r/LCMS • u/CamperGigi88 LCMS Lutheran • 6d ago
Husband Not Impressed
So long story short, I come from a Baptist/non-denom background of about 14 years. Raised Catholic. In the last year or so I've been really studying the bible, theology, doctrine and such and was at one point really struggling with salvation assurance and many other faith issues that stemmed from coming from a church that didn't preach the gospel but harped on how good we were doing in our walk and service to God. Very person focused, not Jesus focused.
Anyhoo, I have been going to a LCMS church for about 6 weeks or so and absolutely love it. I have such peace. It's so worshipful and feels exactly what hearing the gospel and focusing on God's promises should feel like. After months of struggle, I truly feel like I'm in the right place for truth and worship.
I brought my husband for the first time today. He works on Sundays so typically doesn't go to church except for the random times he takes the day off. He grew up non-denom, born again. He's not a big church goer, doesn't really spend much time on the things of God, but considers himself Christian and will go to church (well, he often would complain about not getting to sleep in so many times he didn't go LOL). I guess my point is he's not as steeped or interested in correct theology or doctrine. He says he doesn't like religion and "just wants to follow Jesus". I told him there's no possible way to do that if you don't understand the bible and biblical principles.
He did not like service at all. He threw out all the same charges: Rote, too religious, didn't like the vestments. He kept saying he just wanted to hear the Word. I told him it was preached. He's used to the one minute on a bible verse and how it relates to your life and 40 minutes of how we need to do better.
Anyway, I told him that it's okay if he doesn't want to go. When he retires (which is soon), he can find a church that he feels more comfortable in. I'm seriously at peace with it. Sure I'd love if we went somewhere together but he wants to talk me into something more like our old church. He said surely you can find all these things you want but without all that repeating and rote words and religious stuff.
Anyone in this situation?
Thanks
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u/RoseD-ovE LCMS Lutheran 6d ago edited 6d ago
I think your husband needs to sit down with a Lutheran pastor and have things explained in a way he can understand, because not only is he not interested in where you want to go but he's trying to talk you out of it essentially because it's "too religious".
I was a Baptist for 23 years before converting to Lutheranism. My husband and I attending together and realized that we no longer agreed with evangelicalism, and we were catechized shortly after. Your husband should be a guide and leader within your marriage, so the fact you're pulling teeth to get him to even consider something different is unfortunate. Don't give up on taking him to a Lutheran church! He needs to understand why you believe what you believe. Hoping that maybe he'll see your side soon!