Lutheran: Robb Moser
Genesis to Revelation Bible Blogs
The Lutheran Church is a major Protestant denomination rooted in the 16th-century reformation led by Martin Luther, emphasizing salvation by grace alone through faith. With over 60 million members worldwide, it focuses on scripture, liturgical worship, and sacraments like baptism and Eucharist. Major US bodies include the liberal ELCA, conservative LCMS, and others.
Key Beliefs and Practices
Core Theology: Summarized by three phrases: Grace alone (sola gratia), Faith alone (sola fide), and Scripture alone (sola scriptura).
Sacraments: Generally recognize baptism and the Eucharist (Lord’s Supper) as sacraments, often teaching baptismal regeneration.
Worship Style: Known for being “high church” or liturgical, often featuring traditional liturgy, organ music, and ordained pastors.
Role of Scripture: The Bible is considered the infallible word of God and the sole authority for faith.
Major Lutheran Bodies in the U.S.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA): The largest, generally more liberal branch, which ordains women and allows same-sex marriage.
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS): A conservative body focusing on confessional theology, holding to biblical inerrancy, and restricting ordained ministry to men.
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS): A very conservative, confessional denomination.
North American Lutheran Church (NALC): A moderate, mission-driven organization formed more recently.
History
Lutheranism began in Germany when Martin Luther protested the Roman Catholic Church's sale of indulgences. It quickly spread through Germany and Scandinavia, often becoming a state church before spreading to the New World. Lutherans sometimes call themselves "evangelical Catholics" to signify they are a reformed continuation of the historic Church.