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Problems With Bethany College (Kansas), a School of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

1/20/2019

Bethany College is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and boasts that it "is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), owned and operated by the Central States Synod and the Arkansas/Oklahoma Synod of the ELCA" (See here).

If you have looked through the multitude of documented information on Exposing the ELCA, you know that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is shockingly liberal and progressively extreme.

Exposing the ELCA began investigating the colleges of this denomination, and in this installment, we will look at Bethany College (Kansas). It was more difficult, than other ELCA colleges, to unearth material about Bethany, because they do not have as much information online. This is what was found:

- On campus at Bethany College is “The Ally Group." It is "a gay/straight alliance of students, staff and faculty who support gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people. The group also works to promote a positive campus environment for GLBTs.” (See here)

- Bethany College provides condoms and Depo Provera birth control shots at the school's nurse office. See the Health & Wellness page here.

- In 2017, the president of Bethany College wrote a letter in favor of DACA saying
"...Jesus did not teach us to deport the stranger, but to take them into our homes and to love them." (See here)

- One of the most vocally liberal ELCA bishops, Michael Rinehart, will be speaking at Bethany College. He is bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. (See here)

- Controversial Pastor Michael Himlie was a speaker at Kansas' Bethany College recently. Pastor Himlie "spoke at chapel, met with local area pastors, and gave a public lecture in the evening." He graduated from Manchester University majoring on peace studies and focusing on "Israel’s occupation of Palestine." (See here)

Rev. Amy Truhe is the Bethany College Campus Pastor. (See here) Below are some posts she has made on her Facebook page and it tells a lot about the type of pastor she is.

Bethany College Campus Pastor Amy Truhe also shared a number of Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber related posts in the last couple months. Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber, an ELCA pastor, has very troubling views of God's Word and sex. Read more about Rev. Bolz-Weber here and here.

With that in mind, consider also the pride Bethany College has in being affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, as you can again see below. It is hard to imagine any reason to tout that connection unless you align with their ways.

Bethany College is proud of the connection with the ELCA Lutheran Church, preparing students for a lifetime of Servant Leadership. Learn more about Bethany College and apply today! #BethanyCollegeLBK #SwedeNation #BethanyArise #RockarStockar pic.twitter.com/oXJcafdCkA
— Bethany College KS (@bethanynews) December 25, 2018

(See information on other colleges affiliated with the ELCA here)

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Augustana University Investigation: Uncovering Non-Christian Aspects of the ELCA College

9/26/2018

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You are playing with fire when you send your teenager to an ELCA college. That is definitely true of Augustana University, as you will see below, which is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Augustana University is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 2015-2016 it had an undergraduate enrollment of 1,563. For Bible-believing followers of Jesus, the stances and activities of Augustana University should be disturbing and alarming.

Here is what my investigation uncovered:

Drag Shows

- If you like to look at men dressed up as women, or women dressed as men, you can see it at Augustana University.

I declare that Drag Show a success. ✅ btw here's a pic of @JoshasaurRawr being a cutie pic.twitter.com/wWp3LkmPlb
— Augustana (SD) GSA (@AugustanaGSA) March 24, 2017

- The Augustana Student Association gave $250 "for an 18 plus drag show" to the Gender & Sexuality Alliance. (See here, page one)

Sex and LGBT Related

- Augustana University has a student group called the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) which describes itself in this way, “The Augustana GSA (Gender and Sexuality Alliance) is an organization committed to the representation and advocacy of the Gender/Sexual diverse.” (see here)

- The Augustana Campus Ministry website displays "The Augustana Student Congregation Welcome Statement." It begins this way:

“Come to me,
All who believe, all who wonder,
and all who don’t know what to think;
All who are joyful, all who suffer, and all who are complacent;
All who are homosexual, or heterosexual, or bisexual,
and all who simply don’t know;
All who are male, all who are female, and all who are transgender.” (See here)

- The Augustana University Campus Ministry is also a Reconciling in Christ Congregation which, in essence, means they view LGBT behaviors as normal and not sinful. (See here)

- A lecture by Austen Hartke, a bisexual, transgender man is happening October 29th, 2018 at Augustana University (See here)

More about Campus Ministry

- The Campus Ministry likes to delve into the politics of the day, seen here co-sponsoring a “Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Refugees, Immigrants and Sojourners” with the Muslim Students' Association (MSA), area churches, the South Dakota Synod of the ELCA, and the Muslims Community Center. (See here)

Non-Christian Religions

- At Augustana University you will find a student group called the Muslim Students' Association (see here)

- Augustana University has a Interfaith Reflection Room. The university reports that the "space is designed to provide a safe place for people of all religions and non-religious traditions to pray, meditate, worship, reflect, study and practice their faith . . . the room includes sacred texts from a variety of religious traditions . . .” (See here)

- The Augustana Magazine printed an article highlighting the atheist group, Augustana Open Minds. (see here on page 25 and the group page here)

- The university also partnered with a Unitarian Universalist church. (see here)

- Augustana University newspaper, The Augustana Mirror published a 2 page article about two Augustana seniors who practice witchcraft. It is titled "Modern witches: two students find spirituality in Wicca." (See here)

"Cultural Appropriation"

- Augustana University website, "VikingCentral," has this article, see below, titled “4 Acts of Cultural Appropriation You Should Avoid this Cinco de Mayo.” (Also see here)

- This must be an important idea to the university since they posted seven other related articles informing students what they feel is right and what is wrong when it comes to culture and costume. See below and here)

Housing

- Flexible housing is offered at Augustana University. This means “that students may select roommates or housemates regardless of gender.” This is available at select university housing. (See here)

Lastly, see how Augustana University was rated by students who attended the school, and what they had to say about their experiences here.

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2400+ ELCA Leaders Sign Letter Supporting Evolution and Rejecting Truth of Creation

3/25/2018

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(Updated March 2018 - Original blog was written March, 2011)

One would think that ELCA pastors, bishops and teachers would believe Scripture. However all one has to do is read, “The Clergy Letter - from American Christian clergy: An Open Letter Concerning Religion and Science,” to find that most do not.

Over 2400 ELCA leaders signed this letter which states,

“the overwhelming majority (of Christians) do not read the Bible literally, as they would a science textbook. Many of the beloved stories found in the Bible – the Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah and the ark – convey timeless truths about God, human beings, and the proper relationship between Creator and creation expressed in the only form capable of transmitting these truths from generation to generation. Religious truth is of a different order from scientific truth.”

Make no mistake, what these Christian leaders are saying is that they do not believe what the Bible actually says. They are calling the story about creation, Adam and Eve, and Noah’s ark, lies. These ELCA leaders think they know better than Jesus, the Old and New Testament writers, and 2000 years of Christians, who knew these stories to be true. (read more here)

The letter goes on to say, “We believe that the theory of evolution is a foundational scientific truth, one that has stood up to rigorous scrutiny and upon which much of human knowledge and achievement rests. To reject this truth or to treat it as ‘one theory among others’ is to deliberately embrace scientific ignorance and transmit such ignorance to our children.”

