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ECUMEN/ The BEACON
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod · Mapleton: a neutral profile of what this congregation describes about its beliefs.
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Public details for this congregation.
TraditionLutheran Church-Missouri SynodAbout →
Sourcing statusTradition default
Beliefs on file1047 positions
Statement of faithNot on file
Where they stand
Each position below is labelled by how it was sourced, so you can weigh it for yourself.
VerifiedConfirmed by the church
From their statement of faithEstimated, not verified
Tradition defaultEstimated, not verified
Showing 104 of 1047 positions across 18 topics. Expand any topic to see the rest.
God & the Trinity53 positions
- Analogical LanguageAffirmsTradition defaultHuman language about God is analogical: true but never capturing God univocally as it captures creatures.Estimated, not verified
- Apophatic PriorityAffirmsTradition defaultWhat God is in himself is ultimately beyond human comprehension, so negative ("God is not...") statements are more reliable than positive ones.Estimated, not verified
Christ71 positions
- Assumed Fallen Human NatureStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist assumed a fully fallen human nature (subject to the effects of the Fall) in order to heal it from within.Estimated, not verified
- Assumed Unfallen Human NatureStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist assumed an unfallen, sinless human nature, untouched by original sin/corruption.Estimated, not verified
Sin & the fall64 positions
- Adams Sin Brought Physical DeathStrongly affirmsTradition defaultPhysical death entered the human race as a consequence of Adam's sin; humans were not originally subject to death.Estimated, not verified
- All Sin Deserves Death EquallyStrongly affirmsTradition defaultEvery sin, however small, deserves God's condemnation/death: there is no class of sin that does not by nature merit it.Estimated, not verified
Salvation72 positions
- Active Obedience ImputedStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist's lifelong law-keeping (his "active obedience"), not only his death, is imputed to the believer as their positive righteousness.Estimated, not verified
- Annihilationism Conditional ImmortalityStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe finally lost are ultimately destroyed/cease to exist rather than suffering everlasting conscious torment (annihilationism / conditional immortality).Estimated, not verified
The Holy Spirit51 positions
- Assurance Is Normal For BelieversStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSettled assurance of salvation is normal and to be expected for genuine believers in this life.Estimated, not verified
- Blasphemy Against Spirit UnforgivableStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThere is a specific sin against the Holy Spirit that is unforgivable.Estimated, not verified
The Church62 positions
- Apostolic Succession Required For Valid MinistryStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA minister's ordination is only VALID if conferred by a bishop standing in apostolic succession.Estimated, not verified
- Apostolicity Is Doctrinal Not SuccessionalStrongly affirmsTradition defaultApostolicity consists primarily in fidelity to apostolic DOCTRINE, not in an unbroken chain of ordinations from the apostles.Estimated, not verified
Sacraments & ordinances70 positions
- Age Of Accountability Before BaptismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBaptism should wait until a person reaches an age of accountability and can repent and believe for themselves.Estimated, not verified
- Anointing Sick Is A SacramentRejectsTradition defaultAnointing of the sick with oil is a sacrament conveying grace, healing, and forgiveness to the seriously ill.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Affusion ValidStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBaptism by pouring water over the head (affusion) is a fully valid mode.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Confers Holy SpiritStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Holy Spirit is given/sealed to the recipient in water baptism itself.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Covenant SignLeans toward affirmingTradition defaultBaptism is the New Covenant sign of membership corresponding to circumcision, hence applied to covenant children.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Indelible MarkLeans toward affirmingTradition defaultBaptism imprints an indelible spiritual mark/character on the soul that can never be repeated or removed.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Mode Immersion RequiredRejectsTradition defaultValid baptism requires full immersion of the body in water.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Mode IndifferentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe mode of baptism (immersion, pouring, or sprinkling) is a matter of indifference and does not affect validity.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Necessary For SalvationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBaptism is necessary for salvation (ordinarily required to be saved).Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Of Desire Or BloodRejectsTradition defaultThose who die unbaptized may still be saved through "baptism of desire" or martyrdom ("baptism of blood").Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Pure SymbolStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBaptism conveys no grace whatsoever; it is purely a symbolic public testimony of an inward change.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Remits Original SinStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBaptism removes the guilt of original sin.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Sign Seal OnlyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBaptism is a sign and seal of grace already promised, not the instrument that produces regeneration.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Triple ImmersionRejectsTradition defaultBaptism should be administered by three immersions, one for each person of the Trinity.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Validity Depends On Administering ChurchRejectsTradition defaultBaptism performed outside the one true Church is invalid and must be redone upon entry.Estimated, not verified
- Baptismal RegenerationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIn baptism God regenerates the recipient: the new birth/washing away of sin actually occurs in the rite.Estimated, not verified
- Believers Baptism OnlyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultOnly those who personally profess faith should be baptized; infant baptism is not true baptism.Estimated, not verified
- Body Eaten By MouthStrongly affirmsTradition defaultCommunicants receive Christ's body orally with the mouth (manducatio oralis), not merely spiritually by faith.Estimated, not verified
- Chrismation Immediately After BaptismRejectsTradition defaultChrismation/confirmation should be administered immediately with baptism, even to infants.Estimated, not verified
- Closed CommunionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Supper should be restricted to members of one's own church/confession in good standing.Estimated, not verified
- Communion Efficacious For ForgivenessStrongly affirmsTradition defaultWorthy reception of the Supper conveys forgiveness of sins and nourishes the soul unto eternal life.Estimated, not verified
- Communion In Both Kinds For LaityStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe laity should receive both the bread and the cup (not bread alone).Estimated, not verified
- Confession Directly To God SufficientStrongly affirmsTradition defaultConfession of sin directly to God is fully sufficient for forgiveness; no human mediator is needed.Estimated, not verified
- Confirmation Imparts Holy Spirit SealRejectsTradition defaultThrough anointing with chrism the recipient receives the seal/gift of the Holy Spirit not given in water baptism alone.Estimated, not verified
- Confirmation Is A SacramentStrongly rejectsTradition defaultConfirmation (chrismation) is a distinct sacrament that completes baptismal initiation and imparts the Holy Spirit.Estimated, not verified
- Confirmation Rite Of Personal ProfessionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultConfirmation is properly an occasion for a baptized person to profess for themselves the faith into which they were baptized.Estimated, not verified
- Consubstantiation Sacramental UnionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist's body and blood are truly present "in, with, and under" the bread and wine, which remain bread and wine.Estimated, not verified
- Efficacy Requires Faith RecipientStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA sacrament benefits the recipient only when received with faith; without faith it conveys no grace (or conveys judgment).Estimated, not verified
- Eucharistic Adoration ProperStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe consecrated host may rightly be adored and worshiped as Christ himself.Estimated, not verified
- Eucharistic Change Is Mystery Not Substance TheoryRejectsTradition defaultThe bread and wine genuinely become Christ's body and blood, but the manner is a mystery not to be explained by substance/accident philosophy.Estimated, not verified
- Ex Opere OperatoRejectsTradition defaultA validly performed sacrament conveys grace by virtue of the act itself (ex opere operato), independent of the worthiness of the minister.Estimated, not verified
- Exactly Two OrdinancesAffirmsTradition defaultThere are exactly two ordinances/sacraments instituted by Christ: baptism and the Lord's Supper.Estimated, not verified
- Fencing The Table By ExaminationStrongly affirmsTradition defaultCommunicants must examine themselves (and/or be examined by elders) before partaking, lest they eat to judgment.Estimated, not verified
- Grace Conferred To Unbeliever For JudgmentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAn unworthy or unbelieving recipient still truly receives the sacramental substance, but to their own judgment.Estimated, not verified
- Holy Orders Is A SacramentStrongly rejectsTradition defaultOrdination (holy orders) is a sacrament that confers grace and a permanent character for ministry.Estimated, not verified
- Household Baptism WarrantStrongly affirmsTradition defaultApostolic "household" baptisms warrant baptizing the whole family, including its children, on the faith of the head.Estimated, not verified
- Indulgences Remit Temporal PunishmentStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIndulgences can remit the temporal punishment due to forgiven sins, drawing on the Church's treasury of merit.Estimated, not verified
- Infant Baptism ProperStrongly affirmsTradition defaultInfants and young children of believers should be baptized.Estimated, not verified
