Pilgrim said: If Shultz rejects the validity of all other pagan religions and affirms that Christianity is the sole truth and salvation is only through faith in Jesus Christ, then I can't see why the man was disciplined? In my estimation, it provided for a marvelous opportunity for a conservative Christian to give witness to the true living God Who alone answers the prayers of those who have been made alive in Christ Jesus. So, based upon the little information you have provided, which may be admittedly insufficient in itself to make a sound judgment on this case, I would have to say that Shultz did no wrong but rather he was wronged.
If Rev. Benke had rejected the validity of the pagan religions and proclaimed Christ as the only way to salvation, I'm sure he would not have been charged with syncretism. He would have probably been run out of Yankee Stadium. Here is his actual prayer given after he was strengthed by the prayers of pagans:
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Oh, we’re stronger now than we were an hour ago. And you know, my sisters and brothers, we’re not nearly as strong as we’re going to be. And the strength we have is the power of love. And the power of love you have received is from God, for God is love. So take the hand of one next to you now and join me in prayer on this “field of dreams” turned into God’s house of prayer: O Lord our God, we’re leaning on You today. You are our Tower of Strength, and we’re leaning on You. You are our Mighty Fortress, our God who is a Rock; in You do we stand. Those of us who bear the name of Christ know that You stood so tall when You stooped down to send a Son through death and life to bring us back together, and we lean on You today. O Tower of Strength, be with those who mourn the loss of loved ones; bring them closer to us day by day. O Heavenly Father, we pray at this time that You might extend Jacob’s ladder for those who ascended the stairways to save us, as others escaped the fire and flames. O Tower of Strength, open innocent and victimized hearts to the sacrifice of the Innocent One; pour Your consolation upon the traumatized, especially our children. O Heavenly Father, un-bind, un-fear, un-scorch, un-sear our souls; renew us in Your free Spirit. We’re leaning on You, our Tower of Strength. We find our refuge in the shadow of Your shelter. Lead us from this place--strong--to bring forth the power of Your love, wherever we are. In the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Dr. Schulz correctly ruled that Rev. Benke was guilty of syncretism. Dr. Schulz was unjustly punished for that ruling. The details are available at Crisis In the LCMS