Really? So those that believe God’s account of creation, are “ignorant?” Maybe these religious elites should read from the following website of the many scientists who are skeptical of Darwinism. (read here and download the list of scientists who signed "A Scientific Dissent from Darwinism .")

The Clergy letter also says, “We believe that among God’s good gifts are human minds capable of critical thought and that the failure to fully employ this gift is a rejection of the will of our Creator. To argue that God’s loving plan of salvation for humanity precludes the full employment of the God-given faculty of reason is to attempt to limit God, an act of hubris.”

Let me get this straight, now these “Christian” leaders, who say that the Biblical account of creation is not true, are now telling us that if we believe God’s account of creation we are REJECTING God’s Will?

Finally the letter says, “We urge school board members to preserve the integrity of the science curriculum by affirming the teaching of the theory of evolution as a core component of human knowledge.” (read here)

Here are “Christian” leaders urging school boards to have the teaching of evolution be a “core component of HUMAN knowledge.” These are the people teaching us and our children about Jesus and the Bible?

Someone may ask, “What’s the big deal?” “Who cares if ELCA leaders and pastors don’t believe what the Bible says about creation?”

Here are a few quotes that highlight why we should care:

"More cases of loss of religious faith can be traced to the theory of evolution--- than anything else." - Martin Lings, quoted in Christian Century July, 1982

“Evolution is the greatest engine of atheism ever invented.” - Noted evolutionist, Professor Will Provine, in “Evolution: Free will and punishment and meaning in life.”

"Any creationist lawyer who got me on the stand could instantly win over the jury simply by asking me: 'Has your knowledge of evolution influenced you in the direction of becoming an atheist?' I would have to answer yes and, at one stroke, I would have lost the jury." - Noted evolutionist, Dr. Richard Dawkins - The God Delusion (2008) p. 93

While I was studying at an ELCA seminary, the Dean of Students told me that not one ELCA seminary professor in the United States believes Adam and Eve were real people. I have no doubt that statement is true. Sadly, seminary professors’ beliefs are being picked up by their students, who are the current and future ELCA pastors.

Linked at the end of this blog is the list of current and retired ELCA pastors, ELCA seminary professors, ELCA college professors, ELCA seminary presidents and ELCA Bishops who agree with this letter and signed it. Some of the notable signers are: Bishop Tom Aitken (Northeastern Minnesota Synod), The Rev. Hans R. Arnesen (Associate to the Bishop of the New England Synod), Bishop Allan Bjornberg (ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod), Bishop Paul J. Blom - Houston, Texas, Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber, The Rev. Stacy Boorn (herchurch), The Rev. Michael Cooper-White, D.D., (President - Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, PA), The Rev. Jean DeVoll-Donaldson (Assistant to the Bishop/Director for Evangelical Mission Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod), Bishop Ralph W. Dunkin (West Virginia -Western Maryland Synod), The Rev. James Kenneth Echols, Ph.D. (President - Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago), The Rev. Paul W. Egertson, Ph.D. (Bishop Emeritus - Southwest California Synod), The Rev. Jim Hazelwood (Bishop of the New England Synod), The Rev. Anita C. Hill, The Rev. B. Penrose Hoover (Bishop - Lower Susquehanna Synod), The Rev. Robert L. Isaksen, (Retired ELCA Pastor and Bishop of the New England Synod), The Rev. Jeff R. Johnson, Kevin S. Kanouse, (Bishop Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod), Paul R. Landahl (Bishop Metropolitan Chicago Synod), Bishop April Ulring Larson (La Crosse Area Synod), The Rev. Duane H. Larson, PhD., (President - Wartburg Theological Seminary), The Rev. Felipe Lozada-Montanez (Bishop of the Caribbean Synod of the ELCA), Bishop Brian D.Maas (Nebraska Synod - ELCA), Bishop John S. Macholz (Upstate New York Synod - ELCA), The Rev. Dr. Gerald L. Mansholt (Bishop Central States Synod), The Rev. Robert W. Mattheis (Bishop Emeritus, Sierra Pacific Synod), The Rev. George Paul Mocko (Bishop Emeritus, Delaware-Maryland Synod), Bishop David G. Mullen (Sierra Pacific Synod), Bishop Dean W. Nelson (Southwest California Synod), Bishop Margaret G. Payne (New England Synod), The Rev. Dr. Ted Peters (Interim President - Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary), The Rev. Dr. Jerry L. Schmalenberger (Retired President - Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary), Rev. Robin J. Steinke, Ph.D. (President Luther Seminary), Bishop David R. Strobel (Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod), The Rev. Dr. Christopher M. Thomforde (President - St. Olaf College), Bishop Ron Warren (ELCA Southeastern Synod), The Rev. Dr. Howard E. Wennes (Retired Bishop ELCA), The Rev. Paul M. Werger, (Bishop Emeritus - Southeastern Iowa Synod), The Rev. Eric G. Wolf(Assistant to the Bishop of the South Carolina Synod, ELCA), The Rev. Dr. Herman Yoos (Bishop - South Carolina Synod) and Bishop David B. Zellmer (South Dakota Synod).

More than 14500 American pastors signed this letter and over 2400 of them are Evangelical Lutheran Church in America leaders.

Here is a list of all the ELCA leaders who signed the Clergy letter.

To read more about creation, intelligent design or evolution see:

http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2012
http://www.icr.org/article/5669
http://www.icr.org/article/creation-evolution
https://evolutionnews.org/
http://www.trueauthority.com/cvse/faq2.htm
http://scienceagainstevolution.info/topics.htm

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It takes a lot of work to keep this ministry going. Please prayerfully consider supporting the ministry of Exposing the ELCA. Click here to find out how.

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ELCA's Augsburg University Holds Muslim Friday Prayers in Their University Chapel

12/23/2017

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A recent chapel service at St. Olaf’s Boe Memorial Chapel (St. Olaf is an ELCA college) featured a message by Fardosa Hasson, an Augsburg University Muslim Student Program Associate, and part of the ministry staff at the ELCA’s Augsburg University (formerly Augsburg College).

Having someone of a non-Christian religion giving the message at your

chapel service or church should not happen. Religions other than the Judeo-Christian faith are false, but it gets worse.

At the St. Olaf service, Fardosa Hasson spoke of how Muslim students at Augsburg University asked her to help them hold Friday prayers on campus. She said,

“The Director of Ministry, Pastor Sonya (Hagander), says, ‘Oh it would be great if we can actually have it in the Chapel.’ And I remember the conversation, as we go on, and now that I see every Friday, on campus, we have Friday services, inside the Chapel…it is reaffirming of diversity and inclusion to actually have it in a space where we all worship that one god. And remember, our chapel is not like here, where there are so many pictures of Jesus and Mary…” (see here)

So Muslim prayer services, to Allah, who is NOT the God of the Bible, are happening every Friday at Hoversten Chapel at Augsburg University. This is happening, as the speaker said, at the initiative of ELCA Pastor Sonja M. Hagander, University Pastor and Director of Ministries and Associate Director at Augsburg University (see here), and obviously with the approval of Augsburg University itself.

