7.4 Lutheranism and Calvinism

Lutheranism and Calvinism emerged as major Protestant movements during the 16th-century Reformation. Both challenged Catholic doctrine, emphasizing salvation by grace through faith and the authority of scripture. However, they differed on key theological points.

Luther's 95 theses sparked the Reformation, promoting justification by faith alone and the priesthood of all believers. Calvin's systematic theology, summarized in TULIP, stressed God's sovereignty and predestination. These movements shaped Western Christianity and continue to influence global Protestantism today.

Origins of Lutheranism

• Lutheranism emerged as a distinct branch of Western Christianity in the 16th century, based on the teachings of German theologian Martin Luther
• Luther's ideas challenged the authority and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, leading to the Protestant Reformation
• Lutheranism emphasizes salvation by grace through faith alone, the authority of scripture, and the priesthood of all believers

Martin Luther's 95 theses

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• In 1517, Luther wrote 95 theses criticizing the sale of indulgences and other practices of the Catholic Church
• He nailed the theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, sparking public debate and controversy
• The theses questioned the Pope's authority, the doctrine of purgatory, and the efficacy of indulgences for the remission of sins

Justification by faith alone

• Luther taught that salvation is a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ, not earned by good works
• He believed that human beings are justified (made righteous) by faith alone, apart from works of the law
• This doctrine challenged the Catholic view of justification, which emphasized the importance of good works and the sacraments

Sola scriptura principle

• Luther affirmed the authority of the Bible as the ultimate source of Christian doctrine and practice
• The principle of sola scriptura (scripture alone) holds that the Bible contains all knowledge necessary for salvation and holiness
• This contrasted with the Catholic view, which also recognized the authority of church tradition and the magisterium (teaching office of the church)

Key beliefs in Lutheranism

• Lutheranism is a Protestant denomination that adheres to the teachings of Martin Luther and the 16th-century reformers
• It emphasizes the centrality of the gospel message of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ
• Lutheran theology is based on the principles of sola scriptura (scripture alone), sola fide (faith alone), and sola gratia (grace alone)

Salvation through grace

• Lutherans believe that salvation is a free gift from God, received through faith in Christ, not earned by human works or merit
• God's grace is the sole basis for salvation, and it is available to all who believe in Jesus as their savior
• This doctrine is based on passages such as Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that salvation is "by grace through faith, and not of works"

Priesthood of all believers

• Lutheranism affirms the biblical teaching that all Christians are priests, with direct access to God through Christ
• This doctrine challenges the Catholic distinction between clergy and laity, and emphasizes the equality of all believers
• Lutherans believe that all Christians are called to serve God and neighbor in their daily vocations (family, work, community)

Sacraments in Lutheranism

• Lutherans recognize two sacraments instituted by Christ: baptism and the Lord's Supper (also called Holy Communion or the Eucharist)
• Baptism is seen as a means of grace, through which God forgives sins and grants new life in Christ
• In the Lord's Supper, Lutherans believe that Christ's body and blood are truly present "in, with, and under" the bread and wine, and received by communicants for the forgiveness of sins

Spread of Lutheranism

• Lutheranism spread rapidly throughout northern Europe in the 16th century, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia
• The political support of German princes and the printing press helped to disseminate Luther's ideas and establish Lutheran churches
• Today, Lutheranism is a global denomination with over 70 million adherents worldwide

Lutheran confessions

• The Lutheran confessions are statements of faith that define Lutheran doctrine and practice
• The most important confessions are the Augsburg Confession (1530) and the Book of Concord (1580)
• These confessions provide a standard for Lutheran teaching and serve as a basis for unity among Lutheran churches

Lutheranism in Europe

• Lutheranism became the dominant religion in several northern European countries, including Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden
• The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) was partly a conflict between Catholic and Lutheran states in the Holy Roman Empire
• The Peace of Westphalia (1648) established the principle of cuius regio, eius religio (whose realm, his religion), allowing rulers to determine the religion of their territories

Global Lutheran denominations

• Lutheranism has spread worldwide through missionary activity and immigration
• The largest Lutheran denominations are the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) in the United States
• Other significant Lutheran churches are found in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Indonesia, and India

John Calvin's theology

• John Calvin was a French theologian and a key figure in the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century
• His systematic theology, as expressed in his magnum opus, the Institutes of the Christian Religion, had a profound impact on Reformed Christianity
• Calvin's theology emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the authority of scripture, and the doctrines of predestination and election

