Thrivent's So-Called Neutrality

Thrivent Financial (used to be “for Lutherans”) caters its financial services to Christians. Their website touts that they are a “faith-based” organization, “supporting the values of faith.” But given their recent decisions, one wonders what type of faith and values they are touting. Though Holy Scripture declares in no uncertain terms that abortion and homosexuality are sinful, Thrivent has chosen to label these sins as “social, politically partisan, or health and human services causes and issues.” Shame on you, Thrivent!

Below is what has transpired the last couple months. I hope to update this timeline as time allows.

December 2013

12/?: Thrivent temporality suspends all Choice Dollars to both pro-abortion and pro-life groups. [This statement has been removed from Thrivent’s website.]

12/17: Pastor Schuermann writes about Thrivent’s dangerous game. Click here to read.

12/19: The LCMS issues a statement about Thrivent Choice Dollars. Click here to read.

12/19: The Reporter (LCMS) reports on this issue. Click here to read.

12/19: The WELS issues a statement about the Thrivent Choice Program. Click here to read.

12/20: The LCMS responds to Thrivent’s “Choice Dollars Statement.” Click here to read.

12/20: Pastor Schuermann writes about Thrivent’s 

12/20: Pastor Schuermann lists Thrivent’s suspended organizations. Click here to read.

January 2014

1/13: Pastor Schuermann writes about Thrivent’s denial of Choice Dollars to pro-life organizations. Click here to read.

1/15: The LCMS responds to Thrivent’s funding of pro-abortion organizations. Click here to read.

1/15: Pastor Schuermann writes about Thrivent’s direct funding of Planned Parenthood and NARAL. Click here to read.

1/29: Pastor Schuermann writes about Thrivent’s funding of pro-abortion organizations by the numbers. Click here to read.

February 2014

2/6: Thrivent releases its “Financial Neutrality Policy.” Click here to read.

2/6: Pastor Peperkorn writes about Thrivent’s halting of funds to pro-life organizations. Click here to read.

2/6: The WELS responds to Thrivent’s “neutrality” policy. Click here to read.

2/7: The LCMS responds to Thrivent’s “neutrality” policy. Click here to read.

2/7: The ELS responds to Thrivent’s “neutrality” policy. Click here to read.

2/7: Pastor Schuermann writes an open letter to Thrivent CEO Brad Hewitt and the Thrivent Board of Directors and asks those who agree with his stance to sign a petition. Click here to read the letter. Click here to sign the petition.

2/7: Pastor Schuermann writes what Thrivent’s “neutrality” means for pro-life organizations. In 2011 (the most recent year where all of Thrivent’s records are public), pro-abortion organizations received $1,373, while pro-life organizations received $878,569. In other words, pro-life organizations are being hurt 640 times more than pro-abortion organizations (in 2011 dollars) because of Thrivent’s recent decision. Click here for more info.

2/7: Scott Diekmann writes about Thrivent’s blood money. Click here to read.

2/7: Pastor Schuermann speaks on Issues Etc. about Thrivent’s “neutrality.” Click here to listen.

2/11: Rev. Dr. James Lamb, executive director of Lutherans for Life, issues a statement. Click here to read.

2/14: Christianity Today writes about this issue. Click here to read.

Notes

Click here for a longer list of resources regarding Thrivent’s recent decisions, with special thanks to the Rev. Michael Schuermann.

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