Orthodoxy vs. Heterodoxy=Comfort vs. Doubt

We Lutherans have often talked about avoiding heterodox churches (see Pieper especially). We have often talked about "correct" doctrine. While the above is true so far as it goes, I submit it may be even more helpful to speak of heterodox churches as churches which lack the assurance of the complete Gospel, and which therefore lack comfort and cannot give proper pastoral care. It is more helpful to speak of churches which lack Gospel doctrine. Here is what I mean as some examples.

Many churches use the name "Lutheran" but differ over what that means. Even those churches that say they hold to our Confessions as expressed in the Book of Concord differ in the interpretation of our Confessions. So instead, consider what some are saying and practicing and instead hold up the litmus test of the Gospel and comfort and assurance. Consider:

*Some "Lutheran" churches hold to contemporary worship, saying that it is preferred by outsiders to draw them in. But this kind of "worship" manipulates the emotions instead of simply demonstrating our confession of the Gospel. Does this bring comfort? Or does it instead cause us to rest on our feelings? What if we do not "feel" God?

*Some "Lutheran" churches do not see the Pastoral Office as instituted by Christ specifically, but instead see it as on the same level as other offices where the church has freedom. Some of these have said that, in a group of women, a woman could give and consecrate the Sacrament. Does this give comfort, or doubt? How would a woman function in Persona Christi?

*Some "Lutheran" churches have the Sacrament every other week, or even only once a month. Does this give comfort? What are parishioners to think about the Sacrament?

Indeed, these are only a few examples. But we need a modern day Reformation in the Lutheran Church. 

Orthodoxy and comfort and assurance are hard to find. It is worth moving or driving far distances. The Gospel is often like a passing rainstorm.

If you find a solid, comforting, orthodox Lutheran parish, it is worth far more than gold. Cling to it like your life depended on it.

Because it does.