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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.

==Doctrines==

==Doctrines==

The Lutheran denomination is considered to be the first Protestant church to form.  The main cause for the split from the Catholic Church was Luther's belief in justification by faith alone.  Lutherans believe that the [[Bible]], as a divinely inspired book, is the source of all revealed divine knowledge.  Lutherans use a similar liturgical format to those of the Catholics, [[Methodists]] and [[Anglicans]]. Some other characteristics of the Lutheran Church are the use of Luther's Large and Small Catechism as an educational tool, belief in the [[real presence]] in [[communion]] but not [[transubstantiation]], and [[infant baptism]]. Lutheran doctrine is summarized in the [[Book of Concord]], which contains the famous [[Augsburg Confession]].

The Lutheran denomination is considered to be the first Protestant church to form.  The main cause for the split from the Catholic Church was Luther's belief in justification by [[faith]] alone.  Lutherans believe that the [[Bible]], as a divinely inspired book, is the source of all revealed divine knowledge.  Lutherans use a similar liturgical format to those of the Catholics, [[Methodists]] and [[Anglicans]]. Some other characteristics of the Lutheran Church are the use of Luther's Large and Small Catechism as an educational tool, belief in the [[real presence]] in [[communion]] but not [[transubstantiation]], and [[infant baptism]]. Lutheran doctrine is summarized in the [[Book of Concord]], which contains the famous [[Augsburg Confession]].

====Modern Day====

====Modern Day====