2. How did we get here? Pastor Randy Freund Faith Lutheran Hutchinson, MN

3. This congregation accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith and life. (ELCA Constitution, C2.03)

4. Martin Luther… “If you want to become a theologian, you must carefully observe this rule, namely, where the clear word of God contradicts your understanding, look for some other word that pleases you and say it is the Holy Spirit. After that you may arrange and interpret the words as it seems good to you.” (LW, volume 38, p.297).”

5. A Lutheran Approach WORD (authoritative norm and source…faith and life) TRUTH TRADITIONHUMAN EXPERIENCE (An external Word interprets faith and life)

6. Word Tradition Reason Human Experience TRUTH

7. Tradition (includes Word of God) Experience of the Faithful Society and Culture TRUTH

8. “Lutheran lenses” Tradition (includes) Word of God Reason/Human Experience Holy Spirit TRUTH

9. An ELCA Model (1999 – Church and Society) 2. Understanding 1. Human Experience3. Discernment 4. Action

10. How does the Word of God retain a primary place in this discussion?