A Lutheran Educator in a Secular World

Abstract

In this essay, Siegbert W. Becker examines the challenges faced by Lutheran educators in a secularized society. He critiques both the Gnostic contempt for material creation and the modern secularist philosophy that divorces Christianity from its otherworldly focus. Drawing on historical theology, Becker highlights Martin Luther’s balanced view of creation, incarnation, and resurrection, affirming the goodness of the material world while maintaining the primacy of eternal concerns. He warns against the influence of secular theology, which redefines sin, repentance, and the mission of the church in purely thisworldly terms, often rejecting divine revelation and doctrinal truth. Becker urges Lutheran educators to resist false dichotomies, uphold the authority of Scripture, and maintain a clear, unapologetic commitment to the Gospel’s eternal promises. He calls for curricula that reflect both theological depth and engagement with the created world, without compromising the church’s mission or identity. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).