In reply to James.

James:

I implore you brother, please don't go. I agree with you wholeheartedly, but I believe there is hope for LCMS on this issue. Let us continue to discuss, respectfully, any view that affirms Divine creation, the historicity of Genesis and a real Adam and Eve. I pray that in this discussion our leaders will realize that all truth is God's truth. If general revelation appears to conflict with special revelation, then the problem is with interpretation of one or the other, or both. I fear that our leadership, thank God for it, is all to quick to conflate the Old Earth view with evolution. This is simply not the case. If you are not familiar with Reasons to Believe, I would recommend it highly (www.reasons.org).

I have recently returned to LCMS after a long journey through evangelicalism. LCMS has so much to offer, so much tradition, such sound doctrine, such dedicated and equipped shepherds, such godly priorities. Don't forsake it lightly, you may wish you'd stayed.