Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Listen to Learn about J.S. Bach
Words to "The Bible Song"
The Bible Song
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Issues Etc. Radio interview with Rev. Todd Peperkorn
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Coming Soon!
"At Home in the House of My Fathers" will be in print by the end of August - Deo Volente. It is a rather large collection of essays, letters, sermons and addresses by the first five German born Presidents of the Missouri Synod. I've been working on it for years, in the evenings. It's been a personal journey to try to better understand the first century of the Missouri Synod, and to obtain more than a cursory knowledge of the challenges faced by the Synod. The book contains some one hundred documents by Walther, Wyneken, Schwan, Pieper and Pfotenhauer. Most have not appeared before in English, others have been rescued from obscurity. I particularly enjoyed finding funeral sermons of a sitting president for a former president (Schwan for Walther; Pfotenhauer for Pieper) or obituaries by one President for another (Walther for Wyneken; Pieper for Schwan). The letters to and between Walther, Wyneken and Schwan on the struggles with depression and health are golden. Pfotenhauer's synod/distric addresses are beautiful, profound and full of law and gospel and loads of consolation for struggling pastors and teachers. Lutheran Legacy is Publishing. Info on how and where to order coming soon. See the Face Book page "House of My Fathers" and join the other 600 plus members there in getting info and snippets from the book soon to be released.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sasse on Prayer
Let no one say that prayer is self-evident. After all, we have services once or twice a Sunday. No, that prayer of the church which we find everywhere in the New Testament where the life of an ecclesia is spoken of, unfortunately, is not something self-evident. Who would maintain that prayer is offered in our Lutheran Churches today with a fervor, which even approaches that with which the church of the New Testament prayed “without ceasing?” (Acts 12:5.) Where today is Luther’s mighty praying with its visible answers? Where is the prayer of those pious people, of which Luther spoke in his explanation of the Lord’s Prayer in the Large Catechism, the prayer which in those days held the Devil back from destroying Germany in its own blood? Yea, despite all the criticism which the Reformation has directed at the mumblings of Catholic prayer and which the modern liturgical movement within the Catholic Church undertook (quite independently from an entirely different viewpoint) must we not finally ask where, in which church, prayer is being offered with more fervor and perhaps also with better training—for prayer too must be learned? Will the answer be the Catholic Church or the churches of the Reformation?
Just think of the rosary. It is quite properly a great offense to us, even as it has been sharply criticized by Catholics themselves. Is not perhaps the fundamental mystery of divine revelation, the miracle of the incarnation of the eternal Son of God, still much better preserved in it than in the prayer-weak or prayer-less Protestantism of our day?[1] Is not a Catholic Church, where the worshippers go in and out all day long, to be preferred to a Protestant house of God whose doors are locked throughout the week, only because Calvin and the old Reformed people feared that the cult of the saints and worship of the Sanctissimum [i.e. the consecrated elements retained after the celebration of the sacrament] —which, however, was no longer present—might secretly be continued? Where else then should poor Christians pray? That praying in one’s chamber which is lauded so much—in a questionnaire of Berlin’s working class children twenty years ago Guenther Dehn[2] found that in many cases the passage Matt. 6:6 was one of the few fragments which still stuck after confirmation instruction—that praying in one’s chamber has always existed only in connection with prayer in the church. And how many people today have a their own prayer chamber?
Is not the great crisis of modern Christianity, of which we spoke in our first letter, perhaps connected with this prayer crisis? The Ancient Church entered a world in which prayer was taken for granted among Jews and Gentiles. If the ninefold Kyrie eleison of the Roman mass was really taken over from the cult of the Sol Invictus, as a Catholic scholar, the late Odo Casel, supposed, then it is an example of the fact that the ancient pagan world was in her way a world of prayer. The church of the present day lives in a word which no longer prays and which can no longer pray. One has only to recall Kant’s famous dictum that the more a person progresses in the good, the less he prays. Has the lack of prayer in the modern world influenced the church more deeply than we are inclined to believe; just as the incapability of modern man to understand sin has influenced Christendom so deeply?
It is so much the more promising then when everywhere in Christendom people are concerned about real prayer. For in this concern there is no attempt to get out of the duty of practicing Christian love over against the world. There is rather a striving to find the way back to the “one thing needful.” Without this the “Martha-service” of social work and of “political theology” necessarily become worldly business. In this concern for prayer is found rather the desire of the church to again be the church of Christ, and not to merely another agency for the general improvement of modern mankind. And that concern is not addressed to the professional liturgical scholars, who do nothing but instigate ever new liturgical movements. It is a plea directed to the greatest prayer of all, the praying Son of God, “Lord, teach us to pray!”
