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2026 Convention Workbook 240

THEOLOGICAL DOCUMENTS —COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS

/two.lnum/zero.lnum A Theology and Philosophy of Lutheran Education

CONCLUSION

This proposed theology and philosophy of Lutheran education derives from the Lutheran understanding of Holy Scripture and the doctrines that we believe, teach, and confess. Lutherans do not seek to be contrarians in their approach to education, yet these core approaches to Holy Scripture and to the doctrines taught by Scripture cannot help but contradict some theories of education. In many respects, this is what makes Lutheran education unique. Theology is at the core of our faith and life together, and therefore it will impact the education we offer in ways that are incompatible with secular models of education that reject our theology. What St. Paul urges the Romans should be true for Lutherans educationally:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2).

There is and can be no single, definitive “Lutheran” approach to education that will prescribe all acceptable forms of classroom instruction or subjects of study.

Lutherans have used many different models of education over the centuries that do not contradict their confession of faith. Therefore, the ideas articulated here are not to be seen as binding us to a particular model of education, nor are they exhaustive. They do not address practical matters of pedagogy or curriculum or school policy. They are not intended for a particular level of Lutheran education (seminary, undergraduate, high school, K–8, early childhood). Nor do they advocate for a particular form of education (parochial school, classical school, homeschooling). On the contrary, this document provides some foundational theological direction on commonly asked questions which might be of use to administrators, teachers, parents, and students at every level and in every form of education. We commend this exploration of a theology and philosophy of Lutheran education to the educators and educational institutions of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, that it may support them in the work they undertake, together with us all, of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

/two.lnum/one.lnum The Lutheran Church/emdash.lnumMissouri Synod Further Resources from the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod A Chaste and Decent Life: An Update to Human Sexuality 1981; 2023 Creation in Biblical Perspective; 1970 In Christ All Things Hold Together: The Intersection of Science and Christian Theology; 2015 The Ministry: Offices, Procedures, and Nomenclature; 1981 Render unto Caesar . . . and unto God: A Lutheran View of Church and State; 1995 /two.lnum/two.lnum A Theology and Philosophy of Lutheran Education To Articulate Theology and Philosophy of Lutheran Education

RESOLUTION 5-10

Reports R1, R1.2.1, R14 (CW, 1–3, 14, 64–69)

W/h.smallcap/e.smallcap/r.smallcap/e.smallcap/a.smallcap/s.smallcap, Our Lutheran schools at every level face constant challenges in a world of competing philosophies; and W/h.smallcap/e.smallcap/r.smallcap/e.smallcap/a.smallcap/s.smallcap, Our Synod would benefit from a clearly articulated theology and philosophy of Lutheran education that considers sound principles from the doctrine of justification, biblical creation, first article gifts, right and left kingdom perspectives, and Lutheran anthropology, to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of various educational philosophies; and W/h.smallcap/e.smallcap/r.smallcap/e.smallcap/a.smallcap/s.smallcap, A clear, concise, and readable theology and philosophy of Lutheran education could help guide our workers, lay leaders, and families from preschool, grade school, high school, and secondary education as they make curriculum, discipline, and other decisions on a daily basis; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Commission on Theology and Church Relations—in consultation with representatives from Concordia University System universities, Synod education executives, and others—develop principles of Lutheran education rooted in Lutheran doctrine; and be it further

Resolved, That a pamphlet be produced for written and electronic distribution to help guide congregations, schools, workers, and parents in the task of faithfully leading students in their education.

2023 Convention Proceedings Page 155