What Do Lutheran Churches Teach?

Lutherans, Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians...the various branches within Christianity are many. It can be overwhelming and seemingly impossible to distinguish the different denominations and determine where the differences lie. Don't all Christian churches basically believe the same thing? They all follow Jesus, right?

The reason that there are so many groups within Christianity is that there are so many different interpretations of the Scriptures. Historically, as a person or group of people became dissatisfied with their church's theology or practices, they would try to reform the church, or break off and start a church of their own.

Lutheranism got its start at the beginning of the Protestant Reformation under the leadership of Martin Luther. Lutheranism was born out of the desire to "Protest" (hence, "Protestant" Churches) the Catholic church and her doctrine. They subscribe to the major tenants of Christianity, i.e. the virgin birth, the death and literal resurrection of Jesus, Jesus was the Son of God, etc. The movement emphasized salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the only source of authority, rather than the Pope, traditions, etc.

The Lutheran church follows the Augsburg Confession of Faith and the church Catechism.

Lutherans believe in the Priesthood of all believers (Any person can approach God in prayer through Jesus Christ, no confession or human mediator is necessary). They also hold to two sacraments: The Eucharist, (communion) and baptism.

They are Calvinistic and Covenant in their theology, thus they believe in the predestination of some to salvation. Conversely, historical church doctrine also teaches reprobation. Reprobation is the view that as God has chosen some to salvation, He has also chosen others to hell. More recent Evangelical Lutheran churches do not hold this view.

Lutherans baptize babies and believe that baptism enters a child into the household of faith until such time as the child can make a public confession of faith in Christ (rite of Confirmation). The mode of baptism is sprinkling. An adult who converts to the Lutheran faith is also baptized via sprinkling.

In the U.S., there are many different Lutheran branches, two are most notable: The Missouri Synod and the E.L.C.A. (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). The Missouri Synod is generally more conservative in practice. Historically they have not ordained women to the ministry or approved of homosexuality, though these positions have been softening in recent years. The E.L.C.A. is more socially progressive, accepting both women ordained as ministers and alternative lifestyles as biblically permissible.

Lutherans are ecumenical in practice, meaning that they believe there is one true Christian church and everyone professing faith in Christ, regardless of denomination, is part of that church.