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Lutheran
The Lutheran branch of Christianity was named after one of the earliest Protestants, Martin Luther. His thesis, which asked questions about the beliefs of the Catholic church, was nailed to the cathedral door. Some Lutherans believe 'The Book of Concord,' published in 1580, contains authoritative explanations of Scripture.
617 Questions
How do you address a Lutheran Bishop?
Usually,
Pastor and last name.
In more formal settings it would be Reverend (add last name.)
In a church setting it would be Pastor and last name.
Some pastors will be very informal and use Pastor and then first name.
Some male Lutheran pastors are known as "Father" plus last last name, which is the common address in Europe. Since the ordination of women has been allowed, sometimes female parish pastors are addressed "Mother" plus last (or first) name, but this is largely uncommon in the U.S.
Baptist's believe in salvation by faith through Christ alone, all others believe in Christ and works.
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AnswerThe Catholic Church was founded by Our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ, Himself, on the apostle Peter, see St. Matthew's Gospel, 16:17-19, and He guaranteed that He would be with It until the end of the world, that It would be ONE, and He would send the Holy Spirit to guide it into all truth. All of the others were founded by men fifteen centuries after Our Blessed Lord left the earth. The Lutheran Church was founded by Martin Luther, the Anglican Church was founded by King Henry VIII, and the Baptists were a breakaway from the Anglicans and Methodists with John Smyth as the first recorded pastor.Do Lutherans believe in the real presence in the Lord's Supper?
Yes. And, Lutherans do not dogmatize how the real presence happens as do Roman Catholics in their doctrine of Transubstantiation. That presence is left a mystery and Jesus' words are taken at face value. "This BREAD is my BODY..." According to formal Lutheran doctrine, the bread is there and so with it is the true body of Christ. Roman Catholics say that the bread is not there and is referred to as an "accident." Martin Luther used the formula "in, with and under." The body and blood are received in, with and under the elements of bread and wine. Communion, in Lutheran ideology, is type/antitpe of the incarnation. The divine is made tangible just as happens in Jesus. He is God, but can be seen and touched and sensed in common, earthly form.
What are the effects of music on teenagers?
teens are so easily influenced because they feel just because the rapper or someone does it that it is okay . well its not becasue sooner or later the effect will be a big one
Was Martin Luther a conservative or a revolutionary?
The answer to that always depended on who was asked, and it may still depend on who is asked today. Historically, to those who clung tenaciously to the traditions of the medieval Roman Church in Europe, Martin Luther was a dangerous radical out to destroy Christianity. On the other hand, those who saw the medieval Church as apostate or turned aside to error and in need of correction, viewed Luther as a true and much needed reformer and a loyal son of the Church.
Does the Lutheran church believe in the holy trinity?
Yes, all Protestants accept the doctrine of the Trinity. The simple answer is "Not all do." First the definition of the term: "Protestant" has the basic meaning of "one who protests." Eventually, the term came to mean a "member of any Western church outside the Roman communion." While there are many discussions and heated debates over the matter, the simplicity is this: Man is not to privately interpret the Word of God (II Peter 1:20-21). As such, it is clearly given in scripture that we are to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (e.g., John 6:69, 20:30-31, Acts 8:37, I John 5:13, etc.). There is not one passage in the Bible (regardless of which version used) that says we are to believe otherwise. That is, there are no passages that read in the form of, "Thou shalt believe that Jesus Christ is ___." All of the passages used to support the doctrine of the trinity require private interpretation--exactly opposite of that given in II Peter 1:20-21. Now we must ask the question, "Why is it important to have the doctrine of the trinity established?" The simple answer again is, "In the end times, how else will so many people be deceived into submitting to the beast (an apparent god on earth)?" It is quite interesting to consider this supposition in light of Chapter 13 of the Revelation of Jesus Christ to John.
How are the Lutheran's different from other Christian denominations?
