What is Lutheranism defined by history. Lutheran faith

Lutheranism- one of the oldest Protestant movements in Christianity. The very emergence of the concept is associated with Lutheranism Protestantism, since it was the Lutherans who began to be called Protestants after their protest in Speyer. It arose as a result of the reformation movement in Germany in the 16th century, and then during the formation of the state churches of the Scandinavian countries. The basic principles of the doctrine of the Lutheran Church were formulated during the struggle of Martin Luther and his associates against the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church, on the one hand, and more radical Protestant movements, on the other (Anabaptism, Calvinism, Zwinglianism, etc.).

Naming

The term “Lutherans” was first used by Johann Eck in 1520 in his polemic against Luther and his supporters. Moreover, this definition was used in a pejorative sense. Only over time the name acquired a neutral connotation. Luther rarely used it, and it does not appear in the Book of Concord. Even at the beginning of the 17th century, the term was not generally accepted - theologian Philip Nicolai was surprised that in Holland German Protestants were called this way. This name began to be used more widely only after the end of the Thirty Years' War. However, the more correct terms are “evangelical Christianity” and “evangelical Christians.”

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Creed

The creed (confession) is comprehensively set out in the Book of Concord. Lutherans consider themselves to be trinitarian theists (Holy Trinity) and profess the divine-human nature of Jesus Christ, crucified on the cross, descended into hell, resurrected and ascended to heaven, in order to come again at the end of time to judge the living and the dead. An important place in the doctrine is occupied by the concept of original sin, which can be overcome solely by the action of grace (Latin: Sola Gratia), expressed in faith (Latin: Sola Fide). At the same time, while denying the role of freedom in salvation, Lutherans do not deny freedom in worldly affairs, therefore they are not supporters of predestination (God knows everything, but does not predetermine everything). They consider the Bible (lat. Sola Scriptura) to be the main and only criterion for the correctness of faith. As additional authority, Lutherans resort to the Holy Tradition of the Church Fathers and other traditional sources, not necessarily Lutheran, but emphasizing that they (like the Book of Concord) are true to the extent that they correspond to Scripture (the Bible), and are in no way self-sufficient. The same critical view is applied to the opinions of the theologians who stood at the origins of the confession, including the writings of Luther himself, towards whom Lutherans have a respectful, but without cult, attitude.

Lutherans recognize two sacraments: baptism and communion (at the same time, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession classifies confession and ordination as sacraments, art. XIII). Through baptism people become Christians. In communion they are strengthened in faith. A feature of Lutheran communion within the Western tradition is that all believers, not just priests, receive communion with the chalice. This is due to a special view of the church, where priests are only pastors (preachers), that is, just special professionals in their community, and are in no way elevated above the laity. Meanwhile, the Lutheran Church traces its succession back to apostolic times. This continuity is not necessarily understood directly, as, for example, in Orthodoxy, but rather in spiritual sense [ ] . In the strict sense, they do not have the status of a sacrament: confirmation, wedding, funeral service and ordination.

Theology

Liturgical practice

Lutherans celebrate the Liturgy, as the highest Divine service, including confession and absolution, with blessings in the sign of St. cross, traditional liturgical chants (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei).

Current state

More than 85 million people around the world consider themselves to be Lutherans. However, due to geographical, historical and dogmatic reasons Lutheranism does not represent a single church. There are several large church associations, very different from each other in dogmatic and practical issues- Lutheran World Federation, International Lutheran Council, Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference, and there are also a number of Lutheran denominations that are not affiliated with any association. Formally, the largest Lutheran denomination is currently the Church of Sweden (about 6.9 million people). Lutheranism is much less homogeneous than other groups of churches that recognize apostolic succession. Actually, in Lutheranism there is also a “high-church” direction, which considers itself (and not without reason) to be reformed Catholics.

Liberal denominations

Liberals, who formally constitute the majority, consider belonging to the Evangelical Church a good tradition. Many of them do not or rarely attend religious services. In some liberal communities Sometimes rather unusual services are held - for example, with the presence of pets (which is motivated by the community and value of all living beings). Most liberal denominations are united in the Lutheran World Federation. This association also includes the “old” state (or formerly state) Churches of the Old World. The liberal movement tries to include all people in the church, despite biblical texts, the literal reading of which justifies the exclusion of representatives of quite a lot of strata from the church modern society(The Church of Sweden turned out to be the most consistent in this regard). At the same time, it cannot be said that liberals constitute the majority in the WLF, however, they are the most visible and influential.

