The Burr in the Burgh

Yep, you read that correctly. A Danish Lutheran pastor was under scrutiny by his ecclesiastical supervisors, apparently, for denying the afterlife and the resurrection. He is also quoted as saying that there is no "heavenly God."

William Shakespeare said that not everything that glitters (he actually wrote "glisters") is gold. Likewise, not everyone who calls himself a "Lutheran" is one. Not everyone who calls himself a follower of Christ is one either. Jesus said that on the last day there will be many who say, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out devils and perform many miracles?" And He will say to them, "I never knew you. Depart from me you evildoers."

One Danish bishop said that although he disagrees with this pastor's views there should be room for him in Denmark's state church. Are there no limits to diversity of belief in the Lutheran Church in Denmark?

My understanding of what makes a person a Lutheran is not merely his heritage but that he or she believes that the Holy Scripture are the inerrant Word of God and the Book of Concord of 1580 is a faithful and true exposition of the Scriptures.

Hat tip to Rev. Paul McCain for his analysis of an Associated Press story dated May 29.