Sasse, Ecclesia Orans, trans. R. Gehrke
[1]Perhaps the most profound paragraph Sasse ever wrote on the nature of the incarnation is the following, "The extraordinary difficulty created by these conceptions for the modern man lies in the question: How can the eternal Being of the exalted Lord and the temporal appearance of Jesus Christ be related in thought? Here a twofold danger threatens the theologian. Either the eternal Christ is lost in the historical Jesus, or the contrary happens. It all depends whether we recognize that in Jesus Christ time and eternity become one: eternity passes into time: God's revelation takes place in the world: God becomes man. That is the miracle of God's revelation in Christ: Finitum capax infiniti, tempus capax aeternitatis, saeculum hoc capax futuri saeculi. If this assumption is not admitted, then the revelation, of which the Bible speaks, has not taken place." "Jesus Christ, The Lord", Mysterium Christi, 110 .
[2] Karl Guenther Dehn (b. 1882) was a theologian and pastor in Berlin until 1930, from 1931-33 professor of practical theology in Halle. Active in the Confessing Church. From 1946 professor of practical theology in Bonn. Because of statements on WWI he was attacked by the Nazis which led to his dismissal. RGG3.II.57. Sasse commented in “Zum 'Fall Dehn' in Christentum und Wissenschaft 8.1 (Jan 1932) 33-34. See: “Die Kirch und die politschen Maechte der Zeit” [1932], Feuerhahn Bibliography 091/045 pp. 77-113 & [1933] 114/054. See also Ch.10: "The Dehn Affair," in Jack Forstman, Christian Faith in Dark Times, Theological Conflicts in the Shadow of Hitler, Louisville: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1992, 179-190. Feuerhan Chronology. Sasse also commented in the Kirchliches Jahrbuch: “Erwiderung auf eine Zuschrift der Theol. Fakultät Halle-Wittenberg zur Darstellung des ‘Falles Dehn’” im Kirchliches Jahrbuch 1932, S. 77-100. MH
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tracing the Walther/Wyneken Journey
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Pfotenhauer Obituary
This gem won't make it into the fathers book. Still worth the read.
Matt H.
Obituary of Dr. Friedrich Pfotenhauer[1]
1939
Ludwig Fuerbringer
Translated by Matthew C. Harrison
Fuerbringer, nephew of Walther and President of Concordia Seminary after Pieper (1931-1943), had preached the German sermon at the funeral. He was a good friend and contemporary of Pfotenhauer. I’ve offered bibliographic detail on some of those mentioned by Feuerbringer to give the reader some idea of Pfotenhauer’s circle of influence. MH
What we already intimated was immanent in the last issue [of Der Lutheraner], has now transpired. Our universally honored and beloved honorary president, Dr. Friedrich Pfotenhauer, fell asleep in Christ in the early morning hours of October 9, in Chicago. After two operations he continued to live through difficult and extremely painful days and very much desired to go home and rest with the blessed. In the end he lost consciousness but he fell asleep peacefully. His departure has caused deep sorrow throughout our synod and beyond. Every reader knows what we had in him and what we now have lost as a Christian, an intercessor, a preacher, a curate of souls, a churchman and synodical leader. But sorrow shall not be the last word, rather much more thankfulness, and heartfelt, inward thanks to our Lord and God, who has given us this noble gift, preserved him so long and now has assisted him in attaining His heavenly kingdom. He had attained to an age of more than 80 years, and was in fact active in churchly matters up to his 80th birthday. We will later return to this richly blessed activity in a special article.
Friedrich Pfotenhauer was born on April 22, 1859 in Alten-Celle in Hannover as the son of a pastor. After attending the Gymnasium and having lost his father at age 15, he spent six weeks with Pastor Brunn[2] in Steeden, the well known friend of our Synod, who in the interest of our church had opened a pre-seminary, and prepared young men for further study at our institutions. Twelve Steeden students then traveled in August 1875 to America, among them also Pfotenhauer and his long time friend and later brother-in-law Dr. E.A. Mayer from Frankenmuth, Michigan; also our blessed Dr. J. Mezger[3] from our St. Louis Seminary and the later pastors of our Synod R. Koehler, C.R. Kaiser, B. Potzger, H. Glaess and others. He studied two years at our college in Ft. Wayne, then entered our St. Louis seminary in 1877 and completed his theological study in the year 1880. He returned to Germany for a visit, but later in the same year there followed a call as traveling preacher [Reiseprediger] to Odessa, Minnesota. From there he did mission work also in the then Dakota Territory, which now encompasses the State of South Dakota and Montana. After seven years of strenuous missionary work he was called as pastor to Lewiston near Winona, Minnesota. He served there until 1893 and then he was called to the larger congregation in Hamburg[4], Carver County, near Minneapolis and St. Paul. Already in the year 1891 he became president of the Minnesota-Dakota District, at that time the largest mission district of our Synod. In this office he visited and served many of these mission stations while also serving as a pastor in his own parish. He always viewed this mission work as very important. In the year 1908 he was elected First Vice President of the Synod, and in the year 1911 he followed our blessed Dr. F. Pieper [1852-1931] as President, and moved to Chicago. He occupied this office until 1935, serving longer as President of the Synod than any of his predecessors. A prudent, great, richly blessed activity unfolded. With good reason the Synod, when he at age 76 was succeeded by Dr. J.W. Behnken [1884-1868], named him honorary President, and he remained active in this position always in the interest of the Synod at larger or smaller gatherings, speaking and writing, up to early this year. He preached for the last time on Good Friday [1939].