Confessional denominations

Confessional Lutherans are more conservative and do not recognize not only the female priesthood and same-sex marriage, but even intercommunion with Anglicans and Calvinists. In their polemics with liberals, they appeal to the Bible and the Book of Concord. Most denominational churches belong to the International Lutheran Council. The most conservative are united in the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference.

Discussion questions

The subject of fierce debate are such innovations of liberal Lutheran denominations as the ordination of women (the world's first female bishop was Lutheran Maria Yepsen) and the blessing of same-sex marriage, which are rejected by confessionals. Lutheran Bishop Gunnar Staalseth criticized the position of Catholics who prohibit the use of condoms.

Relationship between Lutherans and other denominations

Lutherans, like other Protestants, were persecuted by the Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation.

Spreading

Historically, Lutheranism was the predominant religion in the following countries and regions:

• Nordlands of Germany (Evangelical Church of Germany)
• Denmark (Church of the Danish People)
• Sweden (Church of Sweden)
• Norway (Church of Norway)
• Iceland (Church of Iceland)
• Faroe Islands (Faroe Folk Church)
• Finland (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland)
• Estonia (Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church)
• Latvia (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia)
• Azerbaijan (Lutheran Church in Baku)

Art

Architecture

Unlike many Protestant denominations, Lutherans great importance gave and give to architecture, as a result, most churches are, if not architectural masterpieces, then attractions settlements, in which they are located. Some of the buildings passed to the Lutherans from the Catholics (though not always peacefully), then buildings were built in modern (at the time of construction) styles - Baroque, then classical. Since the end of the 19th century, the neo-Gothic style was very actively used; later, in the 20th century, it was built large number churches in Art Nouveau style. The doctrine itself does not impose any restrictions on the style of church buildings, therefore, if the customer has the means and desire, the architect has noticeable freedom for creativity.

Music

Lutheran liturgical meetings are characterized by choral singing of hymns (including by all those gathered, and there may be several thousand of them), as well as the active use of organ music, which can either accompany the singing of chorales or be performed separately. One of the most famous and prolific composers to write music for Lutheran congregations is Johann Sebastian Bach. In XX and XXI centuries Modern musical styles have begun to be actively used, including metal masses in Finland since 2004.

Painting

Ceiling mosaic in the Church of the Ascension in Jerusalem

Unlike Calvinists, Lutherans never rejected church painting, but it is not given the same sacred meaning as Catholics. Since religious doctrine does not attach significant importance to the decoration of churches, images in churches are often limited to the presence of an altar painting or mosaic; stained glass may also be found. On the other hand, if desired and possible, a complex decoration with paintings in a variety of styles can be created. For example, the Church of the Ascension in Jerusalem, the Memorial Church of Protestation in Speyer, etc. are richly decorated.

In addition to painting buildings, there is Lutheran portrait painting. Thus, the appearance of many figures of the Reformation is known from works created, including by Albrecht Durer and Lucas Cranach the Elder.

Graphics

This genre has developed due to the need to illustrate printed books, including the Bible. A similar trend appeared already during the Reformation, but did not stop in subsequent centuries. For example, in

Lutheranism(on behalf of the founder Martin Luther) - Christian Protestant doctrine, which arose in 16th century as a result reform movement in Germany. Basic principles beliefs were formed during struggle Lutheranism with abuse common in the Roman Catholic Church, as well as with others more radical Protestant teachings such as Anabaptism, Calvinism, etc.

Martin Luther(1483-1546) was born in Saxony, in the city of Eisleben. Although the Luther family was poor, Martin was able to get good education, graduating from the University of Erfurt. Refusing teaching work, M. Luther accepts monastic tonsure and it becomes Catholic priest. Usually the founding moment of Lutheranism is associated with October 31, 1517 when Luther spoke openly with criticism of the Roman Catholic Church, nailing a board with 95 theses to the door of his church in Wittenberg. But the term “Lutherans” first appeared only in 1520, and it was used by opponents of the doctrine exclusively in in a pejorative sense. During the Counter-Reformation Lutherans, like other Protestants, were subject to severe persecution by the Roman Catholic Church.

All provisions Lutheran doctrine set forth in Book of Concord. Its quintessence is 5 principles, formulated in the form of short Latin slogans:

• Sola Gratia - "Only mercy": people cannot earn eternal life with God by any of their deeds, this gift can only be received by them in the form of God's mercy expressed through Jesus Christ;
• Sola Fide - "Only Faith": atonement for sins can be obtained only through faith in the Gospel of Christ, but a person has free will - to accept this faith or reject it;
• Sola Scriptura - “Only Holy Scripture”: Only the Bible is revered as an accurate and infallible expression of the divine will, and all subsequent religious texts (Sacred traditions, writings of theologians, etc.) can be accepted only to the extent that they are consistent with Scripture. This also applies to the writings of M. Luther himself, who is respected, but does not make a cult out of him;
• Solo Christo - “Only in Christ”: salvation can only be obtained through Jesus Christ, who in one Hypostasis united the divine and human principles;
• Soli Deo Gloria! - “Glory to God alone!”: Lutherans worship only God, although they respect the memory of the Virgin Mary and other saints.

Lutherans only recognize 2 sacraments: baptism, by which people become Christians, and participles, through which faith is strengthened. At the same time priests in the Lutheran community are perceived exclusively like preachers, nothing not elevated above the laity.

Unlike Catholics and Calvinists, Lutherans carry out clear boundary between spheres of action Gospel and worldly laws. The first relates to the church, and the second to the state. Law seen as God's Wrath, Gospel same - how God's mercy.

Lutheran worship services are characterized choral performance hymns (sometimes the number of choir members reaches several thousand), as well as the use organ music, in particular many works Johann Sebastian Bach, written especially for Lutheran congregations.

Among others famous Lutherans, who contributed great contribution to art and science, it can be noted V.I. Dalya (Russian writer and lexicographer), I.V. Goethe (German poet, naturalist), G.R. Hertz (German physicist), F.F. Bellingshausen (Russian navigator), I. Kepler (German astronomer) and many others.

Currently in the world there are about 85 million Lutherans. After the emergence of Luther's teachings in Germany spread throughout Europe— Austria, Hungary, France, the Netherlands, Scandinavian and Baltic regions, later penetrated to North America. As predominant religion Lutheranism now exists in northern Germany, Scandinavia, Finland and the Baltic states. On the territory of Russia Lutheranism became widespread in the 16th century, thanks to to German settlers. At the same time there is no one world Lutheran church— there are several fairly large church associations and a number of independent denominations, which are divided into two groups:

• Liberals, most of whom perceive Lutheranism as good tradition, while extremely rarely attend religious services; this direction of Lutheranism recognizes women priests(the world's first female bishop was Lutheran Maria Yepsen) and same-sex marriage;
• Confessional Lutherans- more to conservative, oppose the ordination of women and the blessing of marriages between sexual minorities.

Lutherans made significant contributions to development of art. In particular, great attention has always been paid architectural beauty of churches(Kirch), made in Baroque, classical and modern styles. At the same time, the doctrine does not impose any requirements on the aesthetic design of church buildings, which provides architects wide freedom for creative expression. Along with painting of buildings, Lutherans paid attention portrait painting: the appearance of many figures of the Reformation is immortalized by such famous artists How Albrecht Durer and Lucas Cranach the Elder.

Lutheranism played key role in reform Christian Church, becoming the first Protestant doctrine, who spoke openly against abuse the Catholic Church, giving way to the spread humanistic values in northern Europe.