Using a house of God to worship other gods is a violation of the first commandment. God’s Word in Exodus 20:2,3 tells us, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

“You shall have no other gods before me.”

Here are some similar verses - https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Do-Not-Have-Other-Gods

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its colleges, like Augsburg University and St. Olaf College, cannot and should not be trusted with the responsibility of teaching and guiding you or your family’s faith development.

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The Depravity of St. Olaf College

12/4/2017

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St. Olaf College is a school of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). It is a private liberal arts college located in Northfield, Minnesota. Many parents send their children to St. Olaf believing they will be going to a Christian college and will learn about the Christian faith, deepening their faith with godly teachers leading the way.

This could not be further from the truth. As is evident in this entire website, the ELCA has turned its back on the truth and the authority of Scripture, and when you take a look at this ELCA-affiliated institution, it is easy to surmise that St. Olaf College has done the same.

See the following:

Related to Sex

- The St. Olaf College website provides free condoms and lubricant at the school's wellness center. The school also details other forms of contraception students can consider. See below and here.

- St. Olaf’s Sexual Health “Helpful Links” page lists the National Gay and Lesbian Hotline. (See here)

- The St. Olaf website has a section called "CitizenBlog" which has an article about the The Vagina Monologues, a play performed on the campus of St. Olaf. The article talks about one monologue often presented called “The Little Coochie Snorcher that Could.” Here is how the article describes the monologue. “(A)n underage girl recounts having been given alcohol and then having sex with an adult woman––her female abuser is portrayed positively as someone ‘rescuing’ her from the sexually abusive men of her past…” (See here)

- St. Olaf also has a student group called "GLOW!" It “stands for ‘Gay, Lesbian, or Whatever!’, and is a student organization comprised of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and heterosexual persons. GLOW! helps to educate, provide resources for and foster acceptance and support for self-identified GLBT persons with and through the alliance of all sexual orientations and gender identities.” (see here)

- St. Olaf offers 16 different LGBTQ Scholarships. (see here)

- Did you know that “The St. Olaf College Student Congregation has been a Reconciling In Christ congregation since 1989. Together, we advocate for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) students in all aspects of the life of our congregation and community.” (see here)

- The St. Olaf College Students Activities Committee posted pictures on its Facebook page. Among the photos are two men kissing. (See here)

- St. Olaf's "Champion of the Hill" competition, during Parents Weekend I believe, a man dressed as a women performed a dance routine. He was voted the "Champion of the Hill" and announced "This is the years of the queers." (see video here and pictures of the competition here)

- St. Olaf has a "Students for Reproductive Rights" group. This disturbing club recently hosted a “Birth Control Methods w/ Planned Parenthood!” event as well as “Sex Toys 101” event. (See below)

Planned Parenthood

- St. Olaf has a “Helpful Links” page on their website that includes a link to Planned Parenthood. (see here)

- The college website has a page titled “Local Health Providers” where St. Olaf gives Apple Valley Planned Parenthood’s phone number and a link to Planned Parenthood. (See here)

Transgender

- St. Olaf must have been mighty proud to post this story about a transgender alumna’s appointment to White House staff. (see here)

- Transgender artist, Zackary Drucker, spoke a number of times in 2015, at St. Olaf College, including a “CILA Faculty Lunch Conversation on Trans-Sensitivity Awareness.” (see here)

- There is a “Gender and Sexuality Center” at St. Olaf that “seeks to educate, increase awareness, and create dialogue around issues of gender and sexuality, including feminism, queer and transgender issues, and safer sex practices, as well as the intersectional effects of these issues.” (see here)

- St. Olaf College's website has a section of pages called “The Edit Desk: A guide to student journalism at St. Olaf.” On the main page they have a link to an article. Under that link it says, “The Radical Copyeditor provides a starting point for determining what language to use in articles that reference transgender people or transgender issues.” That article is written from a transgender supportive view. (see here)

- The St. Olaf Sociology/Anthropology Department has offered a class called,
“GLBT Lives and Issues.” Here is the class description:

“This course explores the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people from several social science perspectives. Students examine whether gender and sexual orientation (both heterosexual and homosexual) are socially constructed or biologically natural, and what cross-cultural and historical examples can tell us. Students also study controversies over the family and religious status of GLBT people, why homosexuality has become such a political issue, and movements for change. Offered during interim.” (see here and here)

Other Religions

God's Word is clear that Christ is the only way to the Father. Yet . . .

- St. Olaf College employees Anant Rambachan as a Professor of Religion. His school profile says “Prof. Rambachan has been involved in the field of interreligious relations and dialogue for over twenty-five years, as a Hindu participant and analyst” and “Prof. Rambachan has traveled and lectured in many part of the world and teaches regularly at several Hindu temples in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.” (see here)

- On campus is a Muslim Student Association. (see here)

- The St. Olaf student-run radio station, KSTO, has a program called “The Hour of Islam.” (see here)

- St. Olaf has a program celebrating Diwali, “the Hindu festival of lights that is celebrated every year during the Fall season…During Diwali, we worship goddess Laxmi, who is the goddess of wealth and prosperity.” (see here)

Additional Information

- If you attend St. Olaf College, you will find that they hold "Drag Balls." It is described as “An annual Pause dance at which students are encouraged to dress in drag, whatever that means to them and their unique wardrobes. Part of this tradition includes performances on stage from practiced drag entertainers, with a Q&A panel with the guest performers preceding the dance.” (see here)

- Angela Davis was brought to St. Olaf to speak. She is a "a two-time Communist Party vice presidential candidate." See (here and here)

- What ELCA college doesn't have its Palestinian supporters or Anti-Israel activists? At St. Olaf there is a group called "Oles for Justice in Palestine." (see here)

- This year the "Christian" college hosted a “Ghosts of St. Olaf tour" which was led by Vice President for Student Life Greg Kneser. (see here)

Politics and Race

Beware if you are a conservative or Republican.

The article titles say it all:

- "Conservative Students Say They Have Been ‘Violently Threatened’ at Lutheran College." (see here)

- "Higher Education: No Safe Spaces For Conservatives." (see here)

- "Outnumbered and 'threatened,' some conservatives are leaving St. Olaf College." (see here)

Racial problems? St. Olaf College has that too:

- "‘Student Coup’ at St. Olaf College: Students Block Buildings, Classes Shut Down Over Racial Unrest." (see here)

- "St. Olaf President Says Racist Note Was 'Fabricated.'" (see here)

- "The Farce at St. Olaf." (see here)

It truly is disturbing what is happening at this Evangelical Lutheran Church in America college. I would pray diligently if you are trying to decide to go to or send your college-age children here.

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Exposing the ELCA has shared many other disturbing stories concerning St. Olaf College over the last few years. They can be found here.

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Transgender "Man" to Preach at Luther Seminary

11/13/2017

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(The following article was written by Rev. Tom Brock of pastorsstudy.org. I have included some more information at the end of the article. You can follow Pastor Brock on Facebook - here and Twitter - here.)

