Day 3 mostly done, it's gone fast, been great. 5 papers today, plus a reception and banquet tonight with Synod President Rev Matthew Harrison. Pres Harrison preached today in chapel; great sermon, wonderful service, although I was late and had to stand outside in the narthex area because the sanctuary part was overflowing. Should be a treat tonight!
The highlight paper of the day was one by Dr David Scaer, 'Walther and the 3rd use of the Law'. (in case you've forgotten the law is a singular thing, but it functions in 3 ways. 1) like a curb to keep us on track, e.g. the 10 Commandments, 2) like a mirror to show us our sin, which is the main use of the law, and 3) as a guide, to show us how to live out our baptismal lives as Christians in the world.) Dr Scaer's paper was about how Lutherans misuse the 3rd use by de-emphasizing it. Although the main use of the law is the 2nd, to show us our sin, if we neglect to preach/teach the 3rd use then we get into all sorts of ethical/moral trouble. The main example is in the cultures acceptance of homosexual behavior and how this has affected the church. The ELCA in particular, in not teaching the demands of the law concerning how Christians properly act in marriage, etc, have allowed for unChristian behavior. In summary, he said, "The 3rd use of the law allows us to make a temporary retreat to paradise [in the Garden of Eden, where man lived perfectly before God], and allows a view of the future in the greater paradise of eternal life." Very intriguing. I've never considered it this way; not sure what I think about it, though.
Now, it's time to get ready for the banquet. I'll write again after tomorrow's papers and take off for Ohio in the afternoon.
God's Peace.
+PH
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