As a new Lutheran from a pentecostal background, I find the absence of emphasis on the Holy Spirit particularly distressing. First, the Holy Spirit would never direct us to do something that is against the word of God. Second, Jesus ascended so that we could each have his presence in us thru the Holy Spirit of God - to be our Comforter, Guide, and give us wisdom in our decisions and the ability to forgive those who have hurt us. How can any Christian have a truly intimate relationship with Christ without the Holy Spirit? How can we understand Scripture without the Holy Spirit? This explains -sadly - why the congregation seems to be so illiterate when it comes to the word of God. They have been in the church for decades and have little to no understanding of the Bible. I find it a huge disservice to Lutheran believers.