Introduction
Lutheran Church and Catholic Church are both Christian denominations centered on the belief in God as the ultimate salvation of mankind. While they share some similarities, there are key differences that have prevented the two churches from reconciling.
Lutheran Church
The Lutheran Church was founded by Martin Luther, known as the “Father of Reformation.” Lutherans believe that salvation comes through the grace of God and faith in Christ alone. They accept the Apostle’s, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as true declarations of faith and recognize the Holy Trinity. Lutherans have two sacraments: Holy Communion and Baptism, which can be administered to both infants and adults.
Catholic Church
The Catholic Church and the Lutheran Church share many beliefs, as Lutherans were once part of Roman Catholicism. However, there are differences that led to their separation. One key difference is the Catholic belief that salvation is attained through unwavering faith in God and good deeds, while Lutherans emphasize faith in Christ alone. Another difference is the authority of the pope, which Lutherans do not recognize as the highest authority in the church.
Differences between Lutheran and Catholic
There are several theological differences between Lutherans and Catholics. Lutherans do not believe in Transubstantiation in the Eucharist, the belief that the bread and wine transform into the body and blood of Christ. They also do not believe in the intercessions of holy persons, including Mary. Additionally, Lutherans do not believe in the concept of purgatory, which is a belief held by Catholics. Another difference is the ordination of women as pastors, which is accepted in some Lutheran denominations but not in the Catholic Church. Catholicism recognizes seven sacraments, including Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and the Sacrament of the Sick, while Lutherans only recognize Baptism and Holy Communion as sacraments.
In conclusion, although attempts to reconcile the beliefs of the Lutheran Church and the Catholic Church have been unsuccessful, it is important for Christians to respect and understand the beliefs of one another in order to live in harmony.
Highlights
1. The Lutheran Church was founded by Martin Luther and separated from the Catholic Church due to a differing belief on salvation. Lutherans believe salvation is achieved through faith in God alone, while Catholics believe it is achieved through faith in God and good deeds.
2. The Lutheran Church does not believe in the Catholic practice of Transubstantiation in the Eucharist, the intercessions of Mary and other holy persons, or the authority of the pope as the highest authority in the church.
3. The Lutheran Church observes only two sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion, while the Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments, including Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion, Confirmation, Matrimony, Holy Order, and the Sacrament of the Sick.