- Intention Of Minister RequiredRejectsTradition defaultFor a sacrament to be valid the minister must intend "to do what the Church does."Estimated, not verified
- Jesus Name Only BaptismStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBaptism should be performed in the name of Jesus alone, not with the threefold Trinitarian formula.Estimated, not verified
- Lay Administration Of Sacraments PermittedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultSacraments/ordinances may be administered by any believer, not only by ordained clergy.Estimated, not verified
- Lay Or Emergency Baptism ValidStrongly affirmsTradition defaultIn an emergency, baptism by a layperson (even a non-believer) is valid.Estimated, not verified
- Marriage Holy But Not SacramentStrongly affirmsTradition defaultMarriage is a sacred, God-ordained covenant, but it is not a sacrament that conveys grace.Estimated, not verified
- Mass Is Propitiatory SacrificeStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Eucharist is a true and propitiatory sacrifice offered for the living and the dead.Estimated, not verified
- Matrimony Is A SacramentStrongly rejectsTradition defaultMarriage between two baptized Christians is a sacrament conveying grace.Estimated, not verified
- Memorialism Symbol OnlyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe Supper is purely a memorial; the bread and wine remain only symbols that prompt remembrance, with no presence or reception of Christ.Estimated, not verified
- Minister Worthiness Affects ValidityStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe personal sin or unbelief of the minister invalidates the sacrament he administers.Estimated, not verified
- No Outward SacramentsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultNo outward physical rites are necessary; the only true baptism and communion are inward and spiritual.Estimated, not verified
- Open Communion To All BelieversStrongly rejectsTradition defaultAll baptized believers (or all who love Christ) should be welcome at the Table regardless of denomination.Estimated, not verified
- Ordinance Obedience OnlyStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBaptism and the Supper are primarily acts of human obedience and public testimony rather than channels of divine grace.Estimated, not verified
- Ordination Confers Indelible CharacterStrongly rejectsTradition defaultOrdination imprints an indelible character on the ordained that cannot be lost.Estimated, not verified
- PaedocommunionStrongly rejectsTradition defaultBaptized infants and young children should receive communion before a profession of faith or first confession.Estimated, not verified
- Penance Is A SacramentAffirmsTradition defaultPenance/reconciliation (confession, contrition, absolution, satisfaction) is a sacrament for the forgiveness of post-baptismal sin.Estimated, not verified
- Presence Only In UseStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist's presence in the Supper exists only in the act of distribution and reception, not in elements set aside afterward.Estimated, not verified
- Priest Has Authority To AbsolveAffirmsTradition defaultAn ordained priest has divinely given authority to forgive/retain sins in Christ's name.Estimated, not verified
- Priesthood Of All Believers Negates Special PriesthoodAffirmsTradition defaultBecause all believers are priests, there is no distinct sacrificing/sacramental priesthood set apart from the laity.Estimated, not verified
- Private Confession To PriestLeans toward affirmingTradition defaultSerious sins should be confessed privately to a priest, who pronounces absolution.Estimated, not verified
- Real Presence In SupperStrongly affirmsTradition defaultChrist is truly and really present in the bread and wine of the Supper, not merely symbolized.Estimated, not verified
- Real Wine RequiredStrongly affirmsTradition defaultFermented wine, not grape juice, should be used in the Supper.Estimated, not verified
- Rebaptism Of Validly Baptized ForbiddenStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA person validly baptized in the name of the Trinity should never be rebaptized.Estimated, not verified
- Sacrament Requires Dominical InstitutionStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA true sacrament must have been directly instituted by Christ himself.Estimated, not verified
- Sacrament Visible WordStrongly affirmsTradition defaultA sacrament is rightly defined as a visible sign of an invisible grace: a "visible word."Estimated, not verified
- Sacramental Marriage IndissolubleRejectsTradition defaultA consummated sacramental marriage is absolutely indissoluble; no divorce can break the bond before death.Estimated, not verified
- Sacraments Convey GraceStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe sacraments/ordinances are not merely symbols but are means through which God actually conveys grace.Estimated, not verified
- Sacraments Strengthen Seal FaithStrongly affirmsTradition defaultSacraments function chiefly to confirm, seal, and strengthen a faith already given, rather than to originate grace.Estimated, not verified
- Satisfaction Works Of PenanceStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThe penitent must perform acts of satisfaction (penance) assigned by the confessor as part of reconciliation.Estimated, not verified
- Seven SacramentsStrongly rejectsTradition defaultThere are seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation/chrismation, Eucharist, penance, anointing of the sick, holy orders, and matrimony.Estimated, not verified
