In reply to Jeff.

I am sure that Pastor Fricke's comments were based on Thrivent's "survey" of its members (2012 or 2013) to open up the territories to allow Thrivent's products and services to be of "aid" to more Christians. It was just creative salesmanship in my opinion.

I was uneasy at the time as it had become more and more apparent that Thrivent has been softening its stance on Christian values, such as the article in their magazine regarding teaching children about money (title somewhat paraphrased) Save Some - Share Some - Spend Some. Share some? Really? Of course the emphasis was on teaching children about money, not stewardship. The article as I recall talked about a child that learned the sharing lesson by giving some money to the local humane society. There was very little, if any, mention (again as I recall) of giving to God of your first fruits.
So, as is typical in a decaying world, the lesser of two evils is the choice we seem to be presented with. Do I now invest more in through Thrivent, or some other “worldly” fund? Do I hurt the faithful sales rep by going elsewhere to prove a point to Thrivent? Or do I (we, the LCMS) stand up boldly and do the RIGHT THING? Do we tell the “Goliaths” of the world that what they say and do is wrong?
Too often people cower away and say they didn’t do anything wrong. The story of the Good Samaritan seems to have such examples. The LCMS is doing the right thing by stating boldly and proudly what the Word of God tells us all.

My name is Lee. I believe in Jesus and this is my opinion. God have mercy on us all.