Lutheranism
Major Protestant branch rooted in Martin Luther's Reformation.
Lutheranism, also called Evangelical Lutheranism, is a major branch of Protestantism that arose from the work of Martin Luther, a 16th-century German friar and reformer. The Lutheran churches adhere to the Bible and the ecumenical creeds, with Lutheran doctrine explicated in the Book of Concord. Lutherans consider themselves in continuity with the apostolic church and affirm the writings of the Church Fathers and the first four ecumenical councils.
- field
- Christian theology and church tradition
- founder
- Martin Luther
- origins
- 16th-century Germany
- sacraments
- Baptism, confession, and the Eucharist (generally recognized)
- global_membership
- 90 million
Lore & Background
Lutheranism has its roots in the work of Martin Luther, who sought to reform the Western Church to what he considered a more biblical foundation. The reaction of government and church authorities to the international spread of his writings, beginning with the Ninety-five Theses, divided Western Christianity. Lutheranism advocates that scripture is the final authority on all matters of faith, contrasting with the Roman Catholic view that authority comes from both Scripture and tradition.
Reader's Guide
Lutheran churches retain many liturgical practices and sacramental teachings of the pre-Reformation Western Church, with emphasis on the Eucharist and the real presence of Christ via a sacramental union. The Lutheran Reformation is generally considered the most conservative among Protestant traditions, as it retained much pre-Reformation liturgy and devotion. Lutherans have contributed to Christian hymnody, the arts, education, and missions, operating schools, hospitals, and orphanages worldwide.
Did You Know?
- Martin Luther always disliked the term Lutheran, preferring the term evangelical.
- Lutheranism teaches that the act of mortal sin forfeits salvation, unless individuals turn back to God through faith.
- The Lutheran churches retain many liturgical practices and sacramental teachings of the pre-Reformation Western Church, with a particular emphasis on the Eucharist.
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