The traditions in collision

The two previously mentioned traditions came into conflict in the ELS as follows.

Moldstad, educated in the Wisconsin tradition, probably was directed by the WELS to clarify the ELS "position" on Church and Ministry. The WELS tradition insists on careful adherence to an established set of theses or stated beliefs. Some have labeled the WELS approach to doctrine as WELSian legalism. There is, in this system, no room for variant views. It doesn't matter whose views are more carefully research and presented. If there is variance then the variance must be dealt with using even the tools of dominical punishment.

I saw WELSian legalism in action in the ELS twenty years ago when my late father, BW Teigen, published an important theological work on the theology of Martin Chemnitz.

Rolf Preus, although earnestly advised not to enter the ELS from the Missouri Synod, became a pastor in the ELS in northern Minnesota. The existing ELS leadership regarded Rolf Preus as a trophy for the little Synod since the famous Preus name is widely known.

Some time later, not so many years later actually, the knight came into conflict with the WELSian tradition that has become dominant in the ELS. Preus was suspended from the membership of the ELS.