Predestination and election

• Calvin taught that God has predestined (chosen in advance) some individuals for salvation and others for damnation
• This doctrine is based on passages such as Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:4-5, which speak of God's sovereign choice of believers
• Calvin believed that election is unconditional, meaning that it is not based on any foreseen merit or faith in the individual, but solely on God's sovereign will

Total depravity of humanity

• Calvin affirmed the biblical teaching that all human beings are born in a state of sin and rebellion against God (Romans 3:10-18)
• Total depravity means that sin affects every aspect of human nature (mind, will, emotions), rendering people unable to save themselves or choose God apart from his grace
• This doctrine emphasizes the need for God's sovereign grace in salvation, since fallen humans are incapable of turning to God on their own

Limited atonement

• Calvin taught that Christ's death on the cross was sufficient to atone for the sins of all people, but efficient only for the elect (those predestined for salvation)
• This doctrine, also known as particular redemption, holds that Christ died specifically for the sins of the elect, securing their salvation
• Limited atonement is based on passages such as John 10:11, which speaks of Christ laying down his life for his sheep (the elect)

Calvinism's key doctrines

• Calvinism is a theological system that emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation and all areas of life
• It is based on the teachings of John Calvin and other Reformed theologians of the 16th and 17th centuries
• Calvinism's key doctrines are often summarized by the acronym TULIP

TULIP acronym

• T - Total depravity: all humans are born in sin and unable to choose God apart from his grace
• U - Unconditional election: God has predestined some individuals for salvation, based solely on his sovereign will
• L - Limited atonement: Christ's death atoned for the sins of the elect, securing their salvation
• I - Irresistible grace: God's saving grace is effectual and cannot be resisted by the elect
• P - Perseverance of the saints: those whom God has chosen for salvation will persevere in faith until the end

Covenant theology

• Calvinism emphasizes the concept of covenant, or a binding agreement between God and his people
• The covenant of works (with Adam) and the covenant of grace (through Christ) are central to Reformed theology
• Covenant theology sees a continuity between the Old and New Testaments, with Christ fulfilling the promises made to Israel

Reformed confessions

• Reformed churches have produced several confessional statements that summarize Calvinist doctrine
• The most important Reformed confessions are the Helvetic Confessions, the Canons of Dort, and the Westminster Standards
• These confessions provide a standard for Reformed teaching and serve as a basis for unity among Reformed churches

Calvinist church governance

• Calvinism has influenced various forms of church government, particularly Presbyterianism and Congregationalism
• These systems emphasize the authority of scripture, the priesthood of all believers, and the importance of church discipline
• Calvinist church governance contrasts with the episcopal system of Lutheranism and Anglicanism

Presbyterianism

• Presbyterianism is a form of church government that is based on the rule of elders (presbyters)
• The church is governed by a hierarchy of courts (sessions, presbyteries, synods, general assemblies), each consisting of elected elders and ministers
• Presbyterianism originated in Scotland under the leadership of John Knox, and has spread worldwide

Congregationalism

• Congregationalism is a form of church government that emphasizes the autonomy of the local congregation
• Each congregation is self-governing and elects its own officers (pastors, elders, deacons)
• Congregationalism originated in England among Puritan separatists, and was influential in the early colonial period in America

Calvinism vs Lutheranism

• Calvinism and Lutheranism are two major branches of Protestant Christianity that emerged from the Reformation
• While both affirm the authority of scripture and the doctrine of justification by faith, they differ on some key points
• Calvinism emphasizes predestination and limited atonement, while Lutheranism teaches universal grace and the real presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper

Impact of Calvinism

• Calvinism has had a significant impact on Western Christianity and culture since the 16th century
• It has influenced theology, church practice, politics, and social ethics in Europe and North America
• Today, Reformed churches are found worldwide, with a global membership of over 75 million

Calvinism in Europe

• Calvinism spread throughout Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly in Switzerland, France (Huguenots), the Netherlands, and Scotland
• The Dutch Revolt against Spain (1568-1648) was partly a struggle between Calvinists and Catholics
• The Synod of Dort (1618-1619) affirmed Calvinist doctrine against the Arminian remonstrants, who challenged predestination

Puritan movement

• Puritanism was a Calvinist movement that sought to reform the Church of England in the 16th and 17th centuries
• Puritans emphasized personal conversion, moral discipline, and the establishment of a godly society
• Puritan theology and piety had a profound impact on the religious and cultural life of colonial America

Reformed churches worldwide

• Reformed churches are found on every continent, with significant presence in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia
• The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) is a global fellowship of over 230 Congregational, Presbyterian, Reformed, and United churches
• Reformed theology continues to shape contemporary Christian thought and practice, particularly in the areas of biblical interpretation, worship, and social ethics