In the trenches

"It is the duty both of preachers and of hearers first of all and above all things to see to it that they have a clear and sure evidence that their doctrine is really the true word of God, revealed from heaven to the holy, original fathers, the prophets and apostles, and confirmed and commanded to be taught by Christ himself. For we should by no means ever let doctrine be manhandled according to the pleasure and fancy of the individual who adapts it to human reason and understanding. Nor should we let men toy with Scripture, juggle the Word of God, and make it submit to being explained, twisted, stretched, and revised to suit people or to achieve peace and union; for then there could be no secure or stable foundation on which consciences might rely."

--Martin Luther

Wait a minute. Did he say "and hearers?"

It is sad that the people in the pews have now been forced to become theologians and Bible scholars themselves. The sheep must find their own green pastures because their shepherds are off contemplating the rocks. Yet it has always been this way; which is why Lutherans have placed such a high value on Christian education of the laity. What they need is the clear, pure Word of God, useful and understandable.