Reverend Asher O'Callaghan, a woman who presents herself as a man, is the first transgender pastor ordained through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's ordination process. In 2009 the ELCA voted to ordain practicing homosexuals. There was never a vote to ordain transsexuals, but ELCA leadership has been doing it anyway.

Not too many years ago Luther Seminary (my alma mater) was known as the most conservative of the ELCA's seminaries. I'm afraid those days are gone. On November 15th at Luther Seminary's Holy Communion service, Reverend O'Callaghan will be the preacher in observance of the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

How sad that the ELCA is jumping on the transgender bandwagon which says "You are whatever sex you think you are." As Bible-believing Christians we respond " No, you are the sex God created you to be." But instead of siding with God and biology, the ELCA has sided with our sexually confused culture. Instead of helping people out of their confusion, the ELCA confirms people in their confusion. In a recent interview, in which she stated that she thinks Hell is empty, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton also took a stand for transgender rights.

Sadly, I'll say it again: This is not my grandma's Lutheran church. Last week we celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. Luther would grieve over the ELCA.

Sincerely in Christ,

Pastor Tom Brock
pastorsstudy.org

PS. Below is a description of Reverend O'Callaghan from the pro-LGBT website "Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries".

"Before becoming a Lutheran pastor, Asher fancied himself spiritual but not religious. He thought he was done with organized religion after growing up transgender and bisexual in a fundamentalist church. But then he stumbled into a church called House For All Sinners and Saints in Denver, Colorado where God messed up all his plans. There he heard an invitation he couldn’t help but go share. From Christ’s open table he heard: “Behold who you are. Become what you receive.” Becoming what he’s received has led him to earn a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary, to pastor a small mountain congregation called Zion Lutheran Church in Idaho Springs, Colorado, and now to serve as ELM’s Program Director." (see here)

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Not only is the ELCA indoctrinating their future pastors with their false view of Scripture and the world but they are doing the same with college kids at their institutions. Last week Luther College (an ELCA school) brought in a transgender speaker.

Here is a link to the article on the Luther College website.

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Is Gustavus Adolphus College the Right College For You?

5/9/2017

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This is the time of year when many seniors in high school are finalizing their decisions on where they will go to college. It is an important decision that will shape and influence the rest of their lives in many ways. Most importantly, it will influence students' Christian faith.
Parents need to ask and investigate how the prospective college will influence their child's Christian faith and belief.

To help parents and students in their investigation I have written the following about Gustavus Adolphus College.

Gustavus Adolphus College is a school of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) located in Saint Peter, Minnesota. One would think this Lutheran college would be an excellent place to grow in your Christian faith, to encourage you in your faith and to deepen your understanding of Scripture and God’s will for you. It is not. I repeat, it is not. As you will read below, Gustavus Adolphus College is openly encouraging thoughts and behaviors that go against the will of God, thereby leading students away from Christ Jesus and the Truth of God’s Word.

Sexuality

--- The Gustavus Adolphus Department of Theatre/Dance performed the play “In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play.” On the Gustavus Adolphus website, announcing this production, is the warning, “If you are offended by beautiful naked people and/or consenting adults having frank conversations about physical pleasure please, do not come to see this play.” (see here)

--- Gustavus Adolphus’ made news when freshman orientation activities were filmed and posted online in 2010. The article linked below describes the school's orientation gathering as a “series of sexually suggestive skits explaining to incoming students such things as where to get free condoms on campus, how to signal to your roommate that you are busy having sex (so he waits until later to come in), and how to tell your roommate you're gay (as well as the appropriate response you ought (to) take when receiving such information).” (see report here)

Here is a video of the Gustavus Adolphus College freshman orientation activity.

The second Gustavus Adolphus College freshmen orientation video post below is equally disturbing.

--- Last month, a Safer Sex Carnival was held at Gustavus Adolphus. The college’s website reports “The Carnival will include resources and information about having safer sex and overall healthier, more satisfying relationships.” The Safer Sex Carnival is sponsored by Title IX, the Dean of Students Office, and the Sexual Education and Decision Committee. (see here)

--- On the Gustavus Adolphus website you can find a section from a book called “Harmful to Minors: The Perils of Protecting Children from Sex.” One line from the excerpt says “Child or teen sex can be moral or immoral.” (see here)

--- The college paper, Gustavus Weekly, tells us, “Gustavus library finalizes plans for gender-neutral bathrooms.” (see below)

--- The College newspaper published another piece called “Legalize Sex Work” where the author encourages the legalization of prostitution. (see here)

--- Gustavus Adolphus’ Women’s Awareness Center held an event to talk about “orgasms, safe sex decisions and the importance of respecting our bodies.” (see here)

Other religions

--- The Gustavus Day of Fasting-A Ramadan Celebration in honor of the Islamic holiday of Ramadan was sponsored by the Chaplains’ Office. (see here)

--- Last year the Chaplains’ Office and Diversity Center sponsored a webinar called Campus Responses to Islamophobia (see here)

--- Office of the Chaplains’, Siri Erickson, Brian Konkol and Ailya Vajid released a statement saying “we are deeply grieved by the rise of Islamophobia in our nation…we stand against hate, ignorance, and bigotry wherever they occur and together work to promote dignity, inclusion, and equity.” (see here)

--- The ELCA Lutheran school has a multifaith center. “The Center is the new home for a number of student organizations, including Gustavus’ Muslim Student Association, Gustavus Meditation, Gustavus Interfaith Lodge, and the Multifaith Leadership Council.” (see here and the screenshot below)

--- “Diwali Festival of Lights, a traditional Hindu celebration, will be observed at Gustavus Adolphus College at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28 in Alumni Hall, in O.J. Johnson Student Union.” (see here)

--- What about Buddhism at Gustavus Adolphus? Yep. “Gustavus community will have the opportunity to participate in a cultural event not normally seen in this part of the world. Students and faculty are invited to join in the celebration of the annual Buddhist festival of Vesak…” (see here)

--- The Chaplins’ Office section on the college website has a list of small groups and programs one can attend. Among them is Feminist Bible Study, Muslim Student Association and Gustavus Meditation. On the Chaplins’ Office webpage we are told that Gustavus’ “Meditation is lead (sic) by a local Buddhist monk, Prof. John Cha, and Cody Kirk and is followed by discussion. The purpose of this organization is to provide a weekly meditation classes for the entire Gustavus campus.” (see here)

--- Department of Theatre/Dance at Gustavus presented a performance of The Ragamala Dance’s 1,001 Buddhas: Journey of the Gods. This performance was “inspired by twenty-eight Hindu deities that guard the 1,001 Buddhist statues of the Sanjusangendo temple in Kyoto, Japan.” And illustrated “the myriad histories and energies of these gods and goddesses and to bring to the modern stage a vision that traverses the scope of spiritual experience, from the intimate to the infinite.” (see here)

More LGBT

--- Yes, Gustavus Adolphus College observes “Coming Out” week. It is run by the group “Queers & Allies.” There is an article about it in the school paper, The Gustavian Weekly, titled “Importance of Coming Out Week…” (see here)

