,20; Matt. 26:28, and:
"This cup is the New Testament in My blood," 1 Cor. 11:23; Jer.
31:31-34 ("New Covenant")
22. Since it is only through the external means ordained by Him that
God has promised to communicate the grace and salvation purchased by
Christ, the Christian Church must not remain at home with the means of
grace entrusted to it, but go into the whole world with the preaching
of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacrament, Matt. 28:19,20;
Mark 16:15,16. For the same reason also the churches at home should
never forget that there is no other way of winning souls for the
Church and keeping them with it than the faithful and diligent use of
the divinely ordained means of grace. Whatever activities do not
either directly apply the Word of God or subserve such application we
condemn as "new methods," unchurchly activities, which do not build,
but harm, the Church.
-- Brief Statement
Part III. Doubting The Means Of Grace
The Reformed and their semi-Lutheran followers (who make so much about
small groups and discipleship) need outward proof of the faith. The
Bible recognizes only two groups, according to C. F. W. Walther: 1)
believers; and 2) non-believers. The child, theologian, mother, or
convict who believes in Christ has the same treasure. When the
recipient of the treasure is distinguished, then people are being
taught they must be worthy of the Gospel. This turns Moses into Christ
and Christ into Moses.
Small group participants must constantly prove their worthiness by
outward acts of piety, whether prayer or kinds of prayers, or hours in
prayer. Man is exalted; God is diminished. Doubt spreads until only
the outward act remains. Today the modern heirs of Pietism put on
clerical robes and fire up the incense, but openly mock every
doctrine of the Bible. ELCA is a clear example.
A third method of Pietism is unionism. Many Lutherans no longer trust
in the Means of Grace (the Gospel in the Word and Sacraments) which is
the only method personally endorsed by God to produce forgiveness,
defeat death and Satan, and promote good works.1
For this reason we shall now relate, furthermore, from God's Word
how man is converted to God, how and through what means namely,
through the oral Word and the holy Sacraments, the Holy Ghost
wants to be efficacious in us, and to work and bestow in our
hearts true repentance, faith, and new spiritual power and ability
for good, and how we should conduct ourselves towards these means,
and how we should use them.2
The Reformed do not believe the Word is effective (efficacious), so
they reject the Means of Grace. Semi-Lutherans who endorse the
"effective" methods of the Reformed are at the same time rejecting the
Biblical method of the Means of Grace.
The Reformed do not think that unionism means giving up their false
doctrine, but rather Lutherans turning away from theirs. The Promise
Keepers are typical Pietists in moving people out of churches and into
stadiums and cell groups. Those who object will be branded as
"quenching the Spirit."
In fact, everyone who encourages people to forsake the historic
liturgy, the Creeds, the Sacraments, and Law/Gospel sermons is
removing people from the Spirit-borne Word and its divine blessings.
--Pastor Gregory L. Jackson
1 "In so far as Pietism did not point poor sinners directly to the
means of grace, but led them to reflect on their own inward state to
determine whether their contrition was profound enough and their
faith of the right caliber, it actually denied the complete recon-
ciliation by Christ (the satisfactio vicaria), robbed justifying
faith of its true object, and thus injured personal Christianity in
its foundation and Christian piety in its very essence."
Francis Pieper, Christian Dogmatics, III, p. 175.
2 Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article II, Free Will, 48,
Concordia Triglotta, p. 901. Tappert, p. 530.
Almost from the beginning, evolutionists have attempted to equate the
process of evolution with the progressive development of the embryo.
Durign the famous Scopes "Monkey Trial" in 1925, for example, lawyers
and expert witnesses defending teaching Darwinism in public schools,
repeatedly confused evolution with embryology. The lawyers even
insisted that evolution must be taught if physicians are to understand
the development of babies in the womb! The very word "evolution"
(which means "unfolding") was taken from the name of an early theory
of embryonic development of the baby. Obviously the blind-chance
process of Darwinian "evolution" has nothing whatever to do with the
exquisitely-controlled process of embyological development. Still,
evolutionists have long attempted to relate embryology to evolution,
presumably in an effort to extrapolate the readily-observable process
of embyronic development into the unabservable process of
macroevolution. Embryology continues to play a role in current
evolutionary dogma. Generations of students have been told, for
example, that the human embryo devloping in the womb passes through
stages of its evolutionary ancestry -- even at one point having gills
like a fish!
Like most students of biology, I was required to memorize the
"biogenetic law" which states that "ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny."
This means that the developing embryo (ontogeny) of each vertebrate
species retraces (recapitulates) its evolutionary history (phylogeny).
Specifically, each embryo in the course of its development is said to
pass through a progression of abbreviated stages that resemble the
main evolutionary stages of its presumed ancestors. Thus, in the case
of the human embryo, the recapitulation scenario goes something like
this: 1) The fertilized egg starts as a single cell (just like our
first living evolutionary "ancestor"). 2) As the fertilized egg
repeatedly divides it develops into an embryo with a segmented
arrangement (the "worm" stage). 3) These segments develop into
vertebrae, muscles, and something that sort of looks like gills (the
"fish" stage); 4) Limb buds develop with paddle-like hands and feet,
and there appears to be a "tail" (the "amphibian" stage). 5) By about
the eighth week of development, most organs are nearly complete, the
limbs develop fingers and toes, and the "tail" disappears (the human
stage). Now the mother can finally claim the baby as her own, or at
least one of her own species. This ludicrous scenario has actually
been used as a justification for abortion -- after all, you are only
killing lower animals!
