Johann Bading: Leader from Confessional Confession to Confession Practice

Abstract

Nathanael Bourman’s essay, Johann Bading: Leader from Confessional Confession to Confessional Practice, explores the pivotal role of Johann Bading in guiding the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) from doctrinal ambiguity to firm confessional integrity. Tracing the Synod’s early entanglements with unionistic mission societies and its gradual theological maturation, Bourman highlights Bading’s leadership during the critical 1860s. Initially influenced by pragmatic concerns and ecumenical pressures, the Synod struggled to align its practice with its Lutheran confession. Under Bading’s presidency, however, the Synod severed ties with unionistic societies, clarified its doctrinal stance, and entered fellowship with the Missouri and Minnesota Synods. Bourman emphasizes Bading’s personal transformation, pastoral heart, and theological conviction, culminating in his 1875 jubilee sermon that credited God’s grace for the Synod’s confessional renewal. The essay affirms that true unity in the church must be grounded in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. —Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)