The Ecumenical Movement and its Effect on Lutheranism in America

Abstract

Donald F. Bitter’s essay offers a comprehensive historical and theological critique of the Ecumenical Movement and its influence on American Lutheranism. He traces the movement’s roots to 18th-century Pietism and 19th-century Liberalism, arguing that these trends undermined confessional integrity and biblical authority. Bitter contrasts the visible unity sought by ecumenists with the true, invisible unity of the Holy Christian Church, which is grounded in faith and the Word. He critiques the movement’s principles—unity at the expense of doctrine, cooperation in externals, and emphasis on social reform—as unscriptural and spiritually dangerous. The essay documents how these trends have led to doctrinal compromise, church mergers, and confessional decline, particularly within the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod and other American Lutheran bodies. Bitter concludes with a call to uphold biblical truth and confessional fidelity, warning against the seductive appeal of unionism. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).