R. C. Lenski’s Observation Of Missouri Doctrine in 1922
by Rev. Jack M. Cascione

 

The following quotations by R. C. Lenski were published by Concordia Publishing House in Volume II of The Abiding Word in recognition of the Missouri Synod’s 75th anniversary. As you read Lenski, please take the following information into consideration.

First, Lenski, the author of an outstanding 12-volume commentary on the New Testament and numerous other books, was a member of the old Ohio Synod that later merged into the American Lutheran Church (ALC) and then the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, now called the ELCA. Talks on fellowship between Ohio and Missouri broke down over Ohio’s Reformed view on election. Missouri would not compromise the Lutheran Confessions. The sainted Dr. Harold Buls of Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne would point out Lenski’s problem with objective justification in his class on the Gospel of John while using Lenski’s commentary as a textbook. Today many would question how these apparently subtle differences would be divisive of fellowship.

Second, in spite of the fact that he was denied fellowship with Missouri, Lenski spoke in very positive terms about Missouri’s adherence to correct doctrine.

Third, we can see from Lenski’s comments that long before "Church Growth" became a movement, "liberalism" was considered necessary in order to grow churches in America. But, Missouri was breaking the mold. Lenski says, "Nevertheless, this growth!" Between 1847 and 1922, the Missouri Synod had grown to nearly 3,000 congregations. Yet, from an outside perspective Lenski recognized Missouri as the most orthdox Lutheran church body in the world. Lenski only has one conclusion to explain the Missouri enigma, God’s blessing for adherence to His Word.

Lenski’s comments about the Missouri Synod are contained in an article by W. A. Baepler titled "Doctrine: True and False". A paragraph by Baepler preceding Lenski’s comments and Baelper’s closing remarks with a significant quotation by Luther conclude the following quotation.

"Throughout all these controversies our Synod by the grace of God remained true to its Confessions, and therefore, true to Scripture. It fought the good fight of faith without any respect of person.

"And its fidelity to Scripture and to the Confessions has been acknowledged as the source of the vitality and strength of our Synod. Wrote Dr. Lenski of the Ohio Synod in the Kirchenzeitung of May 20, 1922: 'If there ever was a strictly conservative body, it surely is the Missouri Synod. Nevertheless, this growth! Here is a historical fact that refutes all talk trying to persuade us that we must be liberal, accommodate ourselves to the spirit of the time, etc., in order to win men and grow externally. The very opposite is seen in the Missouri Synod. Missouri has at all times been unyielding; it is so still. In this body the Scriptures and the Confession have been, and still are, valued to their full import. There was no disposition to surrender any part of them. With this asset Missouri has been working in free America, abounding in sects and religious confusion, and now exhibits its enormous achievements. What so many regard as Missouri’s weakness has in reality been her strength. This fact we might write down for our own remembrance. It is a mark of the pastors and leaders of the Missouri Synod that they never, aye, never, tire of discussing doctrine on the basis of Scripture and the Confessions. That is one trait that may be called the spirit of Missouri. People who thus cling to doctrine and contend for its purity are of an entirely different nature from the superficial unionists who in the critical moment will declare five to be an even number. God will bless all who value His Word so highly. Gratitude towards God, who has granted this division of American Lutheranism so much glorious blessing, and through Missouri has communicated this blessing also to other parts of the Lutheran Church, will be the basic note of this festival celebration. May God keep Missouri and us and all Lutheran Christians faithful in the doctrine and confession of His Word and grant us his blessing for our external growth and prosperity.’

"We are the heirs of the labors of the fathers. We are what we are by the grace of God. 'Who maketh thee to differ from another? And what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now, if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hast not received it?' (1Cor.4:7 Cf. also Rev. 3:7-10.)

"Let us therefore, watch and pray so that we lose not the doctrine entrusted to us. Luther writes: ‘It is not my doctrine, not the product of my mind, but God’s gift. Good Lord, I have not spun it out of my head; it did not grow in my garden; it did not flow from my spring; it was not born of men. It is God’s gift, not any invention of man. "We are nothing; Christ alone is all. If he turns away His face, we must perish, and Satan will triumph, even though we were as holy as Peter and Paul. Let us, therefore, humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt us in due time, for God resisteth and proud and giveth grace to the humble." I Peter. 5:6, 5.' (VIII:27;XIV:455.)"

My comment: Oh, if it were only so today.


Rev. Jack Cascione is pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church (LCMS - MI) in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He has written numerous articles for Christian News and is the author of Reclaiming the Gospel in the LCMS: How to Keep Your Congregation Lutheran. He has also written a study on the Book of Revelation called In Search of the Biblical Order.
He can be reached by email at pastorcascione@juno.com.

April 26, 1999