--- On the Gustavus Adolphus College website it has a Latina/o resource page on ‘coming out,” LGBT issues, “Transgender Resources and Immigration Law and Policy” (one resource shared is information on the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) (see here)

--- The college website also has a LGBTQ resources page. (see here)

--- Another Department of Theatre/Dance performance was “Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes,” a play about a 1980’s gay community. (see here)

Speakers/performers

--- A gay comedian/actress was on campus pushing her causes. The school paper writes, “Orange is the New Black’s Lea DeLaria speaks in Christ Chapel May 13, 2016 – Star of the popular Netflix series, Orange is the New Black, actress Lea DeLaria visited Gustavus on May 10. DeLaria is also known for being the first openly gay comic to take the stage on many late-night talkshows. She is also a prominent figure in the LGBT community. DeLaria entertained the audience through humor and song, while discussing important topics on gender identity and equity.” (see here and see the Exposing the ELCA blog about DeLaria’s performance here)

--- Historian and professor Kevin Mumford came to Gustavus Adolphus College and gave a lecture on black gay history. (see here)

--- The Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus performed at Gustavus Adolphus. (see here)

--- And when a Christian musician who “used to identify himself as a homosexual but now identifies himself as heterosexual” performed on the Gustavus Adolphus campus with his band, they were protested because the “band spoke about the possibility that homosexuals could be ‘cured…’” (see here)

--- Like so many ELCA colleges, Gustavus Adolphus holds a drag show (see here and here)

Planned Parenthood

--- The Gustavus Adolphus website has an article blasting abstinence-only sex education and the article is produced by Planned Parenthood. (see here)

--- The Gustavus Adolphus College website has a webpage called “Sex & Relationships.” The page provides a link to Planned Parenthood (see here)

--- The Gustavian Weekly posted a one-sided, pro-Planned Parenthood article. (see here) Another article that discusses the same event tells how students "all over campus sported pink attire to support Planned Parenthood. (read here)

Professors

--- Professor John Cha, Associate Professor in Religion and Japanese Studies at Gustavus Adolphus, is a Buddhist monk and a meditation teacher/guide for the group Gustavus Meditation. Those who attend Gustavus Meditation “experience Buddhist mettā bhāvanā (loving-kindness meditation) and ānāpānasati (breathing meditation).”(see here) Professor Cha’s “teaching and research interests include Buddhist philosophy, Indian intellectual history, comparative philosophy, and inter-religious dialogue (primarily Buddhist/Christian dialogue).” (see here)

--- Fuad S. Naeem is an assistant professor who teaches Islam and World Religions at Gustavus Adolphus College: “His interests include Islamic intellectual traditions in South Asia, Muslim encounters with religious others, Islam and modernity, the Qur'an and its exegesis, and Islamic philosophy, theology, and esoteric traditions.” (see here)

--- “Professors at Gustavus Adolphus College make on average $108,181 per year. This is $44,715 more than the average liberal arts college professor's annual salary ($63,466).” (see here)

Race

--- Just this spring (2017), the “Diversity Leadership Council” did something that had many media outlets talking. They posted racially offensive posters (FAKE racist posters) around Gustavus Adolphus’ campus (see here)

--- The Gustavus Adolphus student newspaper published a piece called “Mein Trump,” mimicking the name of a book written by Adolph Hitler. A Gustavus Adolphus writer expressed the following, “Trump is quickly and not so quietly building a coalition of white supremacists and closet racists alike.” (see here)

Politics

--- The Gustavus College Republicans decided to leave the The Diversity Leadership Council “implying that their opinions have been disregarded.” (see here)

--- A Gustavus Adolphus College woman wearing a “make America great again” hat was allegedly assaulted on campus. (see here)

--- Lutheran Pastor Tom Brock recounts what he saw and experienced while visiting Gustavus Adolphus College writing, “I visited the campus today and walked past the chaplains' offices and the offices of the religion professors, wondering what I would see on their doors. A picture of Jesus or a Bible verse? None of that. Instead I saw signs saying 'Gay safe zone' and 'Hate free zone'. One religion prof showed a rainbow sticker and a sign 'My Karma ran over your dogma'. One door had a posting for feminist theology, another door or two displayed images from Eastern religions. As I was perusing the doors, an Asian religion professor was talking to a student about the different kinds of meditation. Nothing of Jesus." (see here)

Students who grew up believing God’s Word, believing in biblical marriage (one man, one woman) and that you shall have no other gods before Him, are having their beliefs trampled on at Gustavus Adolphus. Gustavus Adolphus College is not a faithful, Bible-believing college.

This is a series of investigations into the colleges of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Below are links to the first two installments.

--- What to Expect if You Attend Luther College (see here)

--- Beware of the ELCA’s Grand View University (see here)

The work required to run this website is extensive. Please prayerfully consider supporting the ministry of Exposing the ELCA. Click here to find out how.

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St. Olaf Students Want a Supporter of Israel Removed From a School Advisory Board

5/3/2017

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Because of some racial incidences on campus (from what it sounds like, it was directed at black students), a group of St. Olaf students have published a “list of demands” they want to see implemented at the school. (see a news article about it here)

The first demand, coming even before demands such as “college must meet the financial needs of students of color through merit and need-based scholarships” and “create visible and easily accessible gender neutral housing on all residence halls” was this:

“We demand the removal of Arne Christenson from the Advisory Board of The
Institute for Freedom & Community. Given Mr. Christenson’s political views and values as a Christian Zionist, St. Olaf College risks his influence upon the speakers brought to the school, the educational offerings, faculty development workshops, and scholarships sanctioned by the Institute through financial means.”

How Arne Christenson, or the support of Israel, has anything to do with the racial incidents at St. Olaf, is a question St. Olaf leadership should “demand” the signers of this “list” answer. Using racial incidents on campus, to further their completely unrelated ideals, is shameful. Trying to remove and silence an influencer and leader, whose views apparently differ from their own, is disgraceful and un-American.

The ELCA (St. Olaf is a school of the ELCA) has a long history of demonizing Israel and attacking those who support the Jewish state, Christian Zionism. (see here)

Below are the St. Olaf students involved in writing the “list of demands.”

“The Drafting Committee includes the following individuals:
AL-Masrafi, Nouf ‘19
Avalos III, Junior ‘18
Brown, Demetrius ‘18
Chakravarty, Udeepta ‘17
Cathro, Dillon ‘17
Fuentes, Tamira ‘19
Gayles, Lamar ‘19
Gowdy, Khadijah M. ‘19
Ismail, Precious ‘17
Lewis, Nikki ‘18
Loza, Brenda ‘17
Mendis, Prabana ‘18
Ramirez Jr, Efren ‘18
Smith, Ashley P. ‘18
Schaffer, Tia ‘20
Soler, Natalia ‘17
Wake, Abdul ‘19
Wetzel, Krysta ‘18
Whirl, Jabri ‘18
Williams, Don ‘18
Wells, Samantha ‘17
Vyas, Shivani ‘17"

--

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What to Expect if You Attend Luther College

4/3/2017

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Luther College is a small liberal arts college in Decorah, Iowa. Taking its name from reformer Martin Luther and being a school of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), one would think Luther College would be a place to send your children for a good Christian education. But nothing could be farther from the truth. Luther College, much like the ELCA, hides behind its “Christian” persona, bringing students and financial gifts from committed Lutherans, while in reality pushes secularism, false religions and faux Christianity.

