ELS: The Most Reactionary Splinter Group of Lutheranism in America or a Synod in the Mainstream of Lutheran Life?

Abstract

Gary Brown’s 1977 paper examines the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) and its doctrinal stance within American Lutheranism, challenging the perception of the ELS as a reactionary splinter group. Brown traces the ELS’s origins to its separation from the Norwegian Synod over the election controversy and its subsequent fellowship with the Missouri Synod. The paper details the ELS’s growing concerns over Missouri’s unionistic tendencies, doctrinal compromises, and inconsistent discipline, particularly in relation to the American Lutheran Church (ALC). Through historical resolutions, theological critiques, and quotations from ELS leaders like J.A.O. Preus Jr. and George Lillegard, Brown argues that the ELS’s actions were rooted in fidelity to Scripture and confessional Lutheranism. The paper concludes that the ELS, though small, remained doctrinally consistent and hopeful for future unity based on truth. It serves as a defense of the ELS’s historical decisions and theological integrity. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)