Confidence in the public square

First, a happy and blessed New Year to all.

Second, I am often involved in discussions with Eastern Orthodox lay people on the theology "debate" site http://www.theologyweb.com/

What I would like to point out is that the EO people there are very confident in their beliefs and traditions. This confidence means they have an almost automatic upper hand in discussions. Indeed, they often just baldly state that while they are the Church, Lutherans are a denomination named for a guy named Luther. There have been several conversions of people from various Western communions to Eastern Orthodoxy there, and I think this confidence has something to do with it.

To be honest, we Lutherans are strongest in these types of discussions when we stick to Christ, the Sacraments, and the Scriptures. The last two testify about what God has done for us in the person of Jesus Christ, and isn't that what Christianity is centered upon? So, why not start with what is really important--instead of historical pedigrees. (those are important too, but they are not nearly as important as Christ, the Sacraments and the Scriptures).

More tomorrow.