The Suffering Theologian and Contemporary Worship

The Church catholic (note the little c) is becoming more and more obsessed with the movements popularized by Pentacostals and revivalists. This movement is characterized by emotionally-driven, man-centered worship, and decision theology. This melting pot of heresy is even invading what was once a tenet of traditionalism: the Lutheran church.

More and more churches are adding contemporary services to appeal to younger crowds. They use alternate methods of reaching people, often watering down their theology in order to create a more inviting atmosphere.

Lutheran theology is defined by Luther as the theology of the cross. The theology of the cross is made up of a three-pronged process: prayer, meditation, and suffering. We pray that God would guide as we meditate on his word. We read and re-read Scripture and understand it. Our understanding and faith in God and His Word makes us prime subjects for spiritual attack.

(for more information on the theology of the cross, I would recommend: The Fire and the Staff by Klemet Preus, Spirituality of the Cross by Gene Edward Veith, Pastoral Care under the Cross by Richard Eyer, and articles on the topic in the Concordia Theological Quarterly)

There is a dicotomy created when a Lutheran church (confessing the theology of the cross) uses contemporary worship. There is no room for suffering in the practice of contemporary christian music and "praise bands." The music is filled with decision theology and ambiguous love songs toward some distant deity.

This is not our God! Our God is not hiding away somewhere in the heavens! God has revealed himself through Christ Jesus hanging on the cross!

For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
(I Corinthians 2:2, ESV)

I am not an expert on the topic, but it seems like a serious lack of logical consistency to see Lutheran churches practicing these horrible practices. The best form of worship (without contest) is the liturgical tradition of the Lutheran church. It clearly communicates the Gospel of Christ through scriptural songs and hymns:

Jesus Christ crucified for you.