Lutherans and the Blue Note

Vocational Suffering in a Racist Time

Abstract

According to Martin Luther, suffering is a defining trait of the Christian life. One form this suffering takes is vocational. This is the sort of suffering that comes from loving one’s neighbor in a fallen world. Given the historical realities of the United States, the demographic realities of the ELCA, and our status as Luther’s theological heirs, I argue the following: As a part of the ELCA’s vocational suffering, we are called to hear the Blues of Black suffering and respond in just, loving ways.