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{{Christianity}}

{{Christianity}}

'''Lutheranism''' is a mainstream [[Protestantism|Protestant]] branch of [[Christianity]]. It emerged in Germany during the [[Reformation]] of the 16th century. It is based on the teachings of German theologian [[Martin Luther]] (1486-1546) who rejected parts of the theology and organizational structure of the [[Roman Catholic Church]]. Originally a term of derision coined by enemies, its adherents came to call themselves "Lutherans." After a series of religious wars that lasted to 1648, the status of Lutheranism stabilized, dominating Scandinavia and the central and eastern parts of Germany. Today it is also well represented in Africa, Indonesia and the United States.

'''Lutheranism''' is a mainstream [[Protestantism|Protestant]] branch of [[Christianity]]. It emerged in Germany during the [[Reformation]] of the 16th century. It is based on the teachings of German theologian [[Martin Luther]] (1486-1546) who rejected parts of the theology and organizational structure of the [[Roman Catholic Church]]. Originally a term of derision coined by enemies, esp. by Pope [[Leo X]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Decet Romanum Pontificem: Papal Bull of Excommunication of Martin Luther and his followers |author=Pope Leo X |place=Rome |publisher=The Papal Encyclicals Online |Date=3 Jan 1521 |url=http://www.papalencyclicals.net/leo10/l10decet.htm |quote=III. Our purpose is that such men should rightfully be ranked with Martin and other accursed heretics and excommunicates, and that even as they have ranged themselves with the obstinacy in sinning of the said Martin, they shall likewise share his punishments and his name, by bearing with them everywhere the title “Lutheran” and the punishments it incurs. |accessdate=6 Jan 2017 }}</ref>, its adherents came to call themselves "Lutherans." After a series of religious wars that lasted to 1648, the status of Lutheranism stabilized, dominating Scandinavia and the central and eastern parts of Germany. Today it is also well represented in Africa, Indonesia and the United States.

The two main branches of Lutheranism in the United States are the more liberal [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] and the more conservative [[Lutheran Church Missouri Synod]] and [[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]], the two of which agree on most doctrines but differ on the degree of independence permitted to the local congregation.

The two main branches of Lutheranism in the United States are the more liberal [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] and the more conservative [[Lutheran Church Missouri Synod]] and [[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]], the two of which agree on most doctrines but differ on the degree of independence permitted to the local congregation.