Liberal Lutherans and Vatican II: The Triumph of Progressive Philosophy

Abstract

This essay explores how liberal Lutheran theologians responded to the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965), highlighting their embrace of progressive philosophy, relativism, and ecumenism. Blauert traces Lutheran reactions before, during, and after the council, showing how many Lutherans abandoned sola scriptura and confessional fidelity in favor of historical-critical methods and doctrinal adaptation. Key figures such as George Lindbeck, Kristen Skydsgaard, and Warren Quanbeck viewed Vatican II as a turning point toward unity and modern relevance. The essay examines Lutheran participation in ecumenical dialogues, their assessments of Vatican II documents, and their hopes for eventual church union with Roman Catholicism. Blauert contrasts this liberal enthusiasm with the confessional stance of the Wisconsin Synod, which maintained doctrinal integrity and rejected Vatican II’s theological compromises. The paper concludes that Vatican II marked a triumph for progressive theology among liberal Lutherans, but a warning for those committed to biblical truth. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)