In reply to Paul K.

Paul, I have no right to speak, and claim ignorance of theology and the schools of thought which emerged from the Reformation. I am just an ordinary Lutheran, with no pastoral training. Yet, your scenario seems to echo with my own viewpoint as well. I think that we must first acknowledge that our understanding of scripture, as fallen creatures, still contains mixtures of truth and error. Luther would agree, as he always pointed us to the word of God over human interpretations, sometimes open to debate. There is no shame in being unsure about scriptural meanings. Often Christians agree to disagree on such matters. The core foundational principles and doctrines we regard as immutable truths, but in some cases a combination of figurative language, context, linguistic use, translation between Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic can lead to disagreements. In the case you described, I do not think the active lay member should resign his membership. In many ways, we can all be accused of misinterpretations of scripture in light of select passages of the Book of Concord. Soli Deo Gloria.