A Tale Of Two Synods: Events That Led to the Split between Wisconsin and Missouri

by Mark E. Braun

A defining moment in American Lutheranism occurred when the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) and the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) split apart in 1961. So what went wrong between these two church bodies?

This book is the culmination of Dr. Mark Braun's exhaustive research on the history and controversy between the WELS and the LCMS before and after the split. With interviews and surveys throughout, this thorough and thoughtful text will give you a clearer understanding of these two synods.

Genres: History

452 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2003

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mark Braun’s doctrinal dissertation on the break up of the Synodical Conference is packaged up into this book, A Tale of Two Synods: Events that Led to the Split Between Wisconsin and Missouri. Though various mention of the Norwegian Synod, the Slovak Synod, and others are included, the primary focus is on the WELS and the LCMS.

The book has a bibliography of just over 80 pages of small type font. Very rich in citations, Dr. Braun weaves together excerpts from synod publications, conventions and other official meetings, letters, papers, interviews, and survey responses that give an astonishing level of detail, density, and humanity to his telling of the approximate three decades of doctrinal and practical controversy that culminated in the termination of fellowship between two Lutheran synods whose association almost lasted 100 years.

Surely, this book is not for everyone, but if you are looking for a thorough view into the landscape of confessional Lutheranism in America from the 1920’s to the culminating event in 1961 and shortly following, here it is.

One note about organization: the book was organized more topically than chronologically, which may have made the individual issues more easily understood at the cost of getting a very good sense of the overall timeline.

Enjoyed is not the right word, but I appreciate the work done here. As an individual who struggled between the divide of some of these synods, I found looking back at the events and discussions leading up to the split helpful as a historical review of the existing theological controversies. I also found it helpful as a view into the bodies as they exist today.

I did not share the optimism quoted by some of the survey respondents about the split, but I also wasn’t alive at the time to deal with the issues or see the fruit of their resolution. I was left feeling sad about division in the church, even frustrated at times wondering if much of anything has changed or improved.

I will definitely revisit this book to stay acquainted with one of the watershed moments for American Lutheranism in the 20th century.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this book at a thrift store and snatched it up. I have often wondered why these two churches split up. I worked for a Missouri Synod church for several years as a preschool teacher, so I had heard of the controversy. As I suspected, it was a very silly feud fueled by egos and it's a darn shame!

[Jeremiah Gumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was greatly impressed with this book. I've read other books on the history of the Synodical Conference and WELS, but Dr. Braun does an excellent job clearly portraying the history from both sides of this sad conflict.

Dr. Braun's historiography is impressive and he tells the story of this history in a fascinating fashion. I'd like to read more of his work. Anyone interested in the history of Lutheranism in America, the old Synodical Conference, WELS, LC-MS, or the history of the doctrine of church fellowship should read this book!

[Liam · Rating 3 out of 5]

...And a half. Well done and absolutely fascinating, particularly to anyone from a background similar to mine (I was raised primarily in the WELS, but also attended a CLC school for two years and occasionally attended services at the associated church). I had actually been afraid that this book would be a difficult read and somewhat boring, but aside from a few minor annoyances, like the way the extensive footnoting was handled (most likely due to the origin of this book as a dissertation), I was quite pleasantly surprised. I would, however, have liked to read a bit more on the formation of the CLC. One of the most interesting aspects of this book is actually due to the relatively small size and insularity of the Wisconsin Synod; anyone who was raised within the WELS will no doubt recognise at least a few of the names mentioned. In my own case, both because my family moved several times and because I briefly attended Michigan Lutheran Seminary, and despite the fact that I was (for all intents & purposes) excommunicated two decades ago, I saw many familiar names: notably Pastor Ernst Wendland, who confirmed my father; also mentioned was the father of the man who held me in his arms as I was baptised and who was also the President of MLS when I was there; and several others as well. For obvious reasons, reading this was something of an exercise in nostalgia for me personally, but as one of the pastors surveyed for this work stated, you can't go home again...

[Steve Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-researched and well-written book covering the context and consequences of the split between the Wisconsin and Missouri Synods.