The impact of Lutheran schools was noticeable in the growth of the Reformation. Enrollment of Wittenberg tripled. Education provided for a strong laity, in addition to a well-prepared clergy, in Lutheran congregations.

At times it seems that support for Christian schools has waned. Does that suggest that parents and authorities in the church have once again lost sight of the value of educating the young, especially in the “fourth R” of religion?… The dangers that come with not preparing a generation to lead in the home and in the church are no less intimidating than they were in Luther’s day. And the benefits to be gained are just as great.

Korthals, James F. Martin Luther on Education. p 225
Summer 2004. WLQ – News and Comments, Vol. 101, No. 3

When Christ wished to teach men, he became a man. If we wish to teach children, we must become children

Luther, Martin. Walch 2, Vol. XXII, 1785
cited by: Brandt, James A. Passing the baton of faith, p. 10
October 2005. Forward in Christ - Feature, Vol. 92, No. 10

NEW TOPIC!

HUMOR QUOTE

Mr. Jim Schneck, principal at St. John, Mukwonago, WI, admitted that when he was a kid, he had a ‘drug’ problem. Every Sunday his parents ‘drug’ him to church. It became so addictive that he couldn’t imagine going a Sunday without entering God’s house… but he doesn’t have to be drug anymore. “Being ‘drug’ to church was the most important gift that my God-fearing parents gave to me.”

Schneck, Jim. My “Drug” Problem. Back cover.
September 2004. Forward in Christ, Vol. 91 No. 9

NEW TOPIC

NEWS

(Berlin) A court ruling which ordered a gynecologist to pay child support for up to 18 years as compensation for botching a contraceptive implant was condemned by the German media as scandalous.

While it should be welcomed that a doctor can now be held to account in the same way as a shoddy plumber, the newspaper said, how could a child whose parents had sought damages for its birth ever come to terms with the situation?

“In addition to the highly private inkling that he was not wanted by his parents, he now has official confirmation that he was born by mistake,” Die Welt also said.

Doctor ordered to pay for unwanted baby
November 15, 2006. Reuters – Oddly Enough

Comment: If any children should be unwanted – it should be us, God's creation. We’ve responded so miserably to all of God’s gifts, that we should be abandoned. But instead of laying the price on anyone else, God paid the price for his children, so that we never doubt that we are WANTED – wanted forever!

(Barneveld, Wis) The Army Chaplain handbook has listed ways to accommodate Wiccans since 1978.

…People are attracted to the Wiccan religion for its devotion to nature and incorporation of both male and female deities.

Bauer, Scott. Wiccan lawsuit’s goal: Acceptance
December 21, 2006. Associated Press

Comment: Another reason why a pastor from our denomination could not serve as a government military chaplain. They would be required to minister to Wiccans, according to the Wiccan faith. How could a Christian pastor in good conscience do so, when Christ says he alone is the way to the Father.

Though it is costly to our church, we provide our own private chaplains. And the military does a great job at accommodating them, without making us compromise our faith.