- Spiritual Pneumatic PresenceStrongly rejectsTradition defaultChrist is truly received in the Supper by faith through the Holy Spirit, but his body is in heaven and not locally present in the elements.Estimated, not verified
- TransubstantiationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIn consecration the bread and wine are changed in substance into the body and blood of Christ, the appearances alone remaining.Estimated, not verified
- Trinitarian Formula RequiredStrongly affirmsTradition defaultValid baptism must use the Trinitarian formula "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."Estimated, not verified
Worship & liturgy59 positions
- Altar Call InvitationStrongly rejectsTradition defaultA public invitation/altar call inviting people to come forward to receive Christ or rededicate is a fitting close to worship.Estimated, not verified
- Being Slain In The SpiritStrongly rejectsTradition defaultManifestations like being "slain in the Spirit," holy laughter, or falling under God's power are genuine works of the Spirit in worship.Estimated, not verified
Last things49 positions
- A Literal Mark Of The Beast Is ComingAffirmsTradition defaultA literal future "mark of the beast" will be imposed as a condition of economic participation.Estimated, not verified
- All Will Finally Be SavedStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIn the end all rational creatures will be reconciled to God and none will be finally lost (universal reconciliation/apokatastasis).Estimated, not verified
Scripture65 positions
- Authority Creeds SubordinateStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe ecumenical creeds and confessions are authoritative only insofar as they faithfully summarize Scripture.Estimated, not verified
- Authority Holy Tradition OrthodoxStrongly rejectsTradition defaultScripture is rightly read only within Holy Tradition: the Fathers, councils, liturgy, and consensus of the Church.Estimated, not verified
Revelation, creation & science41 positions
- Adam Special Creation From DustStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe first human was specially and directly created by God from the dust, not biologically descended from earlier hominins.Estimated, not verified
- Angels Created BeingsStrongly affirmsTradition defaultAngels and other spiritual beings are part of God's created order, made by God.Estimated, not verified
Life & bioethics61 positions
- Abortion Gravely Wrong In PrincipleStrongly affirmsTradition defaultDeliberately ending a pregnancy by killing the unborn is in itself a grave moral wrong.Estimated, not verified
- Abortion Permitted To Save Mothers LifeAffirmsTradition defaultAbortion is morally permissible when continuing the pregnancy would directly threaten the mother's life.Estimated, not verified
Sexuality & marriage53 positions
- Abortifacient Contraception WrongStrongly affirmsTradition defaultContraceptive methods that may act after fertilization (potential abortifacients) are morally wrong even if other contraception is permitted.Estimated, not verified
- Annulment Recognizes Invalid MarriageRejectsTradition defaultSome unions that appeared to be marriages were never valid marriages, and the church can rightly declare them null (annulment).Estimated, not verified
Society & politics55 positions
- Active Nonviolent Resistance ObligatoryAffirmsTradition defaultChristians should actively resist injustice through nonviolent means (protest, civil disobedience, noncooperation), not merely abstain from violence.Estimated, not verified
- Almsgiving Is A Binding ObligationAffirmsTradition defaultGiving to the poor is a binding moral obligation, not optional charity, and to withhold from the needy is a sin.Estimated, not verified
Angelology Demonology57 positions
- Angelic Fall Caused By PrideStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe angels fell primarily through pride: refusing subjection to God / seeking to exalt themselves.Estimated, not verified
- Angelic Fall Predates Human FallAffirmsTradition defaultThe angelic rebellion occurred before the fall of humanity, and the serpent's temptation issued from an already-fallen angel.Estimated, not verified
Anthropology49 positions
- Body Essential To PersonStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe body is essential to being a complete human person, not an accidental or dispensable container for the soul.Estimated, not verified
- Body GoodStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe material human body is intrinsically good as created by God.Estimated, not verified
Covenant Law Israel44 positions
- Abrahamic Covenant Foundational And OngoingStrongly affirmsTradition defaultThe Abrahamic covenant is foundational and its promises remain operative for the people of God today.Estimated, not verified
- Baptism Replaces Circumcision Covenant SignStrongly affirmsTradition defaultBaptism is the New Covenant counterpart to circumcision, marking entrance into the covenant community.Estimated, not verified
Mariology Saints71 positions
- All Believers Are SaintsStrongly affirmsTradition default"Saints" in the New Testament sense means all believers, not a special canonized class.Estimated, not verified
- Altar Relics Required Or ProperStrongly rejectsTradition defaultIt is fitting (or required) that altars contain the relics of saints.Estimated, not verified
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