As many of my readers will already know, the popular Christian hip-hop artist Flame has reportedly become Lutheran. For many this was quite a surprise as Flame has often been listed together with big names like Lecrae and Trip Lee as part of the hip-hop contingent of the larger “New Calvinism” phenomenon. Yet, I cannot say I am much surprised (see my series entitled “Why am I (still) a Baptist”).

While I do not doubt Flame’s sincerity (from the little I have heard about his conversion) nor that of my friends, I do believe we are witness the rise of a new trend, one that harkens back to the rise of New Calvinism.

In this post I will not talk about the particulars of Flame’s conversion, while I have listened to some of his latest songs, I do not know enough about him or his experience to comment in detail. Nor will this post discuss the merits of and issues with Lutheranism, that would be an interesting topic I for another series. Rather, for now I want to expand upon a comment I made on the subreddit /r/Reformed. On a post about Flame’s conversion I made the following comment:

“Based on what I’m seeing online, I think New Calvinism will be replaced by a “New Lutheranism” movement in the American Protestant/Evangelical world. Just the way it goes it seems. Lutheranism seems like the cool new thing in many of the theological chatrooms I’m in, there’s been an uptick in Lutheran social media content, and now they’re getting the CHH presence.”

It is my goal now to briefly expand on this comment, hopefully giving both my friends considering Lutheranism and my Lutheran friends (who are ready and waiting to receive more former Evangelicals) issues to reflect upon.

New Calvinism vs. “New Lutheranism”

As many others have commented (I believe I first heard James White make this statement), New Calvinism became home to many who just wanted something new. In addition to the many people who truly wrestled with the doctrines of grace and came to embrace them, there were plenty of people involved with New Calvinism simply because in the 2000s Calvinism was the latest and greatest idea: Embracing it was cool, it was niche, and it made you stand out. By providing its historic answers to theological issues, it offered a unique and new perspective that many bored, young Evangelicals wanted to embrace. Further, Calvinism, its history and its culture also provided an attractive academic rigour that many did not and could not find in their non-Reformed churches.

That being said, when the newness and the uniqueness of Calvinism wore off, many of those people moved on or lost interest. And while we see these former New Calvinists moving on in many directions, I believe Lutheranism could very well be their next stop.

Like Calvinism did a decade or two ago, Lutheranism provides historic and unique answers to theological issues, and these answers are new to many North American Protestants. What election and predestination was to Calvinism, the sacraments are to Lutheranism. I believe that for many of those restless Protestants looking for something new, Lutheranism’s unique (at least in the world of North American Protestantism) sacramental theology will be the cool, new thing to draw people in.

Garnering Interest

In addition to now being able to claim Flame, a step into the popular and influential world of CHH, Lutheranism’s social presence has seen remarkable improvement recently.

Whenever I browse Facebook, Reddit, or Discord servers, I am bound to eventually run into the videos of Lutheran figures such as Dr. Jordan Cooper and Bryan Wolfmueller. While neither of these men are new to online ministry and resources, it certainly appears that their influence has increased with a sudden improvement of their resource’s (namely short videos) dissemination. I have even seen some Lutherans encouraging one of them to embrace the mantle of the “Lutheran R. C. Sproul” – I believe this comment and those like them point to an internal awareness among Lutherans online of what is happening.

Like Calvinism was then, Lutheranism is now cool, unique, and for many refreshing. By providing a different line of answers (e.g. an emphasis upon the sacraments) it appeals to many who were struggling with the old answers which were becoming too familiar and accustomed.

Some Advice

Seeing what I saw and experienced with New Calvinism, I would offer this advice to my Lutheran friends:

Be prepared for a sudden interest in Lutheranism from those who are just looking for something new. While you will see this as a grand opportunity, this does bear many risks for your churches and confessional identity as these people will bring baggage and expectations. Be prepared for a strong reaction from your older, standing members. Any sudden movement in can be a cause for tension and resentment. Also be aware of the young “trads” and “armchair twitter theologians” who will be quick to critique new converts for not being “confessional enough.” Be prepared for Lutheranism being merely a steppingstone for many people. As pointed out by leading LCMS and AALC leaders, Lutheranism already has an issue of defections to Eastern Orthodoxy. Do not be satisfied with converts but be ready to disciple and train them. Be prepared for many of these new Lutherans to only be Lutheran online. The reality is that many of the young people who are and will be interested in Lutheranism cannot or will not leave their current churches. As many remarked with New Calvinism, this separation of theological conversation online and actual church life can create many problems. Be prepared for backlash! While I am being a bit facetious, myself and other convinced Calvinists do not want to see our people leave to Lutheranism! While I believe Lutheranism once benefited from being relativity unknown outside the American Midwest, with increased influence online will come more attention from bloggers, apologists, and leaders of other denominational backgrounds.

In closing, to all many Baptist/Calvinist/Evangelical friends who are now considering Lutheranism with increased interest, one small piece of advice: think critically! If you are going to convert take the issues seriously, discern in the context of your local church, and recognize that these are issues with eternal ramifications.