Lutheranism

From Theopedia

The Lutheran tradition is a denomination of Christianity consisting of several "sub-denominations" or groups who ultimately descend from Martin Luther, the great German reformer of the 16th century. Although many Lutherans consider themselves to be Protestants, some conservative Lutherans view their tradition as distinct from historical and modern Protestantism. Many Lutherans believe that the original reform inaugurated by Martin Luther was intended to be only a reform 'from within' and not a protest or revolt against the Western Roman Church.

[edit] Lutheran Doctrine

Lutheranism is often oversimplified as a religion that "follows Martin Luther". It is often overlooked that Lutheranism, in fact, finds its doctrinal guidance in confessional and creedal documents known as The Book of Concord, a work resulting from the collaboration of a number of individuals. Such documents owe much of their influence to Martin Luther, himself, but are certainly not limited to him. Luther's accomplice and friend, Philipp Melanchthon (1497–1560) contributed much to their contents and final lay-out. Furthermore, several Lutheran theologians such as Martin Chemnitz contributed to Lutheran doctrine by drafting the documents known as "The Formula of Concord" (1580) years after Luther's death.

Lutheran doctrine and theology emphasizes the work of Christ and personal salvation. Much of Lutheran theology was organically developed by Martin Luther's own spiritual concern for establishing a right-standing and peace with God. Luther struggled for years as a monk to determine what it means to stand righteous before a just and holy God. When he discovered that righteousness before God was a free gift offered by the Gospel through faith, such a teaching would be central to any understanding of Grace and therefore to the purity of the Gospel. Thus, the doctrine of justification by faith presents itself as the hallmark of Lutheran teaching.

Lutheran doctrine may also be summarized by the "five solas", the slogans of the Reformation.

[edit] Lutheran Religious Practice

Lutherans generally place great emphasis on a liturgical approach to worship services; music also forms a large part of a traditional Lutheran service. Lutheran hymns are sometimes known as chorales, and Luther himself composed hymns and hymn tunes, the most famous of which is "A Mighty Fortress is Our God". Many Lutheran churches have active music ministries, including choirs, hand-bell choirs, children's choirs and sometimes carillon societies (to ring bells in a bell tower). Johann Sebastian Bach, a devout Lutheran, composed music for the Lutheran church.

Children's ministries are considered fundamental in most Lutheran churches. Almost all maintain Sunday Schools, and many host or maintain private nursery-schools, primary schools, regional high schools and universities. Lutheran pastors and staff are repeatedly reminded that most evangelism occurs within the church, with children.

Pastors usually teach in the common language of the parish. In the U.S., some congregations and synods traditionally taught in German or Norwegian, but this custom has been in significant decline since the early/middle 20th century.

Pastors almost always have substantial theological educations, including Greek and Hebrew so that they can refer directly to the Christian Scriptures in the original language. Lutheran pastors may marry and have families.

[edit] External links

• Lutheranism (Wikipedia)
• Lutherans and Lutheranism (Catholic Encyclopedia)
• Lutheranism (Columbia Encyclopedia)
• Lutheranism (Encarta)