Sometimes the climate changes. During the Middle Ages, Europe enjoyed warm temperatures and abundant harvests. Then came the Little Ice Age and it all changed. Crops no longer grew as far north as they had, and crop failures became common. Codfish didn't congregate in the same waters. Those people who adapted to the changed climate thrived. Those who did not adapt suffered.
Cultural climates change too. Lutheranism has always known a pleasant climate. Some of the authorities may have wanted Luther dead, but the ones that mattered protected him. Then through the centuries the prevailing culture has supported the Lutheran churches. In America, we were an immigrant church, but our immigrant communities supported the church. We built the church with the props of heritage and family firmly in place.
Now, we are entering the Little Ice Age of the church. America is turning more and more against Christian faith. The reasons are numerous, but the circumstance is clear. Ethnic heritage no longer means much, and most of us are personal melting pots anyway. Few people make religious commitments based on family today. Peers, friends and acquaintances are more influential.
As we enter the Little Ice Age of the church, those who adapt may thrive, even under a kind of low-grade persecution. Those who fail to adapt will suffer and disappear. The gospel of Jesus is as relevant as ever. I believe Lutheran teachings have a lot to say in the twenty-first century. But when it comes to the way we do things, we must adapt.
If I knew the ways we must adapt, I'd write a book. Some things are clear to me, while many are still in the fog. Prayerfully, and not in a panic, we must adapt if we are to flourish in the changed climate. Ponder with me what needs to change, and what cannot change if we are to be faithful in the twenty-first century.
