Thrivent Financial for ???

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is looking to become Thrivent Financial for Christians. Why? In their own words:

We believe that as a faith-based organization, we are called to help more Christians be wise with money and inspire them to live generously. By extending the common bond, we can help more Christians who are attracted to our mission.

For starters, who is “calling” them to help more Christians? Also, how do they define “Christian”? Again, in their own words:

We don’t define “Christian,” just as we don’t define “Lutheran.” Christian faith is described in the Apostles’ Creed, which Lutherans and a majority of Christians have used for hundreds of years to profes their faith.

Mormons see themselves as Christians. So do Jehovah’s Witnesses. Will these groups now benefit from money invested in Thrivent by Lutherans? And what’s to stop any other non-Christian from making the same claim? If the issue is truly helping more people be wise with money and inspiring them to live generously, why stop with Christians? Couldn’t Jews and Muslims benefit? What about atheists and agnostics?

Bigger is not always better. For decades, Thrivent—going back to its AAL and LB roots—has been a Lutheran fraternal organization. It was Lutherans helping Lutherans. It seems that is coming to an end.

I will not vote for this change. I have no use for Thrivent Financial for “Christians who are attracted to our mission” (see above).

If the “common bond” is approved, I will actively direct Lutherans who wish to invest in a “faith-based organization” away from Thrivent. Besides, there is already a “faith-based organization” that exclusively serves LCMS congregations and members: Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF). Visit them at www.lcef.org for more information.

quotes are from Thrivent Magazine, Winter 2013, page 8