Lutheranism

Lutheranism, one of the oldest Protestant denominations and major branches of Christianity, is centered in the fundamental doctrine of justification through grace by faith alone, apart from words of [Page 995]law. This doctrine, articulated by Martin Luther (1483–1546), a German theologian and “Father of the Reformation” is the chief article of faith that establishes the norm for Christian life and faith. Luther emphasized that the relationship between Christ, who offers His merits for humans’ salvation, and the sinner, who trusts in those merits to be saved, is a wholly personal and individual one. The interaction of confession and culture that characterizes Lutheranism is exemplified in its position toward war.