It's easier to pretend that differences don't exist, especially when those differences lie in matters of theology. It's much more difficult to speak out against dangerous teachings within the church and lovingly discuss these problems with our brothers and sisters in Christ. But this is no minor issue. Sadly, the difference between the Lutheran Church and Reformed Churches lies in the chief article of the faith: Justification. Therefore, we cannot blindly assume that allowing our members to travel down this road, because they think all congregations are basically the same, is anything but dangerous.
“What the Reformed Church lacks is this: it cannot correctly answer the question “What must I do to be saved?” Ironically, it is in the doctrine of justification - the cardinal doctrine of the Lutheran Church - that the Reformed Church does not agree with us. It does not point the correct way to grace and salvation. There are very few in our day and age that understand this point. It is true that all the Reformed, and the sects that have come from the Reformed church, do affirm that a person is saved by grace alone. But the moment you examine their practice, you will immediately discover that - even though they hold this truth in theory - they do not put it into practice. Rather, they point people in the opposite direction.”
C.F.W. Walther - Law & Gospel, Fourteenth Evening Lecture, 161
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