Millennialism in American Lutheranism in Light of Augsburg Confession, Article XVII

The history of Lutheranism witnesses to the existence of opposing interpretations of Article XVII of the Augsburg Confession. Many Lutherans, on the basis of the article, deny the confessional validity of any type of literalistic or futuristic millennium. Others, however, contend that the article is speaking to an immediate situation peculiar to the confessors' moment in history. On this score, they believe that the issue of millennialism or "chiliasm" in its subtle variety is an “open question" as far as the Lutheran confessions are concerned. There have been serious, earnest students on each side of this issue. American Lutheranism has experienced controversy and division because of differing conclusions regarding the interpretation of Article XVII. It is the purpose of this study to explore the defense of millennialism by some American Lutherans and to test that position in a careful examination of the Lutheran confessions.