Lutheranism

Lutheranism is a major branch of Protestant Christianity that identifies with the teachings of Martin Luther, a 16th-century German reformer. Luther's efforts to reform the theology and practice of the Roman Catholic Church launched the Protestant Reformation. The reaction of the government and church authorities to the international spread of his writings, beginning with the Ninety-Five Theses, divided Western Christianity.

History

The start of the Reformation, with the 95 Theses by Martin Luther, has a lasting impact on world history and Christianity. Luther's theology challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the only infallible source of religious authority and that all baptized Christians under Jesus are a spiritual priesthood.

Beliefs

Lutheranism advocates a doctrine of justification "by grace alone through faith alone on the basis of Scripture alone", the doctrine that scripture is the final authority on all matters of faith, denying the belief of the Catholic Church defined at the Council of Trent concerning authority coming from both the Scriptures and Tradition.

Sacraments

Lutherans hold that sacraments are sacred acts of divine institution. Lutherans teach that faith is created and strengthened through the sacraments, and define them as "rites which have the command of God, and to which the promise of grace has been added".

Worship

Lutheran worship is centered around the presence of God through his Word and his means of grace. Lutherans believe that God is present and that he is speaking to his people through the reading of his Word and that he is present and active through the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.

Global spread

Lutheranism is present on all populated continents with an estimated 80 million adherents, out of which 74.2 million are affiliated with the Lutheran World Federation.

See also

• Protestant Reformation
• Martin Luther
• 95 Theses
• Sacraments
• Lutheran World Federation

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