What is the difference between Lutheranism and Catholicism?

Answer 1

Differences between Catholics and Lutherans. The Catholic Church is a Sacramental Church and always has been. There are 7 Sacraments,Baptism,Reconciliation,Communion,Confirmation,Marriage,Holy Orders,Sacrament of the Sick. There are two in the Lutheran Church, Baptism and Confirmation.

The Catholic Church believes in Transubstantiation. That is when consecrated by a priest the bread and wine while having the appearance of bread and wine is actually changed into the body and blood of Christ, it is no longer bread and wine. This is a mystery of faith and follows Christs command "Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood, you will not have life within you." Catholics do not believe it is symbolic. When Christ told this to his disciples and they said who can believe this it is too hard to follow and they left, Christ did not go after them and say, wait I only meant it was symbolic. No he let them go and asked his apostles if they too would go.

Lutherans believe in Consubstantiation. That is, they believe it is the body and blood of Christ;and it still is bread and wine.

The Catholic Church is one, holy, and Apostolic. The Lutheran Church follows the same creed but there are various denominations within the Lutheran Church which vary on some of their beliefs. Some are stricter and some such as the ELCA accept women ministers and abortion under certain circumstances. The original Lutheran church which was born out of the protestant reformation does not even exist today. Almost from the beginning there was disagreemet among it's members and offshoots formed.

The Catholic Church has not changed it's doctrines and cannot. Despite the fact that almost every denomination has changed doctrinal belief to bow to the whim of the current ages, the Catholic Church alone has remained steadfast in spite of constant critisim. It will not change because it can't. What Christ has established cannot be broken or changed. The Holy Spirit has guided it through the ages and has helped to better define doctrines, but not change them. No human, not even the Pope can do that.

AnswerCatholics believe that love, faith, kindness, etc. are what give us eternal life, however Lutherans believe that you only need faith. Also Lutherans believe that Christ is the only authority in the church and Catholics believe the pope is. Everything else is basically the same.

Another view: It is not correct to suggest that Catholics believe that the pope is the 'only' authority, or that the pope's position is above that of Christ. The Catholic church considers the pope to be Christ's earthly representative only, and in fact the 'first among equals' regarding his position among the church's bishops.

AnswerThe catholic and Lutheran Churches have different views on the eucharistic rite.

the Catholics believe that the body of christ is revealed to us by the method of transubstination. this term refers to the bread and wine changing from one substance into another. bread to body. blood to wine.

the lutherans rejects such teachings.

AnswerMartin Luther believed that God had only set four sacraments to be followed by the church. On the other hand the church believed that all 7, were essential in the religion, as well as forgiving peoples sins with money. Lutherans don't have a "leader" while the catholic church does. AnswerCatholics were the first christians, the first followers of Christ. Jesus charged Peter to be the rock on which He will build his church, a mere mortal man to head His church here on earth. He was followed by those we would call Pope. It is true that the catholic church did prostitute itself in selling off sins for moneys much needed for the church. Also,Popes began to dabble in politics instead of souls. Martin Luther took great exception to the workings of the church at the time of his era and chose to break away with his fellow discontented followers. They did hold to many of the catholic ways but adjusted to their thinking those which they disagreed. They grew as more converts disgrunted with the catholic church joined their ranks. I am catholic and not very proud of those many dark years of the church, yet I remain catholic. I have attended Lutheran services on several occassions and was surprised at the similarities between the two. Les HeadlineYour answer is partly correct. The term catholic (lower case 'c') simply means universal. Because Rome was in power during the time of Christ and Constaintine later converted to Christianity and named it the state religion, the term Roman Catholic came about. However the first Christians were certainly not Romans nor known as Catholics. In fact the early Christians faced sever persecution from the Romans until the time of Constaintine.

Now regarding Luther: He did take exception to the selling of indulgences and the proclamation of the pope that he could release souls from purgatory (which in itself has no Scriptural standing, but he had no intention of "breaking away" from the church. When Luther wrote his 95 thesis and posted them on the door of the church in Wittenberg, his hope was to engage in a debate with the church leaders so that the church may be reformed--hence the term The Reformation. Because Luther's stance was rejected by the church, and his life threatened, Luther did break from the church.

There are many more differences than what are listed here and in the other responses. Lutherans have only 2 sacraments, not 4 or 7: Holy Communion and Baptism. Lutherans hold Christ as the head of the Church and confess that we are under the authority of Scripture. We are saved by grace alone through faith in Christ. Our works are a result of our salvation , not a means by which we attain it. We believe that Jesus in the only intercessor and mediator between God and man and that praying to Mary or the saints is not Biblically based and is not pleasing to God. I could continue writing on this subject, but I would suggest doing a search for the "Book of Concord" which contains the Lutheran confessions and Catechisms.