LUTHERANS
a Protestant denomination guided by doctrinal and organizational principles proclaimed by Martin Luther in the 16th century. Lutheranism is the oldest and largest branch of Protestantism. It traces its origin directly to the initiator of the Protestant Reformation. In the 17th century The name Evangelical Lutheran Church acquired a semi-official character, and its members began to be called simply Lutherans. There are currently more than 70 million Lutherans worldwide, most of whom live in the USA, Canada, Scandinavian countries and Germany.
Teaching. Lutherans emphasize the continuity of the development of Christianity and are convinced that in the Reformation a new church was not created, but an ancient one was restored. Reforms were undertaken in areas where - in the opinion of the reformers - medieval teachings deviated from the Bible and where religious practice and church institutions contradicted the testimony of Scripture. Luther's followers maintained that in matters of faith each person is answerable only to God, and they replaced the traditional church doctrine of salvation with the doctrine of justification by faith alone. These provisions retained their fundamental significance in the Lutheran confession; they significantly influenced the development of the doctrine and ethics of Lutheranism. By general definition, justification means that God accepts the sinner as His child and heir of eternal life. Lutherans believe that the entire initiative in this act of reconciling man with God belongs to God. Therefore, in accordance with Lutheran teaching, justification lies in God’s acceptance of the sinner, in his creation of a new relationship between himself and the whole personality of man. Forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal punishment for it is not achieved through the performance of church rites; salvation does not depend on a person’s own efforts. Justification is not a reward for keeping the Law, but a gift of God, offered in Christ's sacrifice on the cross and obtained through faith. Man does not even participate in the preparation to receive this grace, since faith in man is created only by choice and by the action of the Holy Spirit. Like Catholics, Lutherans believe in the existence of the Trinity, the presence of two natures in Christ, the resurrection, the Last Judgment and life after death. Much of the Lutheran doctrine goes back to the Apostles', Nicene and Athanasian Creeds. Lutherans recognize the sacrament of the Eucharist and believe that the Body and Blood of Christ are present in the sacrament. Although the bread and wine are preserved in their form, the communicant receives Christ in the divine and human natures. Lutherans also recognize another sacrament - baptism, which is usually performed in infancy. Both sacraments are seen as means of grace, not as symbols or memories.
Doctrinal texts. Lutherans believe that the Bible represents the word of God and the only infallible standard for faith and religious life. Most of them accept the Book of Concord (Konkordienbuch, 1580) as the true statement of the teachings of the Bible and the main doctrinal authority of the Lutheran church. This collection of confessional documents contains both Luther's catechisms (Large and Small Catechisms, Groes und Kleines Katechismen, 1529); Augsburg Confession (Augsburgische Konfession, 1530) and Apology of the Augsburg Confession (Apologie der Konfession, 1531) by the German theologian Philip Melanchthon; Apostolic, Nicene and Athanasian Creeds; Schmalkaldische Articles (Schmalkaldische Artikel, 1537); and the Formula of Concord (Konkordienformel, 1577). Lutherans believe that the confessional texts collected in the Book of Concord, although consistent with Scripture, are still on a different level. According to the Formula of Concord, professions of faith are “simply testimonies and statements of faith, conveying how different times the Holy Scriptures were understood and interpreted in the churches of God by those who then lived." The Bible, on the other hand, is "the only judge, rule and norm, according to which all doctrines should ... be judged." Thus, a distinction is made between Tradition , which concerns Christ and his activity as Savior, as evidenced by the canonical texts of Scripture, and other later traditions Another distinction is made already in Scripture, it concerns the difference between the divine Law and the Gospel. The purpose of the divine Law is to maintain. civil order and in making a person aware of his sinfulness before God. The Gospel brings the good news of the granted forgiveness of sinful man. According to Lutherans, the Law and the Gospel together constitute the word of God.
Worship. Lutheran churches have no set liturgical forms required for public worship. As the Augsburg Confession says: “For the true unity of the Christian churches it is sufficient that the Gospel be preached in a uniform manner in accordance with pure understanding and the sacraments performed in accordance with the divine word. And it is not necessary for the true unity of the Christian church that uniform rites established by men be performed everywhere.” This is why Lutherans, relying on the authority of the Book of Concord, view worship as a dialogue between God and man, and in their worship there is similarity, but not uniformity. Luther revised traditional medieval religious services only where they conflicted with the new understanding of the gospel. As a result, Lutheran liturgy retained many Catholic rites and rituals. The general structure of the Roman Mass was not affected, although the Latin text was replaced by a text in the vernacular and original hymns - Protestant chorales - were added. Introduced by Luther, who himself composed many church hymns, the singing of chorales and the active participation of the congregation in the liturgy are distinctive feature Lutheran worship. Typically, Lutheran churches have an altar and a pulpit for preaching, and traditional church clothing and utensils are used - vestments, crucifixes, candles.
