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Whenever one looks to the ELCA as an institution seeking to show Christ's grace to the world through educated, capable, and vocational ministry, one expects to see its congregations, colleges, and seminaries manifesting service based hearts and minds. Insofar as the recent t-shirts are concerned, this service-based mentality is not evident. There is no discernible Christian concern of and for the other or one's neighbor. Instead the shirts advocate the support of a particular eating establishment through the glorification, not of its cuisine or service, but of innuendo associated with its name. This association is one which reflects expressionism that is not self-reflective but rather speaks first and later considers the potentiality of social and emotional detriment after the expression has been made. If such consideration ever occurs, concessions are not made to undue or remedy the damage that occurs to individuals or groups offended by the subject matter. This acceptance of a 'what's done is done' mentality is obviously not reflective of the ELCA's professed desire to proclaim Christ's redemptive love in the midst of a broken creation.
As an alumni of this particular ELCA institution, I find that in this instance it is particularly difficult for me to live in accordance with Luther's Explanation of the 8th commandment by defending, speaking well of, and explaining in the kindest way, the actions of the students of Dana College. Their inability to consider the morality of public expressions prior to their display and their refusal to rectify subsequent detriments to the social environment that come from such expressions, makes it almost shameful to associate my lifestyle, intelligence, and reputation with such an institution. Thanks be to God that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is not limited by such immaturity but was indeed shown to me through administered sacraments, communal worship, capable instructors, faithful companions, and true friends and neighbors.
As an alumni of this particular ELCA institution, I find that in this instance it is particularly difficult for me to live in accordance with Luther's Explanation of the 8th commandment by defending, speaking well of, and explaining in the kindest way, the actions of the students of Dana College. Their inability to consider the morality of public expressions prior to their display and their refusal to rectify subsequent detriments to the social environment that come from such expressions, makes it almost shameful to associate my lifestyle, intelligence, and reputation with such an institution. Thanks be to God that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is not limited by such immaturity but was indeed shown to me through administered sacraments, communal worship, capable instructors, faithful companions, and true friends and neighbors.