He was happily married for 56 years to Helene Brauer, the daughter of the sainted Pastor E.A. Brauer.[5] The loss of his wife at the beginning of this year affected him deeply and since that time he particularly desired to be at eternal rest in heaven. Yet he remained ever the faithful father and intercessor of our church and busied himself with theological and churchly matters, even as since April he more and more suffered the frailty and weakness of old age. Even his final prayers were for our Synod. The marriage produced eleven children, of whom three – including an adult daughter – preceded him in death. His three sons occupy the preaching office: Martin in Chicago, Karl at Roselle, near Chicago, and Friedrich in Taylor Ridge in Central Illinois. Of his five daughters four are married to pastors: Pastor Walther Friedrich in Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Pastor F.A. Hertwig in Detroit; Professor Victor Bartling in our college at Milwaukee; and Pastor Erwin Kurth in Brooklyn, New York. A daughter, Helene, was an aid to her aging parents and his true helper after the departure of his already long-suffering wife.
The Funeral happened on October 12 in Chicago. It took place without much pomp. The spacious church could not hold all the attendees, and the service was carefully shared also with those who had gathered in the basement of the church. The celebration took place in the Cross Congregation which is served by the eldest son of the departed, and where he himself in his last years served as a preaching assistant. At the house, and then also at the graveside, Pastor O. Fedder officiated, who was his pastor [Seelsorger]. The English sermon was preached by Dr. Behnken on 2 Timothy 4:7-8, and he applied these beautiful words of scripture regarding the good fight, the completion of the race, the keeping of the faith and the gracious reward of the crown of righteousness to the life and deeds of the departed, to his personal life, his official activity and his work as president of the Synod. The German sermon was preached by the writer of this obituary in which he applied the truths of Psalm 84, verses 6-8[6] to the departed. He regarded God as his strength and confidently followed Him. He has passed through this valley of lament, he drank deeply of the springs of the word of God, and as a teacher was adorned with many blessings. He obtained one victory after another, he passed from strength to strength, from victory to victory and he has seen God in His Zion, in the holy city of God. The congregation sang very moving chorales, the brief but content rich passion hymn, “Wir danken dir, Herr Jesu Christ, dass du fuer uns gestorben bist”[7] and the two last stanzas of number 397, “O Jerusalem, du schoene, ach, wie helle glaenzest du,” [O’er the Distant Mountains Breaking; TLH 606] “Ach, ich habe schon erblicket diese grosse Herrlichkeit.” [ The Chicago Teachers Choir and another choir sang hymns of mourning. Pastor Fedder omitted the eulogy [Lebenslauf], and a number of representatives gave brief addresses: President G.[?] T. Lams in the name of the Northern Illinois District; Pastor H. Bouman as present pastor [Seelsorger] of the former congregation of Dr. Pfotenhauer in Hamburg, Minnesota; the vice president of the Minnesota District Pastor Hermann Meyer[8] in the name of that district, which the departed had served for many years; Dr. J. Seuel[9] as representative of the Board of Directors and as Treasurer of the Synod; Deacon J.H.C. Fritz,[10] Dr. H.B. Hemmeter[11] and Dr. W.C. Kohn[12] in the name of the Seminary in St. Louis, Springfield and River Forest and Director O. Krueger[13] as representative of the institution in Ft. Wayne. There were still more representatives from out of town present, and the number of pastors who took part was very great. Over a hundred telegrams and letters were sent, from which Pastor Paul Schulz[14] read selections. The interment followed at Bethania Cemetery which belongs to several congregations in Chicago.
May he rest in peace, and the eternal light shine upon him! L[udwig] F[uerbringer][15]
[1] Lutheraner vol. 95 (1939), no. 22, p. 361.