Church structure. Lutherans do not give preference to one or another organizational form as established by God or obligatory for the church. Wherever the Gospel is preached and the sacraments performed, people come to faith and are justified before God. The church exists where people hear the word of God and respond to it in faith. Thus, the Lutheran Church was free to choose those organizational forms that it considered to meet the needs of the time and place. In some countries, such as Sweden, the episcopal form of church governance has been retained. In many parts of Germany, the prince or other sovereign appointed a consistory, consisting of clerics and jurists, to govern all the communities in a given territory. From time to time, organizational changes were made to meet new needs or to allow the church to operate more efficiently. In North America, a combination of congregational and Presbyterian structures, when the autonomy of local communities (congregations) was balanced by the power of the synod, justified itself. Each local community was governed by a church council consisting of lay officials and a pastor elected by the community. Communities could be united in synods, territorial sections or conferences, and they were represented at annual meetings by their pastors and elected lay representatives. Synods are united into larger structures - state-wide or international - and usually bear the name of the church. Lutherans emphasize the universal priesthood of all believers. Pastors differ from lay people only in the functions they perform in the church. According to Lutheran doctrine, they do not possess any special distinction or authority such as that which characterizes the priests of the Roman Catholic Church. Ordination (ordination), which occurs at the annual meetings of the synod, is considered simply as the public confirmation of an office connected with Christian preaching, religious teaching and the administration of the sacraments. That's why they say that pastor is a position, not a rank.
Story. How "Lutheranism" was born
see also
LUTHER Martin;
REFORMATION.
Originating in the small town of Wittenberg, where a group of critical monks concentrated, the Lutheran movement quickly spread throughout Germany, covering approximately two-thirds of its territory. Soon his influence swept across Northern Europe, and finally state Protestant churches arose in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. The majority of the population of Latvia and Estonia also joined the Lutheran faith, while in other countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland) Lutheran minorities arose. When in the 17th century. Europeans penetrated the Western Hemisphere, Lutheran settlements appeared in North America almost immediately. The geographic expansion of Lutheranism continued in the 18th century: Lutheran missions were created in India, China, Africa and other regions remote from Europe. In 1600, it is estimated that there were about 15 million Lutherans in the world, and by 1975 their number had increased almost 5-fold.
Development of Lutheran ideology. Since the Reformation, successive ideological trends have influenced Lutheranism in all countries. From about 1580 to 1675, scholasticism was revived in the Lutheran Church, and under its influence a rational approach to the Christian faith prevailed. The church was perceived as educational institution, in which orthodoxy is taught. Theologians sought to accurately articulate orthodox truths and vigorously fought opposing views. By the end of the 17th century. scholastic Protestant orthodoxy was supplanted by Pietism, which created a completely different spiritual climate. Right faith now seemed less important than right feeling. Religion of the heart was given preference over religion of the head, and the cultivation of personal piety became the main concern. In the period from 1850 to 1914, the historical roots of Christianity in general and Protestantism in particular were subjected to careful study. To the supporters of the new critical approach, representatives of liberal theology, some conclusions that had previously been drawn on the basis of feeling now seemed untenable. Representatives of the liberal movement made significant contributions to a better understanding not only of Scripture and early Christianity, but also of the Reformation and subsequent church history. After the First World War, a more conservative atmosphere prevailed. Tragic events in the world have undermined the previous optimism about man and human society. In such an environment, the central content of the New Testament and the covenants of the Reformation were taken willingly and seriously; then the so-called dialectical theology (which in the New World is more often called neo-orthodoxy).
Lutherans in North America. Lutherans were among the first settlers in the North American colonies. In 1619, a Lutheran meeting was held in one of the settlements on Hudson Bay. Christmas service, and soon Lutheran communities spread along the entire Atlantic coast. Their number increased sharply in the period from 1830 to 1914 due to immigrants from Germany, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, and in the 20th century. Lutherans crossed the Atlantic Eastern Europe and the Baltic countries. National and linguistic differences could not help but lead to the fact that each group of Lutherans organized their own communities and synods. Religious freedom, characteristic of North America, allowed for further division even within ethnic groups immigrants. As a result, from the 17th century. About 100 separate and independent Lutheran associations arose. By the end of World War I, most of the linguistic and cultural differences that divided the Lutherans had disappeared. In a long series of mergers that began in 1917 and continues to the present day, the number of separate associations decreased and two main Lutheran churches emerged. These are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (more than 5 million members), formed in 1988 as a result of the merger of the Lutheran Church in America with the American Lutheran Church, and the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (more than 2.6 million members). The remaining small Lutheran churches comprise no more than 5% of Lutherans in North America. Interfaith cooperation and cooperation within Lutheran churches. Most Lutheran communities around the world belong to the Lutheran World Federation, formed in 1947 to study Lutheranism and coordinate common activities on an international basis. Many Lutheran churches are members of the World Council of Churches, an interdenominational group that brings together denominations from various countries. In 1967, the Lutheran Council in the USA was formed, an organization designed to coordinate the activities of Lutherans in the USA and replaced the National Lutheran Council (established in 1918). Lutherans in the United States are also members of the interdenominational organization National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States. While the Missouri Synod has shown no willingness to join the Lutheran World Federation or other interdenominational groups, all three major Lutheran churches have engaged in theological interviews with representatives of other Christian denominations.
See also
BOOK OF CONCORD;
LUTHER Martin;
REFORMATION.
LITERATURE
Christianity. Encyclopedic Dictionary, vol. 1-3. M., 1993-1995 Sasse G. We stand on this: Who are the Lutherans. St. Petersburg, 1994 Christianity: Dictionary. M., 1994 Essays on the history of Western Protestantism. M., 1995 Lutheran Church in Soviet Russia (1918-1950): Documents and materials. M., 1997 Peoples and religions of the world. Encyclopedia. M., 1998

