Theology Q&A Q&A: Can we love apart from God? Is there a difference between murder and killing? Do Lutherans believe in individual illumination? More.
Feb 19, 2026
They discuss whether love can exist apart from God and how Christian love differs from natural affection. They examine the biblical distinction between killing and murder. They explain how to get pastoral care when a pastor is busy and how pastors are called. They cover whether the Spirit illumines scripture, the Lutheran approach to missions and women's roles, and what happens after death.
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Killing Is Not Always Murder
- The Bible and Lutheran teaching distinguish killing (sometimes lawful) from murder (sinful), grounding authority to kill in Genesis 9 and Romans 13.
- Wolfmueller cites Genesis 9:6 and Luther's 'surgeon amputates gangrene' analogy to justify just use of the sword.
How Soldiers Should Decide About Combat
- If you're a soldier unsure about a war's justice, trust your superiors if you lack full knowledge, but avoid fighting if you know it's unjust.
- Pr. Andrew Packer references Luther: fighting is not murder in a just war; responsibility shifts to commanders when details are hidden from soldiers.
Practical Ways To Get Pastoral Care
- Pastors and congregants must be flexible: give multiple meeting-time options and use mornings, lunches, evenings, group sessions, or phone calls to fit schedules.
- Wolfmueller describes office hours after Wednesday service, Sunday afternoons for counseling, early-morning coffee meetings, and phone/async notes as practical solutions.
