What about the Lutheran Church?

Richard Hollerman

Most of us in the Western world have heard of Lutheran Churches. They have been in America since the 1700s. Named after the German priest named Martin Luther (along with his associates such as Melanchthon), the Lutheran Church is found in many different countries of the world.

Although many people assume that the Lutheran Church is similar to the Roman Catholic Church there are differences. In fact, Martin Luther broke with his church, the Catholic Church, in Germany, and it is considered an entirely different denomination. Luther went so far as to say that the so-called “Pope” was the Antichrist! Apparently, there are some 74 million different members, scattered around the world. This is especially true in the Scandinavian countries, such as Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and others.

One authority explains: “Most prominent in Germany, Lutheranism spread to Poland, Russia, Lithuania, Bohemia, Austria, Hungary, France, and Holland. It became the state church of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, and Latvia. Each national church developed its own governing structure and style of worship, but most Lutheran churches ascribe to the Book of Concord with varying degrees of strictness” (Handbook of Denominations in the United States, Roger E. Olson, p. 77).

We might ask what authorities do these people follow? Notice this answer: “In 1529, Luther wrote both his Large Catechism and his Small Catechism. A year later, Philip Melanchthon (1497-1560) authored the statement of faith known as the Augsburg Confession. The year 1537 brought the Schmalkald Articles of Faith, written by Luther, Melanchthon, and other German Reformers; in 1577, the Formula of Concord was drawn up. These documents, compiled in the Book of Concord offer an explanation of Luther’s theology and form the doctrinal basis of Lutheranism” (Ibid.).

This denomination is very different in different places. For example, in the United States, some Lutherans would be considered theologically conservative, such as the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Synod Lutherans, whereas many Lutheran denominations are quite liberal. By “liberal” we mean they officially accept sexual immorality (such as sodomy and the like), feminism, abortion, and similar sins. It is difficult to label all Lutherans as liberal, although to many conservative Protestants probably all Lutherans would be considered liberal in nature.

Thus, we find many differences between different churches. Some are congregational while others are headed by a Bishop or group of bishops. Some are feminist in perspective (even headed by a woman!) while others shun this sort of practice. Some limit marriage to a man and a woman while others permit homosexual relationships, even “marriages.” Some are entirely secular regarding education while others have a large parochial system. Thus, although we may call these 74 million people “Lutherans” we must admit that they are different in belief and lifestyle. Many believe and follow various confessions (such as the Augsburg Confession). However, they all generally revere Luther and his writings.

Although we may find some elements of Lutheranism to admire, we must admit that many, many parts of the theology and life of Lutheranism (especially the more liberal portions) are very unscriptural. By this we mean that much of the theology, teachings, and lifestyle of Lutheranism is non-Biblical and contrary to Scriptural dictates. We are to base our life on the very word of God (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 4:12).

We hope that you will find additional information that is useful by typing in “Luther” and “Lutheranism” and “Lutheran” into the Search line on this website. May God bless you in your search!

“Handbook of Denominations in the United States” Roger E. Olson

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheranism