Concerning the Marriage of Priests – part 5
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: 2 Peter 2:1–3
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
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From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession
Their defense of celibacy is not a serious one. For they are not ignorant of how few there are who actually practice chastity, but they use religion to implement their authority, which they think that celibacy assists. Now we understand just how right Peter’s admonition was, that there will be false teachers who will deceive people with heresies (2 Peter 2:1). Our opponents do not say, write, or do anything honestly, frankly, or candidly in this whole concern. They merely dispute about their authority, falsely thinking it is in jeopardy. So, they try to fortify it with a wicked pretense of piety.
Pulling It Together: Some people just have to be right — even at the expense of being very wrong. Cultures, whether religious or political, never seem to change in this regard. And it seems that they always end up defending their positions with personal attacks. This, of course, sidetracks the actual discussion. When it gets personal — as it was in the days of the Reformers, and as it is today — discussions never get to the heart of the issue. Nothing gets resolved. That way, the mudslingers can go on insisting that they are right. This also, usually keeps them in power. That is the point, is it not?
Prayer: Give me wisdom and patience, Lord. Amen
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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