Both Lutherans and Baptists are churches of the reformation. Generally, Lutherans are much more structured, while Baptists are more independent. In fact, there are as many differences between different Baptist denominations are there are between Baptists and Lutherans. Some differences between Baptists and Lutherans include:
Baptism doctrine
For Lutherans, baptism is a sacrament and a means of grace. The mode of application in a Lutheran baptism is not important and it is usually delivered by the pouring or sprinkling of water while it is, nevertheless, considered a total spiritual washing and rebirth. There is no proper, awaited age for baptism, as the work in baptism is seen to be God's, thus infants are baptized as soon as possible. The only necessities for a valid baptism are "water and the Word;" and baptisms must be performed in the trinitarian formula (in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.) Adults previously 'unbaptized' also receive this. Godparents make a vow to spiritually nurture a baptized infant in his faith until he "affirms" a role in his own faith in the vows of his confirmation, which is more accurately called "Affirmation of Baptism." Baptism itself in likened to birth or adoption, where God gives new life and claims the child.
For Baptists, baptism is a testimony of a preceding act of repentance and the decided, personal acceptance of Christ as a personal Saviour, Baptism is not a requirement to be saved, but is an act of obedience. Baptist baptism is administered by full immersion as symbolic of the total washing away of sins. Only persons of an age to decide this for themselves and make a personal decision can be considered saved. If you had been baptized in a Lutheran Church as a baby you would be considered unbaptized in a Baptist context. Therefore if, as a Lutheran, you wished to formally join a Baptist church, they would require that you be baptised. For Lutherans, one Baptism is all that is ever needed - even if a person strays from the church, then returns.
Holy Communion
Another difference is the official doctrine of what the bread and wine represent in Communion. Lutherans hold to the idea that the elements actually and truly are the body and blood of Christ - known as the "True Presence" - (although not going as far as the "Transubstantiation" explanation of the Roman Catholic church).
Some Baptists regard them as a symbolic representation of the body and blood, while other "fundamental" Baptists believe everything in the Bible as literal including communion. Children in the Baptist church are permitted to participate from a young age if they are considered to have reached the age of accountability and accepted Christ as their own Saviour. Typically, within the Lutheran church, a period of specific instruction is required before a young person receives their 'first communion," and is allowed to fully partake in Holy Communion. Religious instruction continues with catechism classes until the instructed undergo their "Confirmation," a rite of passage in which the confirmands are given full responsibility for their own faith life. In some smaller, North American synods of Lutheranism, only after Confirmation, are youth allowed to commune. THis is also the standard practice in Australia.
Other differences
As an historic and confessional Church, Lutherans are liturgical in worship and follow the order of the Mass, though usually (especially outside Europe) without the formality of the Roman Catholic Church. Lutheran liturgy, by principle, is not chanted in Latin, but is expressed in a common language understood by all. Baptists tend to be less formal in worship style. Lutherans are also sacramentarian in theology and worship. This accounts for many of the differences in belief and worship. Both Baptism and Holy Communion are, for Lutherans, sacraments and means of grace working towards sanctification and justification and hold a high place in worship. Since Baptists believe that only acceptance of Christ as a personal Saviour is necessary for salvation, Baptists typically observe the same "sacraments," but tend to be more commemorative than sacramentarian.
How many Lutheran synods in US?
The 2004 estimated number of Lutherans in America is around 13.5 million (http://www.adherents.com/rel_USA.html). Worldwide there are an estimated 70 million Lutherans.
What do the followers of Lutheranism believe in?
Are Lutheran and Methodists similar in beliefs?
Theologically, there are many similarities between Lutheran and Methodist beliefs. Both are strongly Bible-based denominations, with strong Bible teaching based on issues of faith rather than "religious experiences", which some denominations may focus upon. Differences are going to arise more in the details and celebration of Holy Communion.
Why do priests and some pastors wear robes?
This link will give you an in-depth understanding (see link below).
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Roman Catholic AnswerThere are different robes a priest may wear. An alb, for instance, is the white robe that he puts on over his street clothes and under his other vestments. Priests are required to wear specific vestments for the celebration of Mass. The black robe common to all priests, called a cassock or a soutaine is the religious version of a suit jacket for a man, and the priest's normal day time outfit in a Catholic country. Other robes that form the basis of a religious habit are particular to that religious order. Most Benedictine monks were a black robe, Cisterians wear a white robe, Dominicans wear a white robe. Franciscans wear a brown robe (some Franciscans wear a black robe). These are just examples.It is a sign of the office, just like a judge wears robes or a police officer wears a uniform, priest wear robes
If you refer to the liturgical white garment worn at Mass, called the alb, this is a traditional ceremonial garment of the Church that has been retained from Roman times when such garments were common to the fashion.
