(A conservative Lutheran theologian says the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) may one day merge with the Episcopal Church.)
Dr. Robert Benne is director of the Center for Religion and Society at Roanoke College in Virginia. The Lutheran ethicist has predicted that by mid-century, it is likely that mainline Protestant denominations will move toward one another -- not out of strength, but out of weakness.
"That's contingent upon a lack of renewal in those churches," he explains. "And what's exciting ... is all those churches have some strong 'embers' that are glowing -- traditional folk who are very lively and active."
And Benne says he has heard that young people who are coming up through those traditions do not like the liberal accommodation found among the older, middle generation.
He says his predicted merger of denominations like the ELCA and the Episcopal Church by 2050 will not occur if such churches return to true biblical Christianity.
"The big question is whether these movements for renewal will gain momentum in these churches and recall them to their historic foundations," he says. "If that happens, we might see some growth and a whole renewal within mainstream Protestantism."
Benne believes there are currently strong "forces of renewal" in many of the mainline churches that are dominated by liberal leadership. The educator is currently conducting a study of higher education in Lutheran and other Protestant denominations.