Lutheranizmus

Lutheranizmus is the name used, particularly in Czech and Slovak contexts, for the branch of Protestant Christianity that follows the teachings of the 16th‑century reformer Martin Luther. The movement arose during the Reformation, beginning with Luther’s 95 theses in 1517, and soon developed a distinct theological and ecclesiastical identity. Core doctrines include justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the authority of Scripture over church tradition. Lutheran churches hold the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist in high esteem, though they interpret these rites differently from Roman Catholic and many other Protestant traditions.

Historically, Lutheranizmus spread throughout northern and central Europe, taking a particularly strong foothold in German, Scandinavian, and Bohemian lands. In the former Habsburg territories, political and religious pressures led to a complex landscape in which Lutheran communities had to navigate periods of tolerance and persecution. The 19th century saw the rise of various national Lutheran bodies that combined a commitment to Luther’s theology with a sense of cultural identity.

Today, Lutheranism remains a global movement with roughly 80 million adherents worldwide. In Czech and Slovak contexts, Lutheran churches often collaborate with other Protestant denominations within interdenominational bodies such as the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches. The movement emphasizes social justice, education, and ecumenical dialogue while maintaining a theological tradition rooted in the original teachings of Martin Luther.