If you refer to the cassock, the "blackrobe" that is worn as the priestly garment when in private and public, the cassock is black symbolizing the priest's death to the world and its good and evil attractions. As well, the robe is conducive to a modest appearance, as no discernible bodily form is emphasized by its shape.
What is the governing body of a Methodist church?
There are different types of Methodism (Methodist Church of Ghana, Methodist Church of Great Britain, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, African Methodist Episcopal Church of Zion, etc.) They all meet together with the World Methodist Council (made up of ministers, professors, and bishops) which are in charge of the universal methodist faith. Each then, in part, have their own bishops or other leaders.
How do you know you're in the will of God?
We have all asked this question. God has left us clear written instructions concerning His will for our lives. He does not want us to be in the dark.
He gave us a pattern to follow so we can see how to carry out those instructrions.
Romans 5:14 says "...death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.
Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
2 Timothy 1:13 says, "What you have heard from me, keep as a pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus."
Hebrew 8:5 says, "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown to you on the mountain." But the ministry Jesus received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator..."
The pattern is Jesus. We have been sent into the world to carry that out.
I realize that is a tall order but, Jesus said so himself, "As thou (the Father) hast sent me into the world, even so I have sent them (those who believe in me) into the world." John 17:18
1 John 3:8 says, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."
Pause and consider what it is saying. You are called to finish what Jesus started: to destroy, undo and bring to naught the works of the devil on earth. That is the job God wants us to do. The same way Jesus did.
He promised, "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father."
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8
Man that is powerful stuff! He proved the truth of what He saying by operating in the supernatural power of God!
Jesus ministry was three fold: heal the sick, cast out demons, preach the good news of the kingdom of God.
That is God's plan for our lives! God's plan has not changed.
What is the difference between Baptist and Lutherans?
Both of these religions worship the same God, believe in the same God and sing hymns of praises, teach from the Bible, etc. The primary differences are in how these things are taught. There are differences in the manner in which Holy Communion is offered, too ... the Baptists use grape juice and the Lutheran's use actual wine, both of which are acceptable in the Christian community at large. The dogma's of these churches are different, too. The worship service of a Lutheran parish is usually filled with many "rituals" and sung liturgies, whereas the Baptist parish service appears lots less formal and without all the "bells and smells" of a liturgical service. In essence:
For Lutherans baptism is a means of grace and the mode of application is not important, but is usually delivered by the sprinkling of water. There is no proper age for baptism, as the work in baptism is seen to be God's, thus infants are baptized as soon as possible. The only necessities for a valid baptism are "water and the Word;" and baptisms must be performed in the trinitarian formula (in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.) Adults previously 'unbaptized' also receive this. Godparents make a vow to spiritually nurture a baptized infant in his faith until he "affirms" a role in his own faith in the vows of his confirmation. Baptism itself in likened to adoption, where God claims the child. For Baptists, baptism is a testimony of a preceding act of repentance and the acceptance of Christ as a personal Saviour. It is administered by full immersion as symbolic of the total washing away of sins. Only persons of an age to decide this for themselves and make a personal decision can be considered saved. If you had been baptized in a Lutheran Church as a baby you would be considered unbaptized in a Baptist context.
Another difference is the official doctrine of what the bread and wine represent in Communion. Lutherans hold to the idea that the elements actually are the body and blood of Christ (although not going as far as the Transubstantiation of the Roman Catholic church). Baptists regard them as a symbolic representation of the body and blood. Lutherans have a stricter code of interpretation of the Bible based on the distinction of "Law and Gospel" and do not allow for personal revelations on salvific matters, while some Baptists tend to stress a more experiential relationship on matters of faith. As a historic and confessional Church, Lutherans are liturgical in worship and follow the order of the Mass. Baptists tend to be less formal in worship style. Lutherans are also sacramentarian in theology and worship. This accounts for many of the differences in belief and worship. Both Baptism and Holy Communion are, for Lutherans, sacraments and means of grace working towards sanctification and justification and hold a high place in worship. Baptists also observe the sacraments, but tend to be more commemorative than sacramentarian.
