ELCA Pastor Says the Bible “Doesn’t Tell Me What To Do”

The Rev. Benjamin Larzelere III is retiring.  He has been a pastor at the ELCA-affiliated Christ Lutheran Church in Santa Fe, NM, for 37 years.  According to this news story, (see here) he is passionate about “inclusiveness.”  So much so, that Christ Lutheran marched in the Santa Fe 2012 gay pride parade.  (see here) Additionally, “The doormat outside the main entrance to Christ Lutheran promises ‘all are welcome.’ A rainbow flag hangs in the common room and on a nearby table are neon orange fliers asking, ‘What did Jesus say about homosexuality?’ — and the answer, ‘That’s right. Nothing!’”

From that statement alone you can see that this pastor has a very unorthodox view of God’s Word.  Or to be blunt, a false and warped view of Scripture.

The news article about Rev. Larzelere goes on to tell us, “He sees the Bible not as the literal word of God but as ‘a collection of stories, history and poems. It is not a talking book. It doesn’t tell me what to do.’”

This man, who has been teaching and preaching for 37 years, has a view of Scripture that is in complete opposition to the way Christ viewed Scripture.  (see here)  Jesus viewed it as God’s Word, inspired and true.  It’s quite clear how Rev. Larzelere views Scripture.  Much like an astounding number of others in his denomination (ELCA) unfortunately.

Looking around at Christ Lutheran’s website I came across the last sermon given by Rev. Larzelere before his retirement (September 9, 2012).  It seems that Rev. Larzelere doesn’t believe Jesus and the writers of Scripture, when they talk about demons.  He wrote this when describing a story in the gospel of Mark, “a woman whose daughter was ill (‘had an unclean spirit’ writes Mark in 1st Century understanding of what could be just about anything from depression on up). . .” (read here)

Why is it so hard for ELCA pastors to believe what the Bible says?