The Coffee Hour — Battle for the Augsburg Confession, Ep. 3: German Lutherans and the English Language

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What happens to Lutheran identity when faced with cultural decisions, like adopting the English language? The Rev. Dr. Cameron MacKenzie (the Forrest E. and Frances H. Ellis Professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN) joins Andy and Sarah for a series on the Battle of the Augsburg Confession in American Lutheranism to explore the impact of the American Revolution on Lutheran immigration patterns, noting a significant decline in German immigrants and the subsequent assimilation of Lutheran communities into English-speaking culture. This assimilation raises concerns about the preservation of Lutheran identity, particularly as many second and third-generation Lutherans begin to abandon their German heritage and language, leading to a potential loss of their religious roots. Dr. MacKenzie highlights the challenges faced by Lutheranism during westward expansion, where the demand for preachers outstrips the supply, resulting in many untrained individuals leading congregations. He also introduces Samuel Simon Schmucker, a pivotal figure in American Lutheranism, who seeks to establish a national Lutheran church body and seminary to preserve Lutheran identity amidst the changing American landscape. Schmucker’s approach, however, leads to a redefinition of Lutheranism that aligns more closely with American evangelical Protestantism, raising questions about the future of traditional Lutheran beliefs in the face of evolving cultural dynamics.

Find all episodes in this series at kfuo.org/tag/battle-for-the-augsburg-confession-series.

As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let’s be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you’d like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Today’s episode of The Coffee Hour is underwritten in part by Concordia University, Irvine. You can learn more about Concordia University, Irvine at cui.edu.