Introduction to Lutheran Theology

1. Introduction to Lutheran Theology Lecture 9 “God Cares for Us in Two Ways” The Kingdoms

2. Reflection on journal entries from previous session “God Establishes His People” – The Church. “Describe your idea of the perfect church / congregation, giving your reasons.”

3. This Session Today we examine… The relationship between christians and the world. 2. The two ways in which God operates in a caring manner in the ‘world of the christian and the non-christian.

4. Questions often asked! Do christians have a right to self defence Can we join the armed forces? Can we sue? Can we swear an oath? Should Lutheran schools be directed by government policy? Given that the gospel is the centre of the Lutheran doctrine, should we allow the expulsion of students?

5. “The Two Kingdoms” the 2 reigns of God (Matt. 22:21 – 22) cares for the world in 2 ways • through the law (sword/power – left hand) over christians and non-christians • through the gospel (means of grace – right hand) only over christians • Not an excuse for inaction by christians, but a means of expressing the role of the people of God

6. A Biblical Foundation government is a part of creation (Rom. 13:1–5; 1 Pet. 2:13,14; Eph. 6:1–4 ; n.b. 4th.commandment) can become demonised (Rev.13 n.b. Acts 5:29) (What is the Christian’s response? - martyrdom? rebellion?)

7. A Biblical Foundation ultimately we are exiles (1 Pet.2:11) because we are on a journey to our heavenly homeland a journey fraught with challenges (Matt.5:10,11 & 38-48) as we are called to suffer but we have role in this world – do it well! (Luke 3:12 – 14)

8. Lutheran Confessions do not talk specifically of the 2 kingdoms Article XVI of AC (Augsburg Confession) upholds the civil authority Article XXVIII of AC distinguishes between the 2 (n.b. the context where the church and the state had confused/overlapped in roles) strong emphasis that both are of God

9. And so God rules in these two ways there is the left – 4 institutions/estates – government, marriage, work, religion (Luther) – perhaps a 5th. – creation there is the right – the means of grace (word and sacrament) – not merely ‘ church’ both are legitimate and necessary we live in both realms!

10. Leads to 2 Kinds of ‘Righteousness’ Vertical – coming from God (gift), and this brings comfort, hope etc. Horizontal – coming from the subject (effort), and this brings a decent life, obedience etc. - both are legitimate, but must not be confused i.e. one must not consider that because one is a good citizen (horizontal) one is righteous before God (vertical) and vice-versa i.e. because I am a christian (vertical) I am above the law of the land (horizontal)

11. Unity in God both hands belong to him he is ruler of both kingdoms (but the ways he rules are different) state must not interfere with the ‘church’ and vice versa (n.b. the early history of Lutheranism in Australia – Prussian King Frederick Wilhelm III who forced a union of churches)

12. Mutually Dependent christians live under both both serve each other – the church needs protection & state needs prayers (1 Tim.2:1-2) and the ‘conscience’ of the christians christians live double lives ‘in tension’ in both kingdoms a tension between love and justice / turn the other cheek – need for integrity distinguish between ‘person’ and ‘office’ concern for neighbour ahead of self

13. The church acts to proclaim the gospel to protect the oppressed to support the government to be a ‘conscience’ to society the degree of active involvement is often point of debate (c.f. Nazism and the church)

14. The Dilemma of the Hidden christians acknowledge this dual rule as a matter of faith non-christians experience the rule of the left through the obvious, but is unaware of the rule of the right which to them is hidden (Jesus, “Let him who has ear, let him hear!”) the rule of the left is enforced, but the rule of right is not!

15. A quote from Luther "What would be the result of an attempt to rule the world by the Gospel and the abolition of earthly law and force? It would be loosing savage beasts from their chains. The wicked, under cover of the Christian name would make unjust use of their Gospel freedom." And again. "To try to rule a country, or the world, by the Gospel would be like putting wolves, lions, eagles ,and sheep all together in the fold and saying to them, ‘Now graze, and live a godly and peaceful life together. The door is open, and there is pasture enough, and no watchdog you need fear.’ The sheep would keep the peace, sure enough, but they would not live long." (But there is a Christian and non-Christian way of using power)

16. The Lutheran school in the this context the school is not the church the school is part of God’s left-hand area of care (contractual community) the school will draw its ethos from the ‘church’ within the school the kingdom of the right (the church) operates the school upholds the church, as the church upholds the school

17. Should the church speak out? on the issue of the war in Iraq? on reconciliation issues? in defence of the assylum seekers? for women’s rights? on union matters? etc.

18. Journal Topic/Reflection “As a Lutheran School we should insist that we sing in chapel – everyone should join in. After all we are christian community!” How would you react to this?

19. Next Week – Lecture 10 Subject : “God Calls You and Everyone Else” Vocation