AnswerThere isn't really much difference. Luther didn't think the selling of indulgences was right, and wanted everyone to be able to read The Bible. Other than that, he was pretty mainstream. AnswerWhen I was Lutheran,as my family raised me, they believed that you were saved when you were baptised, when you were a baby (sprinkled with water) now that I am nondenominational, I believe in salvation through understanding and believing Christ, and I was baptised by being emmersed in water which is not necessary for salvation, but God asks this of you, which symbolizes the new birth.

I grew up Lutheran. What I do remember was our branch of Christianity had more exceptions to rules and (in my opinion) the faith was simpler. I went to a Greek Orthadox and Roman Catholic churches for Catechism trips, and I remember thinking it was very strict.

They believe in the same teachings, but Lutherans don't take them as literally as Catholics. And, we did have four sacrements. whoever keeps saying that Lutherans only have two is...wrong.

Answer 2

The namesake of the Lutheran Church is Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic monk who lived in Germany in the medieval era. He questioned Church authority on a few matters during his day. He, and many in agreement with him, were excommunicated by papal bull and the Lutheran Church was born. The main objections that Luther voiced involved the compulsory celibacy of priests and clergy, the sale of indulgences, works righteousness, Marian dogma exulting the Virgin to co-redeemer and mediatrix, the infallibility of the pope, and the role of the bible as a static authority on matters of belief and practice.

The Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran Church have many similarities. Both are theologically sacramentarian, both are historic and liturgical Churches (follow the order of the mass and the liturgical calendar), and both have episcopal forms of Church governance (while the Lutheran Church employs some congregational polity.) The Lutheran reformation, along with the Anglican reformation, was a "conservative reformation" unlike the Reformed movement, which is why the Lutheran and Anglican/Episcopal Churches more closely resemble the Roman Catholic Church, in beleif and practice, than they do protestant Churches. Some Lutherans do not believe that the term "protestant" appropriately describes the Lutheran Church, due to implied associations with the Reformed and "Evangelical" Churches.

The cardinal doctrine of the Lutheran Church is that salvation is by the grace of God alone and that man can do nothing to save himself by his own works; and that good works are the fruits of salvation, not a means to attaining it. Faith is the vehicle of that grace and is awarded as a grace from God himself. Thus, the mantra of Lutheran theology that the means of salvation is: "Sola gratia. Sola fide." (Latin for "only by grace through faith.") In 1999, the Lutheran World Federation and representatives of the Roman Catholic Church officially signed a joint declaration stating, "By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us and calling us to good works." The Lutheran and Roman Catholic Church continue ecumenical dialogues, but have been unable to totally agree on some matters of faith. Despite those theological differences, the two Churches continue to work together on charitable and humanitarian efforts throughout the world.

Answer 3

Martin Luther was a Catholic priest in Germany who had major grievances with the Catholic Church. Prior to his theses there was only one church and thus one prevailing opinion. He provoked far reaching controversy within the church. The result was a seemingly endless series of new churches and biblical interpretations. The most important difference between the resulting philosophy of Luther was the reliance on the Bible as the final spiritual authority. The Catholic Church claimed (and still claims) authority through tradition--Peter the apostle was the founder of the church to whom Christ granted the keys to heaven. Spiritual truth can be changed through the Pope who is considered a direct link to God. To restate the difference, Lutherans claim the Bible as their ultimate source of spiritual truth whereas Catholics assert that the Pope (i.e., the church) is the source.
The namesake of the Lutheran Church is Martin Luther, a Roman Catholic monk who lived in Germany in the medieval era. He questioned Church authority on a few matters during his day. He, and many in agreement with him, were excommunicated by papal bull and the Lutheran Church was born. The main objections that Luther voiced involved the compulsory celibacy of priests and clergy, the sale of indulgences, works righteousness, Marian dogma exulting the Virgin to co-redeemer and mediatrix, the infallibility of the pope, and the role of the bible as a static authority on matters of belief and practice.

The Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran Church have many similarities. Both are theologically sacramentarian, both are historic and liturgical Churches (follow the order of the mass and the liturgical calendar), and both have episcopal forms of Church governance (while the Lutheran Church employs some congregational polity.) The Lutheran reformation, along with the Anglican reformation, was a "conservative reformation" unlike the Reformed movement, which is why the Lutheran and Anglican/Episcopal Churches more closely resemble the Roman Catholic Church, in beleif and practice, than they do protestant Churches. Some Lutherans do not believe that the term "protestant" appropriately describes the Lutheran Church, due to implied associations with the Reformed and "Evangelical" Churches.

