luterlikus

Luterlikus is the Estonian word for Lutheran. It refers to a member of the Lutheran Church, a major branch of Protestant Christianity that follows the teachings of Martin Luther. Luther, a German theologian, initiated the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, challenging many doctrines and practices of the Roman Catholic Church.

Key tenets of Lutheranism include salvation by faith alone (sola fide), grace alone (sola gratia), and scripture alone (sola scriptura). Lutherans emphasize the importance of the Bible as the ultimate authority for Christian faith and practice. They also uphold the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion as central to Christian life and worship.

In Estonia, Lutheranism has a long and significant history, having been introduced during the period of the Teutonic Knights and the Hanseatic League. The Lutheran Church played a crucial role in the development of Estonian language and culture, contributing to the creation of the first Estonian books and the standardization of the language. Historically, it was the dominant religious denomination in Estonia. While its influence has seen shifts over time, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Estonia remains a prominent religious institution in the country. The term luterlikus is used in everyday conversation and religious contexts to refer to anything or anyone associated with this particular branch of Christianity within Estonia.