My research on Luther College turned up a plethora of information. So much so that I finally cut it short because I had too much. Here is what I found:

Sexuality and Secularism

The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin and people should turn from/repent of the sin. At Luther College homosexuality is promoted.

--- Luther College is a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation. (see here) Which, in essence, means they view LGBT behaviors as normal and not sinful.

--- Naturally, Luther College has a LGBT student organization which is called PRIDE. Recently it was highlighted prominently by Luther College Chips, the student newspaper.

--- Luther College is having a "Royal Drag Ball." It is sponsored by the Student Senate. It is also being promoted by Luther College Ministries. What kind of Christian college ministries support this kind of thing?

--- Luther College offers a course called “James Baldwin and Black LGBT History.” The course is taught by assistant professor Lauren L. Anderson. (see here)

--- The college has a page on their website with information geared toward people with same-sex attraction. (see here)

--- On Luther College’s website they have a page called “Internship Opportunities.” Planned Parenthood is among the places listed. Luther College also provides a link to Planned Parenthood for anyone interested in having an internship there. (see here)

--- Luther College provides gender-neutral housing. So a male student who says he is a transgender female can live with a female student. (see here)

--- The student newspaper writes about Luther College’s Visual and Performing Arts’ rendition of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” saying, “Because of these two casts, some women played men, and some men played women. This opened up a discussion for gender fluidity.” (read here)

--- The student newspaper wrote that they commend “…the Target Corporation for promoting what we believe to be true family values in the face of adversarial claims.” This is in reference to Target allowing those who say they are transgender to use the opposite sex bathrooms. (see here)

--- Luther College put on a performance of Vagina Monologues (see here). The monologues display a variety of female experiences on topics such as sex, childbirth, masturbation, love, menstruation, rape, etc.

Liberal Speakers and Causes

--- “Eight students and two pastors from Luther College attended Decolonizing Lutheranism at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago…” (see here)

--- Notorious ELCA pastor and author Nadia Bolz-Weber spoke at a recent Luther College conference called Liberating Grace. (see here)

Enjoyed hearing @Sarcasticluther at @luthercollege tonight! Ready for #LiberatingGrace conference tomorrow. #pastorlife #ELCA #Luther500 pic.twitter.com/jmJQBNJDSW
— Pastor Daniel Flucke (@danielflucke) April 1, 2017

One breakout session during the conference is called, “For the Sheer Joy of It: Luther's Theology of the Body.” Here is how the breakout is described, “Martin Luther's writings about embodiment and human sexuality as intrinsic parts of God's creation connect to current movements in the Lutheran church related to sexuality and gender. We will explore Luther's theology of the body and its modern day implications from academic and activist perspectives.” Amalia Vagts is one of the presenters of this breakout. She is the executive director of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, “a social ministry that believes the public ministry of publicly-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people demonstrates God's extraordinary love for all people.” (see here)

Another breakout session is called “Tolerance and Religious Pluralism in the Age of Reformation: The Religious 'Other' Then and Now.”

--- Luther College has also hosted LGBT advocate Donna Red Wing. The school’s website writes, “Donna Red Wing joins us from One Iowa where she serves as Executive Director to support full equality for LGBT individuals living in Iowa.” (read here)

False Religions

Did you know this supposed “Christian” college celebrates other religions?

--- I wrote about one of Luther’s celebrations titled “ELCA Celebrating Muslim Festival of Abraham's Willingness to Sacrifice His Promised Son, Ishmael.” (see here)

Here is what Luther College’s website says about this false religion gathering, “Eid al Adha is a Muslim festival that marks the end of the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. ‘The festival celebrates Abraham's faithfulness and obedience to God. Abraham is an example of faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims throughout the world,’ said David Vasquez, Luther campus pastor.” This event will take place at Luther College and is “sponsored by College Ministries, the Diversity Center, the Muslim Student Association and the Interfaith Student Association…” (see here)

--- Luther College also celebrated a Hindu festival. A news article reads, “Luther College; a college of the Lutheran Church affiliated to Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a Christian denomination; will celebrate Hindu festival of lights Diwali on October 26.
The Diwali program will be followed by refreshments and ‘a time for conversation’.
Applauding Luther College for Diwali celebration, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, described it as a ‘remarkable interfaith gesture’ and ‘a step in the right direction’ . . . According to Zed, Diwali, most popular Hindu festival, aims at dispelling the darkness and lighting up the lives and symbolizes the victory of good over evil." (see here)

--- Did you know that “Silent Meditation in the Zen Buddhist Tradition” is happening at Luther College? We learn from their website that “Silent Meditation takes place each Tuesday of the academic year at 5:15 p.m. in the Melanchthon Interfaith Room (CFL-205). Sittings are led by Professors Gereon Kopf, Scott Hurley, or Professor emeritus, Lee Zook.” (see here)

--- Kwanzaa is celebrated too. (see here)

--- Look what these Luther College students are purposing - 'Concerned students' want free shuttle to mosque.

Religion Professors

What kind of teachers does this ELCA college have instructing students? Ask yourself if you want your children to get their instruction on religion from these professors.

--- Todd Green, Associate Professor of Religion at Luther College, is an expert on “Islamophobia” being interviewed by various news organizations including Al Jazeera. Professor Green’s latest book is called, The Fear of Islam: An Introduction to Islamophobia in the West. (see here)

--- Associate Professor of Religion, Sean D. Burke’s research interests are listed on Luther College’s website: “Sex in sacred texts; queer theory; sacred texts & religious diversity.” (see here)

--- The Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Buddhist Philosophy is Gereon Kopf, a professor of religion at Luther College. (see here)

--- Rev. Dr. Guy Nave, a professor of religion at Luther College is also a writer at Sojourners, a liberal publication of Jim Wallis (see here)

--- Another professor of religion at Luther College is Robert Shedinger. He is well known by Exposing the ELCA for his book, Was Jesus a Muslim? Questioning Categories in the Study of Religion. (see here and here) On page 10 of his book he writes, “‘Was Jesus a Muslim?’ I will answer with a very qualified yes.”

--- Finally, Luther College doesn’t sound like a very welcoming institution for those who are conservative politically. Check out this article, “I am a woman and I voted for Trump.” (read here)

This is the second installment in a series of investigations into colleges of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

You can read the first installment on Grand View University here.

---

Please prayerfully consider supporting the ministry of Exposing the ELCA. Click here to find out how.

