What is a Lutheran Church and Catholic Church
Lutheran Church: Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, founded the Lutheran Church during the early 16th Century due to his teachings and writings causing division within Roman Catholicism which ultimately lead to its founding by Luther himself.
Luther was inspired to found the Lutheran Church after reformers attempted to bring back Biblical fundamental teachings into modern religions, like reforming churches through reforming Martin Luther. Lutherans strongly believe in Scripture’s authority, justification by faith alone and salvation based on belief alone – not works or actions performed for salvation.
Lutherans observe two sacraments – Baptism and Eucharist (commonly referred to by its English name Communion). Lutheran worship services typically feature hymns and prayers as well as Bible readings; although different denominations/synods within Lutheranism adhere to different beliefs.
The Lutheran Church boasts over 70 millions members around the globe and has made significant contributions to Christianity in areas like education, music, social justice and more.
Catholic Church :Catholicism is the largest Christian group on Earth with more than one billion members on all seven continents and draws its teachings directly from Jesus and his apostles through centuries-old Catholic church traditions.
The Catholic church can trace its history all the way back to Jesus Christ and His followers founding early Christian communities, where Saint Peter served as its inaugural Bishop of Rome. Today, that legacy lives on through Pope Francis who serves as successor Bishop.
The Catholic Church places considerable weight on its seven Sacraments as visible signs that God is present among us: Baptism (or Confirmation), Eucharist, Anointing the Sick (Holy Orders), Anointing Marriage Contract, and Matrimony are available as acts that convey this presence of God into everyday life.
Catholic worship centers on the Mass, an act commemorating and memorializing Jesus’s sacrifice on the Cross. Additionally, prayers such as Rosary or Liturgy of Hours may also be offered during Catholic services; Mary and other saints can be honored through devotions as part of Catholic religion.
The Catholic Church is organized into geographic regions called dioceses, each led by an elected bishop. Additionally, various religious orders within the Church exist – among these Franciscans and Jesuits who focus their ministries or missions towards fulfilling specific ministries or missions within society.
The Catholic Church has played a significant role in shaping millions of lives globally – both spiritually and materially – throughout its long and distinguished history, shaping music, art, culture and society alike.
Difference Between Lutheran Church and Catholic Church
Both Lutheranism and Catholicism practice Christian religion with God as their ultimate source.
Lutherans and Catholics both use Scriptures from each tradition for guidance while both observe sacraments; yet what separates one from another remains an obstacle between Catholics and Lutherans from reconciling.
Lutheranism Martin Luther, known as the “Father of Reformation”, established Lutheranism with his teaching that salvation comes solely through God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not anything else.
Lutherans recognize and embrace three creeds: Apostle’s Creed, Nicene Creed and Athanasian Creed as true statements of faith recognizing Holy Trinity beliefs regarding Jesus being Lord and Savior while The Gospel being God’s word; Lutherans hold two sacraments called Holy Communion and Baptism which practice infant and adult baptism respectively.
Catholic and Lutheran beliefs overlap significantly, given Lutherans were once part of Roman Catholicism; therefore many doctrines are similar; though Lutherans would like certain aspects to be changed or revised – for instance those which contradict Catholic teaching that salvation can only come through faith alone and good deeds to others; another Catholic practice not recognized by Lutherans is having one supreme leader who acts temporarily as Christ’s vicar versus one single highest authority as in Catholicism.
Lutherans do not subscribe to Catholic doctrine regarding transsubstantiation in Eucharist as do Catholics; nor do they acknowledge Mary or intercessions by holy persons like Catholics do; Catholics also believe in purgatory while Lutherans don’t; some Lutheran congregations ordain women pastors while the Catholic Church doesn’t ordain women priests; some Lutherans ordain female pastors while the latter doesn’t ordain any women to become priests at all;
Lutherans only have two sacraments whereas Catholics seven which includes Baptism (Reconciliation Holy Communion and Baptism), Reconciliation Confirmation Matrimony Holy Ordered Matrimony Holy Ordered Sacrament of Sickness among many more!
Over time, attempts at reconciling two religions have proven ineffective; yet both can still co-exist peacefully if each learns to respect each other’s beliefs; being Christian means living like Christ would.
Luther was known as “Father of Reformation”. Lutherans split with Catholicism due to a difference of opinion on how salvation is attained: Luther believed salvation can only come through faith alone while Catholics held that good deeds contributed towards attaining salvation as well.
Lutherans do not believe in the transsubstantiation of Eucharistic elements or in Mary and other holy figures and their intercession, nor in his temporal power as head of church authority.
Lutherans recognize only two sacraments – Baptism and Holy Communion, while Catholics count seven.
They include Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony Holy Order sand Sacrament of the Sick as elements that comprise this spiritual gifting system.
Conclusion
Lutheranism is one of the main branches of Christianity and features its own distinct history, beliefs, practices, and structures.
Martin Luther established the Lutheran Church as an alternative to Roman Catholicism due to what he perceived to be corrupt practices within it. Lutherans strongly adhere to biblical authority and believe in justification through faith alone as their basis of justification.
The Catholic Church on the other hand boasts an ancient and vibrant tradition dating back to Jesus’ early Christian community. With Pope Francis as successor of Saint Peter, it places immense value on sacraments, authority of Pope Francis as leader and Pope Francis’ unique leadership style.
Lutherans and Catholics both contribute significantly to Christianity and world culture despite their differences, serving as centers for spiritual and social life for millions around the globe. Recognizing similarities between these branches can facilitate Christian unity and cooperation.
