Lutheranism

Lutheranism is a major tradition within Protestant Christianity that originated in the early 16th century reform movement led by Martin Luther in the German lands of the Holy Roman Empire. Luther’s challenges to Roman Catholic practices, crystallized in 1517 with the posting of the Ninety-Five Theses, emphasized Scripture as the sole authority for doctrine and the doctrine of justification by faith alone. The movement gained momentum through support from secular rulers and cities, and it established distinct churches across various regions.

Key doctrines of Lutheranism include justification by faith alone, salvation by divine grace, and the authority of Scripture alone. Lutherans affirm the priesthood of all believers and celebrate two sacraments—baptism and the Eucharist—as means of grace. In traditional Lutheran theology, Christ is truly present in the Eucharist in a real, sacramental sense (often described as the sacramental union). The liturgical life of Lutheran churches typically emphasizes preaching, catechesis, and congregational participation.

Confessional standards were developed in the 16th century, notably the Augsburg Confession (1530) and its Apology, the Smalcald Articles, and Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms. These, together with later writings, were compiled in the Book of Concord (1580) and serve as the standard doctrinal reference for many Lutheran churches.

From the 16th century onward, Lutheranism spread from Germany and Scandinavia to other parts of Europe and the Americas. Today, Lutherans form a global communion with bodies such as the Lutheran World Federation and national churches including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Church of Sweden. The tradition is characterized by liturgical worship, doctrinal clarity, and a commitment to education and social responsibility.