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ELCA Postings: Liberal Causes

3/3/2017

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Below an ELCA synod posts pictures of kids sharing their reasons for opposing fracking. I did not see the synod post pictures of children voicing their support for fracking:

More #DontFrackMD signs at #RoadTrip17! @MDSenate @mdhousedems @conway_joanEHE pic.twitter.com/2ULUn3Awqo
— DE-MD Synod ELCA (@ELCAdemdsynod) January 21, 2017

- Then we have ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton taking a position on the Standing Rock pipeline issue and she points to racism as a reason for the crisis. She writes:

“I believe that we are called as a church to support the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe: to stand with the Tribe as they seek justice, to encourage our congregations to pray for them and to offer material support, and to examine the racism inherent in our system that contributes to the current crisis.” (see here)

- Standing on the liberal side again, WELCA posts a blog that opposes the celebration of Columbus Day:

Today's blogger is happy the organization where she works— @ELCA —does not observe Columbus Day as a holiday. https://t.co/dZVENtbOxq pic.twitter.com/M1kocagVCw
— Women of the ELCA (@WomenoftheELCA) October 10, 2016

- During the spring of 2015 the ELCA’s St. Ansgar Lutheran Church in Portland, Maine celebrated ecofeminism! (see here)

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Beware of the ELCA’s Grand View University

2/27/2017

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Parents would do well to carefully examine colleges that their children are considering attending. That is why I am beginning a series of blogs investigating schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. There are 26 ELCA colleges, so I will try to post a new college blog every 3-4 weeks.

Grand View University is an ELCA college located in Des Moines, Iowa. Some Bible-honoring leaders have looked to this school with optimism, thinking it may be a worthy place to send their students. I have not found this to be true. With that, let's take a look at what is being lifted up on campus.

- Last summer Grand View University hosted the second annual summit for elderly LGBT people called "Gay & Gray in the Midwest." (see here) Not my idea of a Bible honoring summit.

- Grand View also has a "Pride" Club. Here is what is said about the Pride Club on the Grand View website, "People Respecting Individual Differences Everywhere. Provides students with an engaging and safe learning atmosphere. We seek to educate students and faculty about what it means to be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. We hold a nonjudgmental view of one’s sexual orientation. We want to serve the community at large as well as our school community. We celebrate and support each other individually. We seek to teach acceptance so that the future generations will not be afraid to speak out about or live their sexual orientation." Joshua Call, an English Professor is the group’s advisor. (Find the club in the “Campus Clubs and Organizations” here.)

- Grand View’s website tells us the school is hosting "An Evening With Aunt Nona." It goes on to say that "The Grand View Theatre Department is excited to host Aunt Nona on Saturday, August 8. Share a dressing room with Aunt Nona before she makes her debut on the Great White Way…in Fargo, North Dakota. Nona fills her hour pre-show with stand-up, improv, and storytelling as she explores the idiosyncrasies of the life she leads. Trying to find her way in the world, she joyfully recounts her jaunts through a world of jingle writing, cookies and bars, gay nephews, boyfriends, drag queens, mothers, meat raffles, and lady locker rooms." (see here)

- On Grand View’s “All for One - Diversity Alliance” page we find:
“Grand View appreciates and values the diversity inherent in our campus community. Differences in race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, and physical ability contribute to an enriching environment that celebrates our common values and augments the strength of our campus community. As members of an open and affirming institution, we are proud of the diversity and harmony of our students, faculty, and staff.” (see here)

- The Grand View Student Handbook allows “Each student…to have a guest of either sex stay with them for up to three nights at a time.” (see here, page 82)

- Kendall Dillon, the Vice President for Marketing and Communications formerly worked for the nation’s largest abortion provider. Grand View’s website says “Kendall worked for Planned Parenthood in marketing and communications roles.” (see here) Planned Parenthood aborted over 320,000 babies in 2014 alone.

When you consider these things, also take into account that Grand View is a college of the very liberal Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a denomination that is pro-abortion, pro-homosexuality, pro-gay marriage, anti-Israel and twists Scripture to fit their causes. What kind of education will your children receive? If you are a Bible-believing Christ follower, an ELCA school is the last place they should go.

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Not Happy With ELCA Colleges

5/25/2016

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The president of Pacific Lutheran University, Thomas Krise recently penned an article in response to a parent's concern for what she saw as a lack of Christian faith opportunities and emphasis at the Lutheran university. Among President Krise's sentiments were the following,
- "It is important that we also have an interfaith program that supports students from all religious backgrounds"
- "PLU doesn’t just welcome, but actively seeks out students from every possible background — all religions, all races, all ethnic groups, all socioeconomic groups, all sexual orientations, from all over the world"
- "We must be proficient in speaking the language of Christian faith as understood with a Lutheran vocabulary, while also speaking the language of other religious traditions" (read here)

When did it become important for a Christian university "to have an interfaith program that supports students from all religious backgrounds"? I don't think Jesus would want pagan religions practiced in His institutions.

Many people had problems with what they saw and experienced at PLU. One student wrote in the comment section of this article, "I came here thinking this would be a great opportunity to strengthen my faith, and since I've been here, I've never felt more far away from God."

Lisa commented on the PLU Facebook page, under a link to their president's article, "Christianity is about The Way, The Truth, The Life. It is about Jesus Christ! That should not be watered down nor should Christians feel like they need to adjust their belief because of sin in the world."

Matt responded to the PLU post saying, "It's a very long article about the importance of the title 'Lutheran' which doesn't mention Jesus one time. I was disgusted by the 'Christianity' taught in the religion department while I was there and it appears not much has changed." (see here)

Interesting thing, in the article President Krise of PLU also writes "Tending to the 'roots' requires the presence of a vital Campus Ministry." So who does the ELCA president have to implement this vital campus ministry? Two weeks ago PLU announced “The Rev. Jen Rude will join Pacific Lutheran University as university pastor on August 1, 2016. Rude comes to PLU from Chicago, where she most recently served as program director for Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries...At Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, Rude led programs committed to expanding opportunities nationally in the ELCA for LGBTQ pastors.” (see here)

Pacific Lutheran University isn't the only one taking heat. After St. Olaf College, another ELCA college, posted a link about a transgender St. Olaf alum on their Facebook page, another former student had this to say,

People losing their faith, being milked for money and being silenced for conservative thought. We may have the basis for a new ELCA motto here.

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"Lesbian, Butch, Dyke" Profanity-Laden Comedian Performed Last Night in Christ Chapel at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Gustavus Adolphus College

5/15/2016

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(The following article was written by Rev. Tom Brock of pastorsstudy.org. You can follow Pastor Brock on Facebook - here and twitter - here.)

I had complained about three weeks ago to Gustavus' President about the upcoming event and the obscene language in Lea DeLaria's comedy routine (you can google it on Youtube, it is vile). I especially complained that it would take place in the large Christ Chapel. Today, the day after the event, the President wrote me saying it is customary for secular events to be held in Christ Chapel. One of the sponsors of the event was Gustavus' chaplain's office.

After the event, the comedian tweeted this:

Thank you Gustavus Adolphus College for the fab time. I f___ing Heavy black heart️ speaking to Universities.

One student tweeted her: "You are f___ing awesome!!! My favorite line of the night 'it would be great to do acid in here'".

"In here" is a reference to Christ Chapel.

Below is the email I just sent to Gustavus Adolphus' President. Would they allow someone to speak at Gustavus who holds a traditional, Biblical view on homosexuality? You will read below that a Christian band tried to do that a few years and Gustavus shut down the concert and apologized for the "hate speech."