What did Luther say about about salvation?
"God does not work salvation for fictitious sinners. Be a sinner and sin vigorously.... Do not for a moment imagine that this life is the abiding place of justice; sin must be committed." "Sin cannot tear you away from him [Christ], even though you commit adultery a hundred times a day and commit as many murders." Martin Luther, German leader of the Protestant Revolution, founder of Lutheranism, Protestant theologian, was behind much of Protestant theology.
Why did Martin Luther say The Epistle of St. James is truly an Epistle of straw?
Martin Luther was tormented by his sins and concluded that he never could be good enough to deserve God's favor. Then he discovered God's grace in the book of Romans and realized that justification was a gift from God--nobody is good enough to deserve God's favor. After that, Luther saw "justification by faith" everywhere and determined that good works were not necessary for the Christian. The problem with that is that James absolutely insists that faith alone is not sufficient for salvation (after all, the demons believe!) but that faith must result in changed behavior. The result was that Martin Luther began to question whether James belonged in the New Testament at all! His conclusion was that the origin of the book was very hazy and without substance--like something made of straw. His comment "a right strawy epistle" was intended to convey that sense of vague uncertainty. Of course, that doesn't measure up to Luther's usual standard of intellectual honesty, but he was a human being, after all!
Martin Luther's background was that of a zealous monk under the Roman Catholic system that existed in his day. He sought through various means to gain his peace with God but found none through the works based system that then existed. He exceeded the rules of his strict order, the reformed congregation of the Augustinians. At times he would fast for three days in a row without eating at all. Other times he would cast off the blankets he was allowed and nearly froze himself to death.
'I was a good monk, and I kept the rule of my order so strictly that I may say that if ever a monk got to heaven by his monkery it was I. All my brothers in the monastery who knew me will bear me out. If I had kept on any longer, I should have killed myself with vigils, prayers, reading and other work.'
Despite his zeal he had no peace until he discovered the truth of salvation by grace. Although it may have taken some time for the truth to fully dawn on him the realization of the meaning of such teachings as Galatians 3 v 11 was central to the radical change that occurred in his life and thinking.
'But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.'
Out of this background, he then was opposed to anything he interpreted as teaching works for salvation as it contradicted the gospel of salvation by grace. Since the whole Epistle of James is dealing with the life and works of Christians it does not proclaim the Gospel of grace, rather it assumes it. James certainly knew that salvation was not by works, for in 2 v 10 he says 'For whoever will keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.' The obvious implication being that no-one is able to keep the whole law absolutely perfectly.
Where James in 2 v 21 asks -
'Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?'
- he is not saying that works will produce salvation, nor that salvation is a formula of works plus faith, but merely that good works will always accompany true faith.
To put it simply, Luther mis-interpreted the teaching of James. He saw a contradiction where there was none. It is merely a matter of where the emphasis is placed. Salvation must be by God's grace seeing it cannot be earned, it must also be accepted by faith. Only God can really know a persons inner heart, but the reality or otherwise of someone's profession will be demonstrated by their actions.