Collier's Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

See what "LUTHERANS" are in other dictionaries:

Followers of Luther, who denies the sacred hierarchy and generally all sacraments, with the exception of baptism and communion, allows complete freedom of reading and interpretation of Holy Scripture, rejects the veneration of saints, etc. Complete dictionary... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

Mn. Those who profess Lutheranism. Ephraim's explanatory dictionary. T. F. Efremova. 2000... Modern explanatory dictionary Russian language Efremova

Protestantism Reformation Doctrines of Protestantism Pre-Reformation movements Waldenses · Lollards · Hussites Reformed churches Anglicanism · Anabaptism · Calvinism ... Wikipedia

Catholics and Lutherans celebrate Easter- In the Christian understanding, Easter symbolizes deliverance from evil and the beginning of a new life. In 2006, the Lutheran and Catholic churches will celebrate Easter on April 16, earlier than the Orthodox. Easter does not have a fixed calendar date and every year... ... Encyclopedia of Newsmakers

The most important and, in fact, the only thing that God requires of us is that we honor Him as God: that we place all our trust only in Him, that we trust completely in life and death, in time and in eternity To him.

Man’s sin lies precisely in the fact that he is not capable of such things, that he thinks more about himself than about God, that his heart does not belong entirely and completely to the Lord. Sin is not individual actions, but a person’s distance from God, in a person’s turning towards himself.

In most religions, and in many Christian Churches, they teach that a person himself must, to one degree or another, become pleasing to God, must work on himself, that sin must be overcome by the inner strength of a person. Because of such calls, a person turns to himself again and again. Salvation becomes his business. He relies, at least partly, on himself. And therefore he cannot place all his trust entirely in God. Thus, the more pious and religious a person is, the more he relies on his own strength, and the further he is from God. It's a vicious circle. This is the tragedy of human sin: even if a person actually becomes better through his efforts, he still, thereby, moves away from God. And this tragedy is inevitable, because man is designed that way. Everything around us teaches us that if we want to achieve something, we need to make an effort, we need to change something in ourselves. In Lutheran teaching this is called law. By fulfilling the law outwardly, a person may look very righteous, but since this righteousness is achieved through the efforts of the person himself, it leads him away from God, and therefore such righteousness is a product of sin.

God Himself gave us a way out of this vicious circle in Jesus Christ: through His death and Resurrection, God forgave us and accepted us. Accepted without any conditions, once and for all. The story about this is called the Gospel. The Gospel completely overturns the usual worldview. If a person comprehends the Gospel, then he no longer has to do anything for his salvation. He simply understands that he is already saved. Saved without any merit. He owes his salvation only to God Himself. Man now sees his salvation and all the best and greatest not in himself, but only in God. This is faith: a look outside of yourself, a look at Christ, a refusal to save yourself - complete trust in God. A believer turns out to be righteous precisely when he refuses to achieve his righteousness and accepts that he, such as he is, righteous or unrighteous, is accepted by God. It’s as if a person rushes without looking back into the open arms of God, no longer thinking about himself. This is the righteousness of the gospel, the righteousness of faith. Righteousness based not on one's own achievements and actions, but only on God's forgiveness. A believer does not ask himself: “Have I done enough for my salvation, have I sincerely repented of my sins, do I firmly believe?” The believer thinks only about Christ, about what He did.

To believe means to understand that nothing that is inside me can become the reason for my salvation.

To believe means: in the midst of all doubts and temptations, look outside yourself - at the crucified Christ and only at Him.

This is the fulfillment of what God requires: to trust completely and completely in Him, to be focused only on Him, only in Him, and not to seek salvation in oneself. Therefore, only faith (and not works, not work on oneself) is saving. Or rather: not faith itself, but what we believe in - God, as He revealed himself to us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Around this central statement (confession), this radical focus on Jesus Christ, the rest of the doctrine of the Lutheran Church is formed, while it retains most of the traditional dogmas of Christianity.