Please pray for Gustavus. I highly recommend you don't send your children there.

In Jesus our Savior,

Pastor Tom Brock
pastorsstudy.com

Thank you, President Bergman, for your reply.

It still grieves me that a college of the Church would allow this kind of profanity to begin with, but to put it in Christ Chapel is especially grievous.

I am a person who has struggled with same-sex attraction most of my life, but for the sake of Christ and my eternal soul (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) I abstain from this behavior. I wonder if Gustavus would allow someone with my point of you to be given such a large audience. I was told that by a Gustavus student that some years ago a Christian rock band member at a concert on the Gustavus mall shared how Jesus saved him from homosexual behavior and the concert was stopped by the college and the college apologized for the "hate speech". I can't help but wonder if Gustavus would even allow a diverse viewpoint on this issue.

Again, thanks for responding, it is not what I would've hoped for but I appreciate your time.

In Jesus the Savior,

Pastor Tom Brock

PS. If you want to read my story on this issue, you can go to Pastorsstudy.org.

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The Trans Lutheran Church in America

5/10/2016

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The ELCA has jumped aboard the "trans" train and is going full steam ahead. ELCA publications are publishing articles "normalizing" transgenderism. ELCA leaders are making public calls to allow transgender individuals in the bathroom, locker room and shower of their choosing. The denomination ordains persons who desire to be the opposite sex of which they were born. ELCA seminaries indoctrinate their students in the cause. The denomination's health coverage pays for transgender surgery. (Check out these links to see many of the trans-happenings in the ELCA - here and scroll down this page) The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is turning into the Trans Lutheran Church in America.

Here are the newest examples:

- Rev. Kirby Unti is bishop of the Northwestern Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He wrote an opinion piece for the Seattle Times titled "Maintaining transgender rights aligns with my Christian faith." (see here) And below Bishop Unti is publicly calling to keep the WA state rule requiring businesses to grant bathroom and locker room access on the basis of gender identity.

- Here the ELCA website Living Lutheran has an article titled "Bathroom brouhaha" where the author argues for transgender individuals to use the bathroom of their choice. (see here)

- WELCA is recommending “30 books about 'mighty women' published in 2015." One of the books is “Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family." This is a transgender feel good story. WELCA's link provides this synopsis of the book: "The twin boys that Wayne and Kelly Maines adopted could not have been more different: Jonas loved trucks, sports, and other 'boyish' pursuits, while Wyatt sought out princess dolls and dress-up clothes. By the time the twins were toddlers, Wyatt was insisting he was a girl. In the process of coming to understand Nicole, their daughter, the Maines faced conflict both within and outside the family. It meant rewriting the script at home and the rules at school and in a community that was suddenly forced to confront its prejudices. This inspiring story of a transgirl who stood up for the right to be herself — and the family and friends who stood by her — sheds a new, very personal light on one of the great cultural debate of our time.” (see WELCA Facebook post here)

- A recent edition of the ELCA’s The Lutheran has a nice story about a pastor finding out she has Jewish grandparents. Tucked in at the end of the story is this line, “Three rambunctious little boys come in with their parent, who is fine with them calling her 'Dad' even though she is now a woman.” The ELCA is trying to normalize sinful, deviant behavior. (see here)

- The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (ELCA) posting a transaffirmative blog saying "In recent years the glorious dynamism of the trans community has been poignantly visible in virtually every media and even – in the case of the next writer – in the halls of LSTC. So please read and enjoy the following reflection upon transgender identity and pay close attention to River’s heartfelt tutorial on trans-identity and respect." (see here)

- St. Olaf College, an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America school proudly posting about their class of 2009 transgender student.

- This St. Paul, MN ELCA church writes on their website “Gloria Dei is pleased to offer the blessing of Jesus Christ to couples of all sexual orientations and gender identities.” (see here)

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Why Not to Send Your Child to an ELCA Lutheran College

4/29/2016

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(The following article was written by Rev. Tom Brock of pastorsstudy.org. You can follow Pastor Brock on Facebook - here and twitter - here.)

Today I took a sad walk through Gustavus Adolphus College, a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. I saw a number of these posters (see picture) announcing a performance by a lesbian comedian who describes herself as "an out performer for over 33 years who is made of her life's work to change people's perception of butch, queer and LGBT… ". One of the sponsors of the event is the chaplain's office at Gustavus Adolphus.

Next I went to the Religion Department to see what was on the doors of the religion professors. I don't remember seeing any Christian symbols, but a Hindu mandala was on the wall. One professor's door had a poster stating that we should ask a person what pronoun they want us to use for them, since this is a way of honoring a person's chosen gender identity.

Lastly I went to the large, beautiful chapel at Gustavus and upon entering saw a large banner with rainbow colors stating "However you are, you are welcome here."

I got to thinking: Would they welcome someone like me? I struggle with same-sex attraction but say "No" to that behavior because I believe it is a sin. I have never seen a poster up at Gustavus even hinting at the traditional, Biblical view of sexuality. I wonder how long a poster would stay up that says something like "We believe homosexual behavior is contrary to God's Word." I wonder if the administration or the chaplain's office would allow it to go up in the first place, or if it would be considered hate speech.

And if you want to get a real eyeful, go to YouTube and type in "Gustavus Adolphus Freshman Orientation" and you will see two vile sex skits to which freshman were subjected to get them to embrace all kinds of "sexualities".

So before you spend multiple thousands to send your child to Gustavus or St. Olaf or Augsburg or Wartburg or Luther or Concordia Moorhead colleges thinking they are Christian schools, take a careful look. You may be grieved at what you find.

In Jesus our Savior,

Pastor Tom Brock
Pastorsstudy.org

An update on the lesbian comedian at Gustavus Adolphus…

I had never heard of Lea DeLaria before, so I went to YouTube and listened to a snippet of her comedy routine. The profanity was troubling. Then I noticed, her performance will take place inside the large Christ Chapel at Gustavus. I wonder what the founders of this Lutheran college would think of such a performance at Christ Chapel.

Pastor Tom Brock

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<<Previous

Problems With Bethany College (Kansas), a School of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Augustana University Investigation: Uncovering Non-Christian Aspects of the ELCA College

2400+ ELCA Leaders Sign Letter Supporting Evolution and Rejecting Truth of Creation

ELCA's Augsburg University Holds Muslim Friday Prayers in Their University Chapel

The Depravity of St. Olaf College

Transgender "Man" to Preach at Luther Seminary

Is Gustavus Adolphus College the Right College For You?

St. Olaf Students Want a Supporter of Israel Removed From a School Advisory Board

What to Expect if You Attend Luther College

ELCA Postings: Liberal Causes

Beware of the ELCA’s Grand View University

Not Happy With ELCA Colleges

"Lesbian, Butch, Dyke" Profanity-Laden Comedian Performed Last Night in Christ Chapel at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Gustavus Adolphus College

The Trans Lutheran Church in America

Why Not to Send Your Child to an ELCA Lutheran College

Dan Skogen

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