[2] Freidrich August Brunn (1819-1895). “Brunn’s first contact with Missourians probably 1846, when he received a letter from G. Loeber. Walther’s visit to Germany 1860 gave impetus to opening the preparatory institution in Steeden 1861, which furnished the Missouri Synod ca. 235 men.” Lutheran Cyclopedia p. 113.
[3] Johann Leonhard Georg Mezger (Dec. 18, 1857-Nov. 3, 1931). Born in Braunschweig, graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Pastor at Waterloo Iowa 1881-1885, professor Concordia Seminary, St. Louis 1896-1923; professor at seminary in Zehlendorf, Berlin 1923-1931. Lutheran Cyclopedia, p. 534.
[4] Otto Stahlke, long time professor at Springfield, then Ft. Wayne, was a son of the Hamburg parish, and had memories of Pfotenhauer from his early youth. MH
[5] Ernst August Brauer (April 19, 1819-September 29, 1896) was born in Northeim, Hannover; studied theology in Goettingen and Berlin. He was moved by the appeal of Wyneken and on advice of Petri and Loehe to come to America in 1847. Professor at Concordia Seminary 1863-1872, pastor Trinity St. Louis 1872-1878.
[6] As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs, the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. O LORD of hosts, hear my prayer, give ear, O God of Jacob. Psalm 84:6-8; ESV.
[7] Lord Jesus, We Give Thanks to Thee; Christoph Fischer 1597 (TLH 173);
Lord Jesus we give thanks to Thee
That thou has died to set us free;
Made righteous thro’ Thy precious blood,
We now are reconciled to God.
By virtue of Thy wounds we pray,
True God and Man, be Thou our Stay,
Our Comfort when we yield our breath,
Our Rescue from eternal death.
Defend us Lord, from sin and shame;
Help us by Thine almighty name
To bear our crosses patiently,
Consoled by Thy great agony.
And thus the full assurance gain
That Thou to us wilt true remain
And not forsake us in our strife
Until we enter into life.
[8] J.Herman W. Meyer was born May 25, 1866 in Baltimore. Graduated from the Springfield Seminary in 1889. He was president of the Minnesota District from 1918. Concordia Cyclopedia 1927, p. 845.
[9] Johann Edmund Seuel (April 21, 1865-May 9, 1951), was born in Vincennes, Indiana. Graduated from the St. Louis seminary and was ordained in 1886. Pastor at Ogallala, Nebraska 1886-1888. Professor at Walther College, St. Louis 1888-1907; manager CPH 1907-1944; treasurer LCMS 1914-1942. Co-founder of LLL. Lutheran Cyclopedia, p. 713.
[10] John Henry Charles Fritz, (July 30, 1874-April 12, 1953). Born at Martins Ferry, Ohio; graduated Concordia Seminary, St. Louis 1897. Pastor Bismarck and Pilot Knob, Mo., 1897-1901, Our Savior, Brooklyn, N.Y. 1901-1914, Bethlehem, St. Louis 1914-1920; Professor Concordia Seminary 1920-1953. Lutheran Cyclopedia p. 317.
[11] Henry Bernard Hemmeter was born December 24, 1869 in Baltimore. Graduated from the St. Louis seminary in 1892.
[12] William Christian Kohn (June 2, 1865-March 13, 1943), was born in Germany and immigrated to the US in 11865. Graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis; President Northern Illinois District 1909-1913; President Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, Illinois, 1913-1939. Lutheran Cyclopedia, p. 448.
[13] Ottomar George William Krueger was born March 3, 1892 at Seymour, Indiana. Graduated from the St. Louis seminary 1914; pastor at Rolla, Mo. 1914-1917; Orchard, Nebraska 1917-1921; President of St. Paul’s College, Concordia, Mo., from 1925. Lutheran Cyclopedia p. 843.
[15] Ludwig Ernst Fuerbringer (March 29, 1864-May 6, 1947) was the son of O. Fuerbringer; born in Frankenmuth. Graduated from the St. Louis seminary in 1885, pastor at Frankenmuth 1885-1893; professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis 1893-1947; president of the seminary 1931-1943; president of the Synodical Conference 1927-1944. Lutheran Cyclopedia, p. 318.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
"At Home in the House of My Fathers"
Just finishing up on project I've been chipping away on for years. "At Home in the House of My Fathers" will be in print very soon. It will include some 100 mostly hitherto un-translated and or unavailable documents by the first five (German born) presidents of the Missouri Synod: Walther, Wyneken, Schwan, Pieper and Pfotenhauer.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Joy
If you do a good job for others, you heal yourself at the same time, because a dose of joy is a spiritual cure. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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