Another viewpoint: Answer I thought that Martin Luther said this about James because he meant for it to be set on fire as straw does before a good burning. He thought that the Book of James had so little merit as compared to the rest of the New Testament that it should be lightly considered in terms of what was demanded of by scripture and especially Paul in the rest of the New Testament. His instincts prove to be correct. Such a remark then would make a lot of sense. True, it is part of the Canon but, is it a part of Paul's Gospel of Christ? The Gospel of Grace as Paul puts it in Acts 20:24? It would certainly seem not to be for James does not near mention the Gospel but warns of the end. James is dealing with survival to those that have had to run for their lives in Matthew 24 and 25. Look at the very opening of James - to the 12 tribes which are scattered abroad! Why are they scattered? Mat 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) Mat 24:16 Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains: Mat 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: Mat 24:18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. Mat 24:19 And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! Mat 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. Mat 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Because these are the day of Tribulation and now the Jews are being written to as to what they are to do. Today, we have no such question - except those who still have their understanding as darkened as Luther did about the Scriptures - as to how we are saved but by faith in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ and not by our works. But in the Doctrinal Days of James this is not so - the Day of Grace is over and the Dark Night of the Tribulation is upon those who have rejected the Gospel of Grace and so they must take heed to have the testimony of Jesus, not to take the Mark of the Beast and . . . love not their lives to the death. That's all it was - a misunderstanding of the Doctrine that not all of Scripture is not doctrinally applicable to all times. Luther had good instincts and did not include James' works in the plan of salvation, but today, that's not true. Churches (many of them) are not led by people with good instincts, instead they are led by teachers and preachers that can't make sense out of The Bible so the wrangle it like a frustrated child with a jigsaw puzzle when the pieces don't fit. They start pounding the pieces with their fist until they make them fit where they want them to.
What authority did Luther questions and on what argument did he base his position?
questioned authority of the church and based his position on the bible the work of god
When did the 95 theses posting start?
In 1517, but there is question as to whether it was actually posted or not. whether they were posted or not doesn't matter however because Luther did send them to multiple churches and Priests.
What is a statement of faith for confirmants?
The Statement of Faith is a reflection of why you are accepting Jesus Christ as your savior and why you want to be confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Some describe it as your contract with God.
What kind of religion did Martin Luther want instead of the Catholic Church?
The kind of religion that Martin Luther wanted instead of the Catholic Church was a more charismatic religion. This is what prompted the formation of the protestant movement.
What are the Seven Sacrements of Lutheran life?
There are only 2 Lutheran Sacraments, at least for the Missouri synod: Holy Baptism, they wash the person's head with Holy water. (generally from one month to 2 years of age) and Holy Communion, where you take the bread and the wine (body and blood of Jesus Christ) and eat it, in remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.
What is the explanation of the twelve articles of the Apostles' Creed in Small Lurther Cathechism?
Article 2: And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.: Jesus is the son of God and he is divine. Christ is a title meaning anointed. Jesus comes from the Hebrew word Jeshua which means God saves.
Article 3: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit.: This affirms the human nature of Christ born of a human mother, but no human father. He was concieved by the power of the Holy Spirit. So he is fully divine and fully human.
Aritcle 4: He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. Jesus suffered, he felt pain and he really died. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Jedea, gives a historical and chronological reference to when this happened and that it was not only the Jews, but Gentile who share the blame.
Aritcle 5: He descended into hell, the third day He rose again from the dead.: Hell is not the place of the damned, but the place of the dead. This also afirms that on the third day He rose again. He came back from the dead by his own divine dower.
Aritcle 6: He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty: He ascended both body and soul into heaven.
Ariticle 7: From thence he shall come again to judge the living and the dead: The affirms the Second Coming of Christ when he will disclose whos in Heaven and whos in Hell and why. For Catholics private judgments happen immediately after death when you either go to hell, heavan or purgatory.
Article 8: I believe in the Holy Spirit.: This reminds us of the third person--the Holy Trinity--God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. All Equal in one.
Article 9: I believe in the Catholic Church, the communion of saints: Matthew 16 "I will build My Church". The Church is seen as the continuation of the three fold mission Christ had while here on earth to teach, sanctify and govern. The Church continues his prophetic mission of teaching through the Magisterium, his priestly mission of sanctification through the celebration of the seven sacraments and his kingly mission of being shepherd and pastor through the hierarchy. The Church includes not only living baptized persons, but also the saints in heaven and the souls in purgatory.
Article 10: I believe in the forgiveness of sins. All men and women are sinners and in need of forgiveness. Christ came to save the world from sin.
Article 11: I believe in the resurrection of the body. Death is a momentary separation of body and soul. When the world ends our body and soul will be united again and we will either go body and soul to heaven OR body and soul into hell.
Article 12: I believe in life everlasting. As Christ died so shall we, as he rose so shall we rise.
