Lutherans in US

[Anders]

The "official" church here in Denmark is Lutheran. It doesn´t excel much in lost souls, what happens to you when you die, heaven or hell or the likes. As I experience it it is almost secular, that is promoting the ethics (not morals) of Christianity without all the walking on water, transforming water to wine, rising from the dead, etc. The religious aspect is not much more than rituals at this point.

I have worked in organizations funded by the church (homeless shelters) but it was stripped from any evangelization. I´ll bet than none of the personnel was really christian.

My question is this: How are Lutherans in US? I never ever hear anything about that particular group. Is it as laid back as here?

[BRussell]

The main difference is between the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (the liberal Lutherans) and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (the conservatives). The ELCA is right in there with the Presbyterians and United Church of Christ as a liberal denomination, and they're larger than the conservative Lutherans. My impression is that most conservatives have left the mainline protestant denominations - like Lutheran - so most of those mainline Protestants are considered pretty liberal today.

I married a Lutheran and was married in an ELCA church, but I've almost got her completely converted to a Presbyterian.

[Not Unlike Myself]

Originally posted by BRussell
The main difference is between the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (the liberal Lutherans) and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (the conservatives). The ELCA is right in there with the Presbyterians and United Church of Christ as a liberal denomination, and they're larger than the conservative Lutherans. My impression is that most conservatives have left the mainline protestant denominations - like Lutheran - so most of those mainline Protestants are considered pretty liberal today.

I married a Lutheran and was married in an ELCA church, but I've almost got her completely converted to a Presbyterian. In referring to Presbyterians you mean the PCUSA (liberal) and not the PCA (conservative). And my old Lutheran church was terrific. I like the 'liberal' approach. Salvation (if you believe the doctrine) is between you a God. The church's role should BE the ethicss stuff. Leave the 'deep religious stuff' between you and God. (where it belongs)

[BRussell]

Originally posted by Not Unlike Myself
In referring to Presbyterians you mean the PCUSA (liberal) and not the PCA (conservative). Yup, that's right. I guess it's similar to the Lutheran division - in both cases the liberal version is much larger.

[SDW2001]

I was raised Lutheran as was my mother's side fo the family.

I found it to be legalistic and to an extent, consistent with Anders views. I like some of the ceremonial aspects, though when those become the entire purpose for coming to church, I think the church loses its way.

[BRussell]

Yeah, Lutherans are more liturgical than others.