As the fit takes me, I'm going to include an explanation of my view on various part of the PMW document from time to time. "PMW" is shorthand for the newest doctrinal statement of the ELS, now a mere 18 months into adoption. It's fair to say that this document is still mostly untested in "real life." Sure, we've argued about the doctrine for a long time, and sure, a majority of delegates voted for it 18 months ago, but neither of those facts can be called a test of the doctrinal statement.

Unless, maybe, you're talking about the part that touches upon the authority of a synod president. That is still in the midst of a serious test, pertinent questions being:

This is a recent photo of the kids, in some kind of performing art on the living room floor. It looks like the girls prepared Isaac with some of their kid makeup.

Here's Isaac helping me tonight with a little renovation. For those who have seen our house, it's the doorway from the dining room into the hallway toward the stairs and bathroom. The door frame is gone, and a good part of the wall is now gone as well. Some day, most of the wall will be replaced with some nice decorative louvres. (We just saw the new Pink Panther movie. Can you imagine Steve Martin's pronunciation of that last word?)

In the midst of earthly life
Snares of death surround us;
Who shall help us in the strife
Lest the Foe confound us?
Thou only, Lord, Thou only!
We mourn that we have greatly erred,
That our sins Thy wrath have stirred.
Holy and righteous God!
Holy and mighty God!
Holy and all merciful Savior!
Eternal Lord God!
Save us lest we perish
In the bitter pangs of death.
Have mercy, O Lord!

In the midst of death's dark vale
Powers of hell o'ertake us.
Who will help when they assail,
Who secure will make us?
Thou only, Lord, Thou only!
Thy heart is moved with tenderness,
Pities us in our distress.
Holy and righteous God!
Holy and mighty God!
Holy and all merciful Savior!
Eternal Lord God!
Save us from the terror
Of the fiery pit of hell.
Have mercy, O Lord!

In the midst of utter woe
When our sins oppress us,
Where shall we for refuge go,
Where for grace to bless us?
To Thee, Lord Jesus, only!
Thy precious blood was shed to win
Full atonement for our sin.
Holy and righteous God!
Holy and mighty God!
Holy and all merciful Savior!
Eternal Lord God!
Lord, preserve and keep us
In the peace that faith can give.
Have mercy, O Lord!

Martin Luther, composite translation from Cyberhymnal

Paul McCain has announced a new blog, the "Blog of Concord". The newest post this evening calls attention to the Lutheran conception of Church. We have tried to say the same as the Confessions in our local doctrinal expressions, but with varying success. It seems to me that if we can hit this one square on the head, we'll have a much healthier confession and conception of church fellowship. Nicht wahr?

Yeah, I suppose that was a sly allusion to the ELS. If anyone can hit it square on the head, it should be us.