I came across a great podcast recently, unfortunately just in time for it to be canceled.  The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) has a radio station in St. Louis at Seminary.  As part of its programming was a show that discussed current issues as well as Lutheran doctrine and their intersection.  Fascinating stuff.  Take a look at the archives here.  I don't agree with everything the hosts and guests proclaim, but as might be expected, its awful hard to argue.  Which at the very least leads to a lot of internal dialogue.  In particular, there was a series on the Funeral Liturgy in the Lutheran Church that was super interesting.

 

As to why such a great program was canceled, the short story is that it is a symptom of a Synodical rift that has been developing for quite some time. The rift is between those in the leadership who are trying to move the Church in the direction of the Joel Olsteen/Rick Warren Church Growth movement and those pastors who insist on the more traditional confessional Lutheran liturgy.  Another symptom of the rift was the controversy a few years ago with the Lutheran pastor who participated in a multifaith worship service with several non-Christians.

 

Anyway, peruse the archives.  If you are interesting in the program and would like to see it back on the air, take a look at a few of these sites (and sign the petition!).

 

Compilation site of info.