"Zeremoniendienst"

    While preparing the full German text for one of Prof. Friedrich Bente's greatest books,  Gesetz und Evangelium: Buße und gute Werke (that is Law and Gospel: Repentance and Good Works) I ran across a term that struck me as particularly appropriate for a certain para-church organization calling itself "Gottesdienst". In my readings from those involved, I found little or no reference to the Old German Missouri Synod, leading me to believe they have a low opinion of them. So how would the Old Missouri theologians characterize this modern organization that is largely focused on ceremonies? Here is what I discovered in Bente's book, p. 7:

The doctrine of justification makes one secure and immune against Rome. In addition, it thoroughly clears away doubt and unbelief, works and ceremonial worship ["Zeremoniendienst"], as well as the tyranny of the papal church.

So as "Gottesdienst" chose a German word for their organization, I will chose a German word to describe them, one that they may not be pleased with:

"Gottesdienst" = "Zeremoniendienst" = ceremonies worship

Old Missouri focused first on the "Hauptartikel", the chief Doctrine of Justification, then defended true Lutheran ceremonies, not the other way around. (Compare them to Pastor Friedrich Lochner.)