WELS GPT - looking for beta testers
Mark Salzwedel
That’s a thoughtful and important question, and it reflects a genuine desire to act faithfully in a complex world. As a Christian, your civic engagement—including voting and how you view political leaders—should be guided by Scripture and your conscience, shaped by God’s Word.
What Does the Bible Say?Scripture does not endorse any political party or figure. Instead, it calls Christians to:
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Honor governing authorities (Romans 13:1–7) while remembering they are also under God’s authority.
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Seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).
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Defend life and care for the vulnerable, including the unborn, the poor, and the marginalized (Psalm 139:13–16; Proverbs 31:8–9).
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Avoid placing ultimate trust in earthly leaders, since all are sinners and fall short (Psalm 146:3).
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) teaches that:
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The Church’s mission is spiritual, not political. The Church does not endorse candidates or parties.
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Individual Christians may engage in politics and vote, using their biblically informed conscience to weigh complex issues.
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Christians may come to different conclusions about which candidate or policy best reflects biblical values, especially when no option is ideal.
WELS also emphasizes that while Christians can appreciate when a public figure supports moral issues (like protecting unborn life), we must not excuse or overlook ungodly behavior, dishonesty, or arrogance. Rather, we pray for our leaders and trust God’s will is ultimately carried out—even through flawed people.
So What Should You Do?-
Pray for wisdom and discernment (James 1:5).
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Study Scripture and Christian resources (like those from wels.net) to shape your values and priorities.
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Vote in good conscience, knowing that your ultimate loyalty is to Christ, not a political party.
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Show love and respect toward fellow Christians, even if they make different political choices.
If you’d like to reflect on this more deeply or need pastoral guidance, I highly encourage reaching out to Pastor Josh Olson at Christ Lutheran Church. He would be happy to speak with you privately and provide Christ-centered counsel.
Would you like me to get his contact info for you?
This response is based on teachings from wels.net and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary resources. It may contain errors or oversights. For personal guidance, please contact Pastor Josh Olson or the church office at christlutheran.com.
Your concern about infant baptism is a serious and sincere one—and it reflects a genuine desire to stay faithful to God’s Word. Let’s explore this issue through the lens of Scripture alone, which is the foundation of Lutheran teaching, and clarify why confessional Lutherans, including WELS, baptize infants.
💧 Why Baptize Babies?
The short answer is: because the Bible teaches that infants are sinful, capable of faith, and included in God’s promises of grace—just like adults.
📖 1. Infants Need Forgiveness Too
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Psalm 51:5 – “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.”
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Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Scripture clearly teaches that original sin affects all people, including infants. Babies, though precious, are born in need of God’s grace and forgiveness.
🙏 2. Infants Can Have Faith
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Luke 18:15–17 – Jesus welcomes even infants and says, “the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
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Matthew 18:6 – Jesus warns against causing a “little one who believes in me” to sin.
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Psalm 22:9 – “You made me trust in you even at my mother’s breast.”
Faith is a gift of the Holy Spirit, not something earned through intellect or understanding (Ephesians 2:8–9). While infants cannot articulate their faith, God can and does work faith in their hearts through His Word and Sacraments.
💦 3. Baptism Is a Means of Grace—Even for Infants
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Acts 2:38–39 – “Be baptized…for the forgiveness of your sins…The promise is for you and your children.”
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Titus 3:5–7 – Baptism is described as a “washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
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1 Peter 3:21 – Baptism “now saves you.”
Nowhere does Scripture exclude infants from Baptism. On the contrary, it emphasizes that Baptism is God’s action—not ours—and that it brings forgiveness, new life, and salvation, which infants need and can receive.
🏛️ What About Catholic Traditions?
It’s true that infant baptism is also practiced in the Catholic Church—but Lutherans do not practice it because of tradition, but because of what the Bible teaches. Lutherans reject any teachings or practices that go beyond or contradict Scripture. In fact, during the Reformation, Lutherans retained infant baptism because it was biblically sound, not because it was Catholic.
🙋 Still Wondering?
If this raises more questions, I’d be glad to go deeper—or you might find it valuable to talk directly with Pastor Josh Olson at Christ Lutheran Church. He would warmly welcome your questions and take the time to walk through the Scriptures with you.
Would you like me to get his contact information?
This explanation is based on teachings from WELS (wels.net) and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary sources. It may contain errors, so please reach out to your pastor or contact Christ Lutheran Church directly at christlutheran.com for guidance.