Doctrinal Brief: "Agreement in Doctrine and Practice"

Abstract

In this doctrinal brief, Professor John F. Brug clarifies the meaning of the phrase “agreement in doctrine and practice” as used in discussions of church fellowship. He explains that “practice” refers not to customs, adiaphora, or specific applications, but to the consistent implementation of a church’s doctrinal stance. A church may profess adherence to Lutheran confessions, but if it fails to discipline pastors who teach contrary to Scripture, it lacks true agreement in practice. Brug emphasizes that doctrinal discipline must be exercised evangelically and consistently. He cites examples such as closed communion and doctrinal integrity, noting that paper agreement is insufficient without faithful application. The brief concludes with a reference to the Formula of Concord, affirming that external differences in ceremonies do not disrupt unity in faith when doctrinal agreement and sacramental use are upheld. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).