Martin Luther Martin Luther was born in Germany in Martin Luther was born in Germany in He studied law in school. He studied law in school. He vowed to become a monk if he survived a terrifying storm. He vowed to become a monk if he survived a terrifying storm. He became an Augustinian monk. He became an Augustinian monk. Soon after, he became a professor at Wittenberg. Soon after, he became a professor at Wittenberg. He disagreed with Catholic Church indulgences and other practices. He disagreed with Catholic Church indulgences and other practices. He was excommunicated because of these beliefs. He was excommunicated because of these beliefs. Father of the Lutheran religion and the Reformation. Father of the Lutheran religion and the Reformation.

History Lutheranism dates from October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther put his 95 Theses on the church door of the castle of Wittenberg. Lutheranism dates from October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther put his 95 Theses on the church door of the castle of Wittenberg. However, he did not break with the Catholic Church until three years later. However, he did not break with the Catholic Church until three years later. Lutheranism is the oldest Protestant denomination. Lutheranism is the oldest Protestant denomination.

Book of Concord Agrees with the Catholic and the Greek Churches in accepting the authority of the Scriptures and of the three most ancient creeds (the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed). Agrees with the Catholic and the Greek Churches in accepting the authority of the Scriptures and of the three most ancient creeds (the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed). acknowledges six specific confessions (writings) which distinguish it from other churches : acknowledges six specific confessions (