The "biogenetic law" was first promulgated in the late 1800s by the
German biologist Ernt Haeckel, a committed disciple of Darwin.
Impressed by the genral similarity among vertebrate embryos, Haeckel
chose to ignore their differences. (Haeckel was a scientific charlatan
who even stooped to publishing two copies of the same woodcut side by
side to demonstrate the "remarkable similarity" between human and dog
embryos!) Haeckel's "law" was shown to be unsound by many of the most
distinguished embryologists of his own day, but its appeal to
evolutionists was so great that it remained impervious to scientific
criticism. In her book Essays in the History of Embryology and Biology
(MIT Press, 1967, pl. 150) Jane Oppenheimer said that the work of
Haeckel "was the culminaiton of the extremes of exaggertaion which
followed Darwin." She lamented that "Haeckels' doctrines were
blindly and uncritically accepted," and "delayed the course of
embryological progress." Embryologist Erich Blechschmidt, considered
Haeckels' biogenetic "law" to be one of the most serious errors in the
history of biology. In his book The Beginnings of Human Life
(Springer-Verlag Inc., 1977, p. 32) Blechschmidt minced no words in
repudiating Haeckel's "law": "The so-called basic law of biogenetics
is wrong. No buts or ifs can mitigate this fact. It is not even a tiny
bit correct or correct in a different form. It is totally wrong." We
could ignore this whole sorry chapter in the history of evolutionism,
were it not for the fact that the biogenetic "law" is still being
taught as a fact in our public schools! Of 15 high school biology
textbooks being considered for adopiton by the Indiana State Board of
Education in 1980, nine offered embyological recapitulation as
evidence for evolution.
Evolutionists themselves have conceded that the biogenetic "law" has
become so deeply rooted in evolutionary dogma that it cannot be weeded
out. For example, Paul Ehrlich said "its shortcomings have been almost
universally pointed out by modern authors, but the idea still has
prominent place in biological mythology" (The Process of Evolution,
1963, p. 66). Even Dr. Benjamin Spock saw fit to perpetuate Haeckel's
recapitulation myth in his well-known book, Baby and Child Care
(Cardinal Giant Edition, 1957, p. 223). Spock confidently assured
expectant mothers that "each child as he develops is retracing the
whole history of mankind, physically and spiritually {sic}, step by
step. A baby starts off in the womb as a single tiny cell, just the
way the first living thing appeared in the ocean. Weeks later, as he
lies in the amniotic fluid of the womb, he has gills like a fish."
It is a well-established fact that the human embryo (like all
mammaliam embryos) never has gills in any sense of the word. The
fanciful notion of gills is based upon the presence of four
alternating ridges and grooves in the neck region of the
human embryo (called pharyngeal arches and pouches) that bear a
superficial resemblance to gills. While similar arches do give rise to
gills in certain aquatic vertebrates such as fish, their developmental
fate in mammals has nothing to do with gills or even breathing. In man
and other mammals, these arches and pouches develop into part of the
face, muscles of mastication and facial expression, bones of the
middle ear, and endocrine glands.
The embryological development of the heart has been another popular
textbook example of embryonic recapitulation, and thus "proof" of
evolution. Evolutionists argue that as the human heart develops, it
goes from a two-chambered "fish heart," to a three-chambered
"amphibian heart" and, finally, forms the four-chambered mammalian
heart. In his book Comparative Anatomy and Embryology (Ronald Press,
1964, p. 509), William Ballard said "no false biological statement
has had a longer or more popular life than the one about the ontogeny
of the four-chambered heart." Ballard pointed out that "in real life,
all vertebrate hearts are composed of the same four chambers at the
pharyngula stage." As the heart develops these four chambers become
specialized in different ways which are uniquely suited to the demands
of aquatic, amphibious, or terrestrial life.
Embryologists are now aware that the embryos of each species of animal
are unique and dynamically functional systems. The human embryo does
not become human at some point during its development. Rather, it is
uniquely human at every stage of its development. While scientists
continue to learn much about the marvelous process of development in
the embryo, the inspired words of King Solomon (Ecclesiastes 11:5)
remain true: "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body
is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of
God, the Maker of all things."
--Dr. David N. Menton
See comments in Announcements section.
LOCATION PASTOR IN CHARGE LAYPERSON TO CONTACT
Arizona, Pastor Michael Eichstadt Gerald & Kathy Gehling
Gold Canyon 602-866-2341 6140 S. Kings Ranch Rd
Gold Canyon, AZ 85219
California, Pastor Michael Springeler
Stockton 510-886-3252
Colorado, Pastor Peter Reim
Colorado Springs 970-663-3594 or
800-777-4316
Florida, Pastor Wayne Eichstadt
Jacksonville Missionary at Large
904-272-0911
Florida, Pastor Keith Olmanson Bob Peters
North Port 813-423-2468 Englewood, FL
thru 6-1-96 914-474-4385
Florida, Pastor John Schierenbeck
Orlando 813-299-4084
Florida, Pastor Wayne Eichstadt Bob Doriot
Pompano Beach 904-272-0911 or 4800 NW 77th Court
Pastor John Schierenbeck Pompano Beach, FL
813-299-4084 305-429-0063
Georgia, Pastor Warren Fanning
Atlanta Area 803-796-0005 home
803-796-0770 office
Michigan, Pastor Mark Bernthal
Reed City 517-792-9390
Minnesota, Pastor Daniel Fleischer Reuben Streich
Kimball 612-784-8784 612-453-7562
(St. Cloud area)
New Mexico, Pastor Norbert Reim Robin Vogsland
Albuquerque Sun City, AZ Albuquerque, 505-892-6934
602-974-8911
Ohio, Columbus Pastor Leroy Dux Paul Tiefel, Sr.
Detroit, MI 4956 Smoketalk Lane
810-433-1951 Westerville, OH 43081
614-890-8880
Oregon, Pastor Paul Naumann
Portland Area 712 Dupont Ave.
DuPont, WA 98327
206-964-7849
Texas, Amarillo Pastor Joel Fleischer Local Contact
811 S. First St. 3409 Sunlite St.
Lamar, CO 81052 806-358-3717
719-336-5773
Virginia, Pastor Terrel Kesterson David Loop
Fairfax Hendersonville, NC 703-250-2020
704-692-7731
Washington, Pastor Paul Schaller
Withrow 4724 N. Wall St.
Spokane, WA 99205
509-327-4203
Wisconsin, Pastor David Koenig
Dodgeville 3232 Westpoint Rd.
Middleton, WI 53562
608-233-2244
Wisconsin, Pastor Paul Tiefel, Jr. Prof. Gordon Radtke
Fairchild 2015 N. Hastings Way 1105 Rainetta Dr.
Eau Claire, WI 54703 Eau Claire, WI 54703
715-832-0316 715-834-6280
New Subscription Rates
Bulk to congregations: $7.00
Individual rates: 1 yr. $9.00
2 yrs. $17.00
3 yrs. $25.00
Foreign rates: 1 yr. $12.00
2 yrs. $23.00
3 yrs. $34.00
Change Of Address
Pastor Peter E. Reim
620 E. 50th St.
Loveland, CO 80538
(907) 663-3594
Pastor Wayne Eichstadt
4054 Corvette Lane
North Port, FL 34287
Home phone: (941) 423-1822
Church phone: (941) 423-2728
Denver/Colorado Springs Worship Services
Weekly worship services are being held in the North Denver area, near
I-25 and 120th St. They are held at the La Quinta Inn at 8:00 a.m. For
more information call (970) 663-3594, or in the Denver metro area
(800) 777-4316.
Monthly worship services are being held in the Colorado Springs area.
For more information call (719) 636-3253 or (970) 663-3594.
Kimball (St. Cloud Area) Worship Services
The new worship site for the members of Ascension Lutheran Church, St.
Cloud, Minnesota area is at 50 Hazel St. (corner of Hazel and Oak) in
Kimball. The service time is 10:00 a.m. For more information contact
Reuben Streich at 612-453-7562 or Pastor Daniel Fleischer at
612-784-8784. Sunday
Table Of Exploratory Services
The CLC Board of Missions, along with several congregations and their
pastors, are presently holding exploratory services on a regular basis
in many areas throughout the United States (see table on p. ).
These are in addition to the regular established mission congregations
of the CLC. We would encourage you to attend services in these
communities when you are in the area. Pastors who have members, or
those who know of individuals in these areas who may be interested in
attending these services, are asked to contact the pastors in charge.
Check for dates, times, and locations. We ask your prayers for these
outreach efforts.
-- Don Ohlmann, Chairman, CLC Board of Missions
Dear ILHS/ILC Alumni,
The early eighties ILHS classes ('80-'84) are having a reunion this
summer in Eau Claire -- June 14-16. On Saturday June 15, from 12:30
p.m.-3:30 p.m., there will be a picnic at Carson Park to which ALL
ILHS/ILC ALUMNI ARE INVITED! There is no set charge for the picnic
meal. Bring your own beverages, and we'll pass the hat. Please join
us!
But wait! There's more . . .
ALL ILHS/ILC ALUMNI ARE ALSO INVITED to join us for a special ILC
campus work day ("Arbor Day") on Sunday June 16. This work day is
being coordinated with Mr. Duane Riggert who heads the ILC Volunteer
Project effort. The schedule as of right now is as follows: 1) Meet in
the ILC Fieldhouse at 8:15 a.m. for work assignments; 2) Break for a
chapel service in the Fieldhouse at 10:30 a.m.; 3) Break for lunch at
12:30 p.m.; 4) Work for however long we can.
Hope you can join us for these two special events!
--Pastor Michael Wilke