With equal parts happiness and trepidation I hear that Pastor Wilken is resurrecting the Issues, Etc., show to be distributed on the Internet and on radio. No more 40% donation take from the LCMS Foundation, and no holds barred.
Resurrection is a good thing. It’s a Christian thing.
I hope that PirateChristanRadio/IssuesArising/whatever for an initial period (months?) keeps its powder dry on the Synodical politics that hastened its demise. I can imagine people want to know from the pirate’s mouth what happened, and I do too. I think discipline is in order for the following reasons:
1. People need to know that Wilken and Schwarz are not bitter. They have an integrity to maintain that is not found in blogs and publications. It will be very easy for Wilken critics to blow off the radio show as the voice of someone with an axe to grind. No opportunity should be afforded.
2. There are stronger mistakes than the firing of Wilken and Schwarz. Missionaries are down, liabilities and spending are way up, and less qualified ministers are being called instead of fully trained pastors out of seminary. These are more important issues.
3. I want a shining example of good Christian radio that we can like for what it is, rather than what it isn’t. We have plenty of history of accepting the caricature from others.
And I’m glad to see that they take Paypal. ![]()
aaronmosesbro on
Dan







This is the case for many reasons. The show was so good because seminary professors, pastors, and so many others in the Synod were willing to come on. If the show goes “full-bore,” then those who are cautious or concerned about their jobs or standing in the Synod will not support it. My husband and I were talking about this the other night. They are going to have to prove their integrity in that forum all over again. Then again, I suppose that it also matters whether or not that is the tact that they want to take. I suppose it also is a relief to not have the leash on as well.
RPW makes some salient points. It is my hope that the powers that be in the LC-MS do not muzzle the oxen while treading out the grain. IOW, that they ban professors and teachers from appearing on the program under penalty of termination.
Further, I am not so concerned that Pr. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz will use the opportunity to have a bully pulpit. They won’t. We’re dealing with men in whom is no guile. The theologian of the cross suffers much knowing our Lord Jesus Christ suffered much worse before us.
Deo volente, they will receive some money from me quite soon. I hope some local LC-MS congregations can band together, pool our financial resources, and get the show aired locally.
From what I have heard from Pastor Wilken already, I doubt they are going to talk about the synod over and over. I would like to hear some things in the beginning too, though. And if this synod strong arms or fires more pastors over just appearing on this radio show, they can plan on getting another serving of heck from us all.
Hopefully they will have learned this by now?
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