What is Lutheranism?
Q: What is Lutheranism?
A: Lutheranism is a denomination within the Christian religion. It was started by Martin Luther and his followers who were excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century. Lutherans believe that humans are saved by grace alone through faith alone because of Jesus Christ alone, and they use The Augsburg Confession to sum up their beliefs.
Q: Who was Martin Luther?
A: Martin Luther was a German priest, theologian, and university professor in Wittenberg who began a protest against the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century. He worked to improve its theology and practices, primarily indulgences and abuses of power by the Bishop of Rome. This overall movement is known as the Protestant Reformation.
Q: What do Lutherans believe?
A: Like other Christians, Lutherans believe in the Trinity, that Jesus Christ was both God and man, that all humans are sinful since Adam and Eve (see original sin), and that humans are saved by Jesus' death on the cross. They also believe that the Bible is their first authoritative source for Christian faith and teaching.
Q: How does Lutheranism differ from Roman Catholicism?
A: Unlike Roman Catholicism, Lutheran pastors and bishops are allowed to marry, do not pray for intercession with saints (including Mary), reject authority (and infallibility) of Pope or Magisterium, among other differences.
Q: What are some major American denominations within Lutheranism?
A: Major American denominations include Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS), Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), North American Lutheran Conference (NALC).
Q: Who wrote The Augsburg Confession?
A: Philip Melanchthon wrote The Augsburg Confession which summarizes major points of Lutheran theology in 1530.
