Luther on the name Lutheran
It is unfortunate to hear self-loathing Lutherans (pastors, even!) decry the moniker of Lutheran in place of being "Just Christian". While we are Christians, and Lutheranism is simply biblical Christianity, Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 11:19 that "there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized." We must identify with our confessional documents and Luther himself contra the various sects and heresies in American Christianity. Luther in his own words: From: On Receiving Both Kinds in the Sacrament (1522) Finally, I see that I must add a good word of admonition to those whom Satan has now begun to persecute. For there are some among them who think that when they are attacked they can escape the danger by saying: I do not hold with Luther or with anyone else, but only with the holy gospel and the holy church, or with the Roman church. For saying so they think they will be left in peace. Yet in their hearts they regard...