Changes

'''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, 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 [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] and the more conservative [[Lutheran Church Missouri Synod]] and the [[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]].

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.

==Beginning==

==Beginning==

==Doctrines==

==Doctrines==

The Lutheran denomination is the first Protestant church to forme 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 the Catholics, [[Methodists]] and [[Episcopalians]]. Some other characteristics of the Lutheran Church include the use of Luther's Large and Small Catechism as an educational tool and the use of the "Lord's Supper" for [[communion]] and infant [[baptism]]. Lutheran doctrine is summerized in the [[Book of Concord]], containing among others, 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====