Lutheranism
Major Protestant branch originating from Martin Luther's 16th-century reforms.
Lutheranism, also called Evangelical Lutheranism, is a major branch of Protestantism that originated from the work of Martin Luther, a 16th-century German friar and reformer. His efforts to reform the theology and practices of the Catholic Church helped launch the Reformation in 1517. The Lutheran churches adhere to the Bible and the ecumenical creeds, with doctrine explicated in the Book of Concord, and they hold themselves to be in continuity with the apostolic church.
- field
- Christian theology and church governance
- founder
- Martin Luther
- sacraments
- Baptism, confession, and the Eucharist (generally recognized)
- global_membership
- 90 million
Lore & Background
Lutheranism arose under Martin Luther, a German friar and reformer whose push to reform Catholic theology and practices sparked the Reformation in 1517. Scripture and tradition) and the doctrine of justification. Lutherans advocate justification 'by Grace alone through faith alone on the basis of Scripture alone,' and they retain many pre-Reformation liturgical practices, including the Eucharist with a belief in the real presence of Christ via sacramental union. Martin Luther disliked the term, preferring 'evangelical.' Over time, Lutherans themselves began using 'Lutheran' in the mid-16th century to distinguish themselves from Anabaptists and Reformed traditions.
Reader's Guide
Lutheranism's significance lies in its role as a foundational branch of Protestantism, directly shaping the religious and political landscape of Northern Europe and beyond. Its formal principle—Scripture as the final authority—and its material principle—justification by grace through faith—defined its break from Roman Catholicism and influenced countless other Protestant traditions. The Lutheran churches retained much of the pre-Reformation Western Church's liturgy and sacramental teachings, including baptismal regeneration and the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, making the Lutheran Reformation the most conservative among Protestant movements. Lutheranism contributed to Christian hymnody, the arts, and education, establishing schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and orphanages worldwide. It also maintains religious orders, monasteries, and convents. With approximately 90 million adherents across all continents, Lutheranism remains a major global Christian tradition. Its legacy includes a continued emphasis on the Augsburg Confession as a primary confession of faith, and a self-understanding as the true continuation of the Catholic Church, purged of certain heresies and abuses.
Did You Know?
- Martin Luther always disliked the term Lutheran, preferring the term evangelical.
- The Lutheran Reformation is generally considered the most conservative among the Protestant traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lutheranism?
Lutheranism is a major Protestant Christian tradition that traces its roots to Martin Luther's 16th-century push to reform Catholic theology and practice. It treats the Bible and the ecumenical creeds as its primary authorities, with doctrine further spelled out in the Book of Concord.
What are Lutheranism's core beliefs?
At the heart of Lutheran theology is the doctrine of justification by grace alone through faith alone, grounded in Scripture alone. The tradition recognizes three sacraments—Baptism, confession, and the Eucharist—and sees itself as standing in continuity with the apostolic church.
Why is Lutheranism significant in Christian history?
Luther's reforms helped spark the broader Protestant Reformation, reshaping church governance and theology across Europe and eventually the world. With roughly 90 million adherents today, it remains one of the largest branches of Christianity.
How is Lutheranism governed and structured?
Lutheran congregations are organized around Christian theology and church governance, relying on the Book of Concord, Scripture, and the ecumenical creeds as their doctrinal backbone. This framework gives each regional body a shared theological identity while allowing local governance structures to vary.
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