A Norwegian Justifies Missouri's Rejection of the Chicago Thesis

Abstract

Ron Baerbock’s essay examines the doctrinal and historical context surrounding the Missouri Synod’s rejection of the “Chicago Thesis,” a set of theological statements intended to foster Lutheran unity in the early 20th century. Focusing on the doctrine of election, Baerbock argues that Missouri’s decision was justified, especially in light of unionistic tendencies within other Lutheran bodies. Central to the analysis is Dr. Hans Gerhard Stub, a prominent Norwegian Lutheran leader whose evolving stance on election—particularly his acceptance of the “intuitu fidei” view—played a pivotal role in the formation of the 1917 Madison Agreement and the subsequent Minneapolis Thesis. These developments, Baerbock contends, revealed the inadequacy of the Chicago Thesis to safeguard doctrinal purity. The essay concludes that Missouri’s firm doctrinal stance, though criticized at the time, was necessary to preserve confessional integrity. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)