Essay File: Recent submissions
Now showing items 3961-3980 of 4187
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Millennialism: A False Hope and Formidable Threat
(1978)Rev. H. Zink’s Millennialism offers a confessional Lutheran critique of millennialist interpretations of biblical prophecy. Written for a pastoral and theological audience, the paper surveys the origins and development of ... -
Wisconsin vs. Missouri: Which Side Adhered to the Original Synodical Conference Position in regard to Church Fellowship?
(1979)Ronald F. Zindler’s 1979 paper examines the doctrinal conflict over church fellowship that led to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod’s (WELS) withdrawal from the Synodical Conference in 1963. Zindler traces the ... -
"A Little Bit of Yeast..." Prayer Fellowship/Joint Prayer and Its Beginning in the Missouri Synod
(2002)Matthew Zimpelmann’s 2002 paper examines the origins and consequences of prayer fellowship controversies within the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). He argues that doctrinal compromise often begins subtly, with ... -
A History of St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam, WI
(2006)Jon Zimpelmann’s 2006 congregational history traces the origins and growth of St. Stephen’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, one of the largest congregations in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod ... -
The History of the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary Chapel: Where the Carers of Souls Receive Care for Their Souls
(2004)Abstract Adam Zimpelmann’s essay traces the architectural and spiritual evolution of the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary chapel from its dedication in 1929 through its renovations up to 2004. Originally a modest worship space, ... -
The Christological Flesh-Spirit Antithesis
(0000)In The Christological Flesh-Spirit Antithesis, Siegbert W. Becker examines three New Testament passages—1 Peter 3:18, 1 Timothy 3:16, and Romans 1:3–4—that contrast “flesh” and “spirit” in reference to Christ. Becker argues ... -
The Charismatic Movement
(1974)In this 1974 paper, Siegbert W. Becker critically evaluates the charismatic movement, particularly its influence on Lutheran churches. He explores the movement’s appeal—its emphasis on spiritual experience, missionary zeal, ... -
The 95 Theses: A Triumph of the Gospel
(1967)In “The Ninety-Five Theses: A Triumph of the Gospel,” Dr. Siegbert Becker explores how Martin Luther’s 1517 theses, though not a full confession of faith, marked a decisive shift toward the authority of Scripture and the ... -
The "Lost (?) Luther Reference"
(0000)Siegbert W. Becker critically examines the claim of a “lost” Luther quotation concerning the moment of the Real Presence in the Lord’s Supper. He argues that the reference in the Formula of Concord (FC, SD, VII, 87) to ... -
Teaching the Sixth Commandment
(0000)The author addresses a teacher’s conference and urges everyone to speak about sex in the way the Bible does—with frankness and understanding that it is a blessing from God and with propriety and age awareness. He commends ... -
Report to the WLS Board of Control and the Board for World Missions, Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod
(1978)In this 1978 report, Dr. Siegbert W. Becker recounts his three-month mission to Sweden, assisting the Lutheran Confessional Church (LBKS) and Biblicum in developing theological training for pastors. Becker delivered extensive ... -
Reason as Instrument
(0000)In Reason as Instrument, Dr. Siegbert W. Becker examines Martin Luther’s complex view of human reason, challenging the misconception that Luther was wholly anti-rational. Becker shows that while Luther condemned reason ... -
Observing the Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel in the Preaching and Teaching Ministry
(0000)In this essay, Siegbert W. Becker explores the critical Lutheran principle of properly distinguishing Law and Gospel in preaching and teaching. He emphasizes that Law and Gospel are not merely different but appear contradictory ... -
Objective Justification
(1982)In this essay, Dr. Siegbert W. Becker defends the doctrine of objective (or universal) justification, asserting that God has forgiven the sins of all people through Christ’s atonement, regardless of individual faith. He ... -
Luther's Concept of the Word of God
(0000)In this extensive theological study, Siegbert W. Becker explores Martin Luther’s understanding of the “Word of God,” contrasting it with modern and neo-orthodox interpretations. Becker argues that Luther consistently ... -
Luther's Apologetics
(1958)In this scholarly article, Siegbert W. Becker explores Martin Luther’s approach to apologetics, emphasizing Luther’s rejection of rational proofs for faith and his insistence on the sole authority of Scripture. Luther ... -
Luther on Inspiration
(1960)In this comprehensive study, Dr. Siegbert W. Becker defends Martin Luther’s unwavering belief in the verbal and plenary inspiration of Scripture. Responding to modern misinterpretations, Becker demonstrates that Luther ... -
Luther and Inerrancy
(1982)In this essay, Siegbert W. Becker defends Martin Luther’s belief in biblical inerrancy against modern misinterpretations. Becker critiques selective quotations used to suggest Luther doubted Scripture’s reliability, such ... -
John Scotus Eriugena
(0000)This essay offers a concise overview of the life, metaphysics, epistemology, and theological method of John Scotus Eriugena, a 9th-century Irish philosopher and theologian. Becker outlines Eriugena’s major work, De Divisione ... -
Jeremiah, Symbol of Perseverance
(1958)In this essay, Siegbert W. Becker presents the prophet Jeremiah as a model of perseverance for Christian educators and ministers. Amid political upheaval and religious superficiality, Jeremiah remained faithful to his ...