C.F.W. Walther – The American Luther

   All Lutherans, and particularly those who profess to be Missouri Synod, who would go to Luther, Melancthon, Chemnitz, and other “old” Lutheran theologians bypassing C.F.W. Walther and Franz Pieper are thereby revealing themselves as not of the “old” Missouri.  In reality, they are name-only Lutherans.  It was through C.F.W. Walther that Lutheranism was brought to our time. There were those who recognized it like Herman A. Preus, Jacob Aal Ottesen and U.V. Koren of the Norwegians, and A. Hönecke of Wisconsin. They rejoiced at true doctrine.  But there were many who fought the doctrines they taught...
   Lutherans on most continents and particularly America, Australia, Germany, and Scandinavian countries knew of C.F.W. Walther and his teachings. His writings in Der Lutheraner and Lehre und Wehre received wide publication in these lands or were mentioned by emigrants in America back to their former homelands.  In reality, his doctrine went out to the world.
   Many times various names are advanced: Wilhelm Löhe of Germany, Charles Porterfield Krauth of the General Council, J. Michael Reu of Iowa Synod, R.C.H. Lenski of the Ohio Synod, Hermann Sasse of Germany/Australia, Werner Elert of Germany, not to mention other noted names of today.  Many of these actually fought the doctrine taught by Walther.
   No, it was C.F.W. Walther who carried forward the true Lutheran doctrine of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries (ie Christian doctrine) to our times. And because he was faithful to this teaching, Franz Pieper, Walther’s successor as President of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, was at the forefront of those carrying this into the 20th Century.
   The Evangelical Free Church of Germany received its doctrine from C.F.W. Walther. The Synodical Conference received its doctrine from C.F.W. Walther. The Lutheran Church in Australia received its doctrine from C.F.W. Walther.
   As Luther, Melancthon (his early position), Chemnitz, and Gerhard are honored for their doctrine, so the list must be added to now.  C.F.W. Walther and Franz Pieper stand in this line.  To God Be The Glory!