Lutheranism

The oldest Protestant tradition, originating with Martin Luther’s challenge to the medieval Catholic Church in 1517. With approximately 75 million adherents worldwide, Lutheranism emphasizes justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and sacramental theology.

Core Beliefs

Justification by Faith Alone

Luther’s central insight was that humans are made righteous before God through faith in Jesus Christ, not through works, indulgences, or merit. This “alien righteousness” is imputed to believers as a gift (Romans 3:28).

Law and Gospel

Lutheran theology distinguishes sharply between God’s Law (revealing sin and condemning) and Gospel (announcing grace and salvation). Proper distinction between these two is essential for understanding Scripture and Christian life.

Real Presence

Unlike other Protestant traditions, Lutherans affirm the real presence of Christ’s body and blood “in, with, and under” the bread and wine of Communion (consubstantiation), though rejecting Catholic transubstantiation.

Two Kingdoms

Lutheranism teaches that God rules through two kingdoms: the spiritual (church, gospel) and the temporal (government, law). Christians live simultaneously in both realms with distinct responsibilities in each.

Historical Development

• 1517 - Martin Luther posts Ninety-Five Theses challenging indulgences
• 1521 - Luther excommunicated; appears before Diet of Worms
• 1530 - Augsburg Confession defines Lutheran doctrine
• 1580 - Book of Concord compiled as Lutheran confessional standard
• 17th century - Lutheran orthodoxy develops detailed theology
• 18th-19th centuries - Pietist and rationalist movements; missions expand
• 20th century - Formation of Lutheran World Federation (1947)

Practices

Liturgical Worship

Lutheran worship retains much traditional liturgy, including creeds, responsive prayers, and the church calendar. The service centers on Word (Scripture and preaching) and Sacrament (Communion).

Two Sacraments

Lutherans recognize Baptism (including infants) and the Lord’s Supper as means of grace through which God delivers forgiveness and strengthens faith.

Catechesis

Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms provide foundational teaching on the Ten Commandments, Apostles’ Creed, Lord’s Prayer, and sacraments.

Church Structure

Lutheran polity varies by region. Some churches retain episcopal structure (bishops), while others use synodical or congregational governance. Ordained ministry is valued, but clergy are not considered a separate priestly class.

Geographic Distribution

Lutheranism predominates in Germany, Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland), and has significant presence in the United States, where German and Scandinavian immigration established it. Growing Lutheran communities exist in Africa, especially Tanzania and Ethiopia.

Relation to Other Christian Traditions

Lutheranism emerged from Roman Catholicism but retains more traditional liturgy and sacramental theology than most Protestant traditions. Lutherans have historically debated with Reformed Christians over the Eucharist and predestination. In recent decades, ecumenical dialogue with Catholics has produced joint declarations on justification.