Josiah said:
So, out of all the people I’ve talked to in my church, so far all are creationists and believe In a young earth. Would you say that I’m the only one there with these beliefs? Do you personally know of any member of the LCMS who believes in evolution and a young earth besides me?
1. As you have been informed - over and over, for many months - this issue is not doctrine in Lutheranism. It's adiaphora. I seem to remember you reported your own LCMS pastor told you this.
2. As you have been informed, if you ever are Confirmed in the LCMS and officially join an LCMS congregation, you will be asked if you agree with Luther's Small Catechism (what he wrote, not necesarily the "explanation" often added to it) And that says NOTHING about how old our planet is... and NOTHING about evolution (any form of such).
3. I don't deny that most LCMS members are probably "young earth" folks. Most are also white, but you don't need to be. Most are Republicans but you don't need to be. Most are American citizens but you don't need to be. Most like Bratwurst but you don't need to. And most are pro-life and against abortion (and the LCMS has been FAR more bold on that issue than the one that troubles you) but you don't need to be (we have some pro-choice people in my LCMS parish).
4. I invite you to READ Luther's Catechism (it's about 12 pages long) AND the Catholic Catechism (it's about 800 pages long). And see which you most agree with. If you are Confirmed and join and LCMS church, you will be asked if you agree with Luther's Small Catechism. If you are Confirmed and join a Catholic parish, you will be asked if you agree with the Catholic Catechism. Neither mentions the age of our planet, and neither even mentions evolution (the word never appearing in either).
I've read your posts on other topics. You sound pretty Lutheran to me!
Blessings on your Advent season...
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