The cardinal doctrine of the Lutheran Church is that salvation is by the grace of God alone and that man can do nothing to save himself by his own works; and that good works are the fruits of salvation, not a means to attaining it. Faith is the vehicle of that grace and is awarded as a grace from God himself. Thus, the mantra of Lutheran theology that the means of salvation is: "Sola gratia. Sola fide." (Latin for "only by grace through faith.") In 1999, the Lutheran World Federation and representatives of the Roman Catholic Church officially signed a joint declaration stating, "By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us and calling us to good works." The Lutheran and Roman Catholic Church continue ecumenical dialogues, but have been unable to totally agree on some matters of faith. Despite those theological differences, the two Churches continue to work together on charitable and humanitarian efforts throughout the world.

Answer 4

Lutheranism is a major branch of Western Christianity that identifies with the teachings of the sixteenth-century German reformer Martin Luther. Luther's efforts to reform the theology and practice of the church launched the Protestant Reformation. The reactions of governmental and churchly authorities to the international spread of his writings, beginning with the 95 Theses, divided Christianity.

The split between Lutherans and the Roman Catholic Church arose mainly over the doctrine of Justification before God. Lutheranism advocates a doctrine of justification "by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone," which contradicted the Roman view of "faith formed by love", or "faith and works". Unlike the Reformed Churches, Lutherans retain many of the liturgical practices and sacramental teachings of the pre-Reformation Church. Lutheran theology differs considerably from Reformed theology in a variety of ways, including Christology, the purpose of God's Law, divine grace, whether one is "once saved always saved," and predestination.

Answer 5

Martin Luther's efforts to reform the theology and practices of the Catholic church resulted in the Protestant Reformation, in which Protestants separated from the church.

Lutheranism is a theological movement to reform Christianity with the teaching of justification by grace through faith alone (which went against the Roman view of "faith formed by love", or "faith and works".) Lutherans believe that humans are saved from their sins by God's grace alone, through faith alone.

Also note that Lutherans do not follow the Catholic Pope, and they do not need to confess their sins through an intermediary (such as a Catholic priest). They can pray directly to God.

Answer 6

Great question.

Perhaps the most significant difference is in terms of the Eucharist.

Though positions may vary among contemporary Lutheran denominations today, Martin Luther also taught that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.

What made his teaching different from the Catholic Church was the philosophical language (metaphysics) he used to describe the Real Presence of Christ.

Luther explained that Christ was present by way of consubstantiation rather than by way of transubstantiation. Both Catholic and Lutheran theologians draw from Scripture to support their explanations, and both also draw upon philosophy to lend support to their explanations. In addition to Scripture and philosophy, Catholic theologians also draw from early Christians and the Church Fathers to help explain that a complete change of substance takes place.

Transubstantiation

In transubstantiation, the bread and wine completelychange into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ, with only the outward appearances of bread and wine remaining.

Church Fathers such as St. Ambrose would employ analogies such as the complete change of the Staff of Moses into a serpent and the change of the Egyptian waters into blood to help explain the complete change that takes place at Mass. (cf. Ott 1960, p. 382)

Other Fathers such as St. Cyril of Jerusalem would use vivid analogies such as the wedding feast at Cana to help explain the complete change that takes place at Mass; e.g. Once at Cana in Galilee by a mere nod He changed water into wine, and is it now incredible that He changes wine into blood? (Cat. Myst. 4, 2, cited in Ott 1960, p. 382)

Examples from other Church Fathers can be multiplied. However these examples are sufficient to note that while the word transubstantiation was coined by 12th century theologians such as Roland (later Pope Alexander III), Stephen of Tournai and Petrus Comestor (cf. Ott 1960, p.379) in a philosophical context, it would also be used to shed light on what the earlier Church Fathers said about the Eucharist. This might be likened to using the word Trinity to shed light on Scripture, even though the word Trinity is nowhere to be found in Scripture.

Because the Church found transubstantiation compatible with Scripture, early Christian writings such as the Church Fathers and with philosophy and theology as well, it was later defined as an article of faith required to be held by all Catholics at the Council of Trent (13th session, ch. IV).