LUTHERAN WORSHIP

Do not seek your own merits, but, recognizing your helplessness before sin, completely trust in God - believe. Because of his sinfulness, this is very difficult for a person, almost impossible. Therefore, it is necessary to proclaim the Gospel to him again and again, turning his gaze outside himself - to the cross of Jesus Christ. Again and again a person needs to proclaim the forgiveness given to him by God. Remind again and again that he does not save himself, that his salvation is the merit of Christ alone. This is the main meaning of Lutheran worship. The entire course of worship and the entire structure of each church building is subordinated to this goal.
The story (proclamation) of salvation is carried out in different forms, first of all - in the sermon.
Therefore, in every church there is a pulpit from which the pastor or preacher reads his sermon. Preaching is the proclamation of the Gospel in a living and free form, focusing on the current situation of believers, accessible and understandable to them. Therefore, the sermon is the center of Lutheran worship.
The second center is the Sacrament of Communion (Eucharist), which is celebrated at Lutheran services regularly (in some communities every week or even more often). The altar in every church is the table for this sacred meal. For Lutherans, the Sacrament of Communion is the same Word of forgiveness, “said” in a particularly material form. By receiving bread and wine in Communion, those gathered eat the Body and Blood of Christ. This means that God’s love itself touches them in a material, tangible way, that they literally accept into themselves the forgiveness proclaimed by God in the death of Jesus Christ. Therefore, on the altar, as a rule, there is a crucifix illuminated by candles, reminiscent of the Savior’s death on the cross. Also on the altar lies the Bible, which is the oldest and most authoritative testimony about Christ.
The altar is open (everyone can approach it: an adult and a child, a woman and a man): Christ calls everyone to His meal; He calls everyone to hear and taste the Word of salvation. All Christians are usually invited to Communion in the Lutheran Church, regardless of their affiliation with a particular Church, if they recognize that in this Sacrament they receive the Body and Blood of Christ.
You can often see a board with numbers in a church. These are numbers of chants from special collections that are in the hands of parishioners. At each service, as a rule, several church hymns are heard. These hymns were written by Christians of different times and peoples. These are testimonies of their faith, their prayers and their confessions, to which we join today with our singing.
In the Lutheran church, during worship it is customary to sit on benches or chairs so that nothing interferes with the concentrated perception of the sermon. It is customary to rise from the pews or kneel only during prayer or at especially important and solemn moments of the liturgy.
Often after the sermon, monetary donations are collected for community or charitable purposes.

The service is usually led by an ordained pastor or preacher. However, he does not possess any special “grace”; he is no different from other believers. A pastor is an appropriately educated person who, on behalf of the Church, is officially entrusted with the public preaching of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments.

Focus on the diverse proclamation of the Gospel (the story of forgiveness and salvation that God gives to man), openness, simplicity, modesty, and at the same time careful preservation of the ancient traditions of the Christian Church - these are the main features of Lutheran worship.

ORIGINS OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH

The medieval German theologian and church leader Martin Luther (1483-1546) was one of those believers who was especially sensitive to the question of their salvation. He was taught in the monastery that only those who can sincerely and deeply repent of their sins before God will be saved. Luther invariably asked himself: “How do I know that my repentance is sincere and deep enough, how do I know if I have done enough for my salvation?” In the end, his answer was: “I don’t know if my repentance is enough, I don’t know if I’m worthy of salvation. Most likely not. But I know one thing: Christ died for me. Can I doubt the power of His Sacrifice? I will trust only in her, and not in myself.” This discovery shocked and inspired many of his contemporaries. Within the Western medieval Church, a party of his supporters is rapidly forming, who want to renew church doctrine and preaching. This is how the Reformation begins. Luther himself did not seek to separate from the existing Church and create a new one. His only goal was that in the Church, whatever its external structures, traditions and forms, the preaching of the Gospel could sound freely. However, due to historical reasons, a split was inevitable. One of its consequences was the emergence of the Lutheran Church.

LUTHERAN CHURCH TODAY
Separate Lutheran Churches, each of which is independent, are today most widespread in Germany, Scandinavia, the Baltics and the USA. There are many Lutherans in Latin America and Africa. There are about 70 million Lutherans in the world. Most Lutheran Churches are united in the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Also, the majority of Lutheran Churches are in full communion with the Reformed (Calvinist, Presbyterian) Church and with a number of other Protestant Churches that have remained faithful to the traditional principles of the Reformation. Lutheran theologians conduct an interested and fruitful dialogue with representatives of Orthodoxy.

The contribution of the Lutheran Church to the development of theology, to the world and Russian culture. Albrecht Dürer, Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, Wilhelm Küchelbecker, Paul Tillich, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Rudolf Bultmann are just some famous names. Each of them was a convinced Lutheran.
Many researchers associate the economic well-being and political successes of the modern West with the ethics of the Reformation, which values ​​hard work, responsibility, honesty, adherence to duty, caring for others, the ability to stand firmly on one’s own two feet, but condemns excessive luxury.
Already in the sixteenth century, Lutherans appeared in Russia. To October Revolution In 1917, Lutheranism was the second largest church in the Russian Empire and numbered several million believers, mostly of German origin. The head of the Russian Lutheran Church was the emperor himself Russian Empire. IN Soviet era The Lutheran Church in Russia was almost completely destroyed. Only a few scattered communities managed to survive.
Today, a complex and labor-intensive process is taking place of the revival of the Lutheran Church in Russia and its search for new ways of preaching the Gospel in a completely new situation for it in the modern world.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church is a congregation of people deeply affected by the event of the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Only in this event do they see the basis and center of their spiritual life.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church is a community of people who are aware of the depth of their guilt before God, all their sinfulness, but at the same time boldly trust in the love of God and His forgiveness.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church is a traditional Church that recognizes and accepts the basic Christian beliefs:
- about the trinity of God
- about the Divinity of Jesus Christ
- about the need for the Sacraments (Baptism and Communion).
But, at the same time, this is a Church that is constantly striving for a new understanding of ancient truths, not afraid to reflect on theological problems, pose new, sometimes “inconvenient” questions and seek its own answers to them.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church recognizes the truth of other Christian Churches that proclaim Jesus Christ, is open to dialogue with them and is ready to learn from them.
In its teaching, worship and customs, the Evangelical Lutheran Church is guided by the forms and traditions developed over thousands of years in Western Christianity.
Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church are not fanatics, but ordinary people who do not isolate themselves exclusively within their own circle, but are ready to communicate. People who live a normal everyday life, who know how to appreciate the joys of the world around them and do not give up on them.

Name: Lutheranism (Luther's teachings)
Time of occurrence: XVI century
Founder: Martin Luther

Lutheranism (from the name of the founder Martin Luther) is a doctrine that arose as a result of the Reformation movement in Germany. The basic principles of the doctrine were formed during the struggle of Lutheranism against the abuses common in the Roman Catholic Church, as well as with other more radical teachings, such as Anabaptism, Calvinism, etc.

All the provisions of the Lutheran doctrine are set out in the Book of Concord. Its quintessence is 5 principles, formulated in the form of short Latin slogans:

• Sola Gratia - “Grace Alone”: people cannot earn eternal life with God by any of their works, this gift can only be received by them in the form of God's mercy expressed through Jesus Christ;
• Sola Fide - “Faith alone”: atonement for sins can be obtained only through faith in Christ, but a person has free will - to accept this faith or reject it;
• Sola Scriptura - “Only Holy Scripture”: only the Bible is revered as an accurate and infallible expression of the divine will, and all subsequent religious texts (Sacred traditions, writings of theologians, etc.) can be accepted only to the extent that they are consistent with Scripture. This also applies to the writings of M. Luther himself, who is respected, but does not make a cult out of him;
• Solo Christo - “Only in Christ”: salvation can only be obtained through Jesus Christ, who united the divine and human principles in a single Hypostasis;
• Soli Deo Gloria! - “Glory to God alone!”: Lutherans worship only God, although they respect the memory of the Virgin Mary and other saints.

Lutherans recognize only 2 sacraments: baptism, through which people become, and communion, through which faith is strengthened. At the same time, priests in the Lutheran community are perceived exclusively as preachers, in no way elevated above the laity.

Unlike Catholics and Calvinists, Lutherans draw a clear line between the realms of action and secular laws. The first relates to the church, and the second to the state. The law is seen as God's wrath and God's mercy.

There are currently about 85 million Lutherans in the world. After originating in Germany, Luther's teachings spread to European countries - Austria, Hungary, France, the Netherlands, the Scandinavian and Baltic regions, and later penetrated into North America. As the predominant religion, Lutheranism now exists in northern Germany, Scandinavia, Finland and the Baltic states. In Russia, Lutheranism became widespread in the 16th century, thanks to German settlers.

Lutherans made a significant contribution to the development of art. In particular, much attention has always been paid to the architectural beauty of churches (kirches) made in Baroque, classical and modern styles.

Lutheranism played a key role in the reform of the church, becoming the first doctrine to openly oppose the abuses of the Catholic Church, giving way to the spread of humanistic values ​​in northern Europe.