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{{Christianity}}

{{Christianity}}

'''Lutheranism''' is a denomination of [[Christianity]] based on the teachings of [[Martin Luther]]. It is the dominant Christian denomination in [[Scandinavia]] and parts of [[Germany]]. 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]].

'''Lutheranism''' is a denomination of [[Christianity]] based on the teachings of [[Martin Luther]]. It is the dominant Christian denomination in [[Scandinavia]] and parts of [[Germany]]. 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]]. It began when Lutherm annoyed at the [[Catholic Church]]'s [[sale of indulgences|selling indulgences]] and other practices that he considered to be non-scriptural posted his [[95 Theses]] on the doors of churches through out Germany. Unable to reach an accommodation with Rome over the differences, Luther's beliefs broke away from the Catholic Church and formed what became known as the Lutheran Church. This breaking away was the beginning of the [[Protestant Reformation]].

The Lutheran denomination is the first [[Protestant]] church to have formed.  The main cause for the schism from the [[Catholic church]] was Luther's belief in justification by faith alone.  Lutherans also believe that the [[bible]], as a divinely inspired book, is the source of all revealed divine knowledge.  While Lutherans use a similar liturgical format to the Catholics, it is also similar to that followed by the [[Methodists]] and [[Episcopalians]].

The Lutheran denomination is the first [[Protestant]] church to have formed.  The main cause for the schism from the [[Catholic church]] was Luther's belief in justification by faith alone.  Lutherans also believe that the [[bible]], as a divinely inspired book, is the source of all revealed divine knowledge.  While Lutherans use a similar liturgical format to the Catholics, it is also similar to that followed by the [[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]].

In 2007, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to allow ministers in [[homosexual]] relationships to keep their posts.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070811/us_nm/religion_lutherans_dc Yahoo News]</ref>.  Luther's personal writings condemned the practice of homosexuality.

In 2007, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to allow ministers in [[homosexual]] relationships to keep their posts.<ref>[http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070811/us_nm/religion_lutherans_dc Yahoo News]</ref>.  Luther's personal writings condemned the practice of homosexuality.

'''Lutheran Churches'''

'''Lutheran Churches'''