Affirm Volume 26, No. 1
February 2002
"What Hath Christian News Wrought?" (unsigned)

"Affirm/Balance" writes as follows:

When 'Christian News' (CN) broke ranks with the United List and urged its followers to do so, we are all aware of how grateful "Jesus First" and President Kieschnick were. Soon thereafter the Synod became divided over President Kieschnick's support of President David Benke's participation in a worship service involving non-Christians. Because of what CN did in forsaking the conservatives, we are now seeing the kind of individuals appointed and approved by President Kieschnick. The latest will have a serious impact on mission work as the new Executive Director of the Board for Missions was a member of "Jesus First."

We are also dismayed that CN lamely blames the supposed false teaching of Seminary President Dean Wenthe as the reason for betraying the conservatives. While the editor of CN attempts to bring charges of false teaching against other pastors, no charge has yet been laid against Dean Wenthe. The reason is obvious. The charges would not be upheld. As we continue to report on future repercussions, 'Affirm' encourages your continued support of our work in reclaiming a Lutheran identify for our beloved Synod and our continued efforts to support the faithful seminaries of the LCMS.

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Dear Reader, welcome to the morass of Synodical politics. At least, this time "Affirm" raises the specter of a possible theological difference with CN, which means God's Word, is involved here.

Rebuttle:

1. "Followers" is a key word here. Readers of CN follow God's Word, Rev. Otten follows God's Word, not the decisions of a closed-room, secret meeting. Yes, Herman Otten was invited to attend the secret meeting, but he refused to attend because he would have had to be quiet about who was doing the choosing of the "United List" candidates. If Otten had met with the "United List" committee, he would have been guilty of engaging in the same process for which he was already criticizing "Jesus First."
2. How can CN be responsible for what Kieschnick and Benke do and say about participation in the Worship Service at Yankee Stadium? Does "Affirm" take responsibility for its candidates? Who is running the Synod? Kieschnick and Benke alone are responsible for what they do or don't do.
3. The new Executive Director of Missions, Rev. Roegner, did support "Jesus First." However, he also had an outstanding reputation as a missionary. Where has Roegner, from "Affirm's" viewpoint, sinned? Let's see what he does before we condemn the man. If he proves to be a faithful servant of the church, will "Affirm" call good evil?
4. To "Affirm," "betraying the conservatives" means betraying those "secret" conservatives, or the non-confessional, confessional guys.
5. "Affirm" says no charge has been laid against Wenthe. We reply: "What charge has been laid against Rev. Roegner?" Christian News has clearly stated its theological reasons for not supporting Wenthe's candidacy as LCMS President.
6. Wenthe had refused to respond to all requests to explain why Psalm 16:10 is not speaking about Jesus Christ when it says, "For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." We don't need a President who can't find Jesus Christ in Psalm 16:10.
7. Wenthe and the entire Faculty at Fort Wayne refuse to support Walther's "Church and Ministry" as the official position of the LCMS, which includes the Synod's and the Confession's understanding of Matthew 18:20: "And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." Neither Seminary publicly supports this verse as the Synod's justification for voter polity and supremacy as does Walther's "Church and Ministry."
8. Resolution 7-17a was adopted by the 2001 Convention, reaffirming Walther's "Church and Ministry" as the official position of the LCMS. What part of a 73% majority vote for 7-17a doesn't "Affirm" understand? It is true that "Affirm" itself never endorsed 7-17a. Why not? We could only learn that answer in one of their secret meetings.
9. How did "Affirm" get caught without a clear successor to the LCMS Presidency before the Lord called Barry home? This raises a question as to whether "Affirm" understands the doctrine of God or did they think that when they met secretly, God was seconding their decisions?
10. When things go right, "Affirm" takes a bow. When things go wrong, it is someone else's fault, namely CN. Let's see: In 1995, "Affirm" didn't support a resolution keeping the name "Lutheran" on LCMS congregations. In 1998, "Affirm" didn't support a resolution preventing alterations to the Creeds in LCMS worship services. In 2001, "Affirm" didn't support Walther's "Church and Ministry," congregational polity, and voter supremacy. Yet, these resolutions were all adopted.

Yes, these were CN issues, but CN doesn't hold the corner on the truth. The goal is truth, not "Affirm" and not CN. We won't give the long list of candidates who were promoted by CN, who then later condemned CN. It didn't matter if they condemned CN. All that matters is whether they confessed and practiced the truth of God's Word. Herman Otten is not going to be elected to, or gain control of anything in the LCMS.

There seems to be no end of political entities in the LCMS who can only thrive in secrecy and must attack those who speak openly and in public with reasoning based on Scripture alone. The Saint Louis Faculty calls him a "liar," which questions their definition of "truth."

"Christian News" is worthy of your support.

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.

January 27, 2002