Moreover, the Council of Trent (1545-1563) saw other competing philosophical descriptions, such as consubstantiation, as endangering the Scriptural, apostolic and historical understanding concerning the Real Presence. In Her understanding of Herself, The Church has the right and the duty, for the protection of the heritage of Faith, of proscribing philosophic teachings which directly or indirectly endanger dogma. (Ott 1960, p. 9)

Consubstantiation (cf. Sacramental Union)

Martin Luther, on the other hand,

maintained that after the consecration, both the substance of bread and wine together with Christ's Body and Blood are present. He used the term consubstantiation, explaining that Christ is present in the Eucharist in the same way heat is present in a red-hot iron. His ideas about consubstantiation contradict the Church's teaching that the substance of the bread and wine completely change into the Body and Blood, [Soul and Divinity] of Christ, with only the accidents (properties) remaining. (Armenio 2006, p. 472)

Luther hypothesized in 1520 as follows:

Why could not Christ maintain His body within the substance of the bread as truly within its accidents? Iron and fire are two substances which mingle together in red-hot iron in such a way that every part contains both iron and fire. Why cannot the glorified body of Christ be similarly found in every part of the substance of the bread? (Luther, Selections from His Writings, 1962, p. 267-268)

Early descriptions of consubstantiation such as this would later be theologically refined into a concept recognized among Lutheran theologians as sacramental union. It is worthwhile to note that because Luther was influenced by the works of William of Occam (cf. Armenio 2006, p. 471), it is not unreasonable to conclude that he applied the philosophical principle of Occam's Razor (i.e. the simplest explanation is often the best) to support his position for consubstantiation when he writes

Some time ago, when I was studying scholastic theology, I was greatly impressed by Dr. Pierre d'Ailly, cardinal of Cambrai. He discussed the fourth book of the Sententiae very acutely, and said it was far more likely, and required the presupposition of fewer miracles, if one regarded the bread and wine on the altar as real bread and wine, and not their mere accidents - had not the church determined otherwise...I found peace in my conscience in accepting...that the true flesh and the true blood of Christ were in the true bread and true wine, and this not otherwise, nor less, than the Thomists regard them as under the accidents. (Luther, Selections from His Writings, 1962, p. 265)

Foundation for Ecumenical Dialogue

Although Luther was rather polemic against Scholastics such as St. Thomas, he did want to maintain a focus on the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, whether one chose the philosophical aspect of transubstantiation, or consubstantiation as the metaphysical language of description:

I would therefore allow anyone to hold whichever [philosophical] opinion he prefers. The only thing I aim at for the present is to banish scruples of conscience, so that no one may fear being called a heretic if he believes that the bread and wine on the altar are real bread and wine. (Luther, Selections from His Writings, 1962, p. 266)

Thus Luther's focus on the centrality of the Real Presence of Christ over and above philosophical descriptions serves as an ecumenical bridge for deeper dialogue between contemporary Lutherans and Catholics today.

Later followers of Luther however, such as Carlstadt, would take his position to further extremes, denying the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist altogether:

on Christmas Day 1521, Carlstadt proceeded to say Mass in German without vestments, publicly denying the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Luther would condemn Carlstadt and try to bring about more moderate reforms. Carlstadt, and later his successor Zwingli, would continue to push his ideas further, contributing to the eventual growth of Calvinism. (Armenio 2006, p. 472)

However, even in these more extreme cases such as the denial of the Eucharist being the Real Presence of Christ,

It is a recognized custom for Catholics to meet for frequent recourse to that prayer for the unity of the church with which the Saviour himself on the eve of his death so fervently appealed to his Father: That they may all be one (Jn 17:20).

In certain circumstances, such as in prayer services "for unity" and during ecumenical gatherings, it is allowable, indeed desirable, that Catholics should join in prayer with members of other Christian churches and communities. Such prayers in common are certainly a very effective means of petitioning for the grace of unity, and they are a genuine expression of the ties which still bind Catholics to their separated sisters and brothers. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them (Mt 18:20). (Flannery 1996, p. 509)

REFERENCES

Armenio, P. ed. Socias, J. The History of The Church - A Complete Course, The Didache Series, (Woodridge, IL: Midwest Theological Forum, 2006).

Martin Luther. ed. Dillenberger, J. Martin Luther - Selections from His Writings, (New York: NY, Anchor Books, 1962.)

ed. Flannery, A. The Basic Sixteen Documents, Vatican Council II, (Northport, NY: Costello Publishing Company, 1996).

Ott, L. Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, (Rockford, IL: Tan Books and Publishers, Inc. 1960)

Answer 7

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Roman Catholic AnswerThe Catholic Church was started by Our Blessed Lord when He was on earth. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide it always and appointed St. Peter as its first Vicar (St. Matthew's Gospel 16:17-19). He guaranteed that He would be with it until the end of the world and that the gate of hell would never overcome it. The Lutheran Ecclesial Community was started by Martin Luther in the 16th century in opposition to the Church that Our Blessed Lord founded as he had difficulties with the fact that he couldn't live up to its moral demands.

Answer 8

The Lutheran bible has 66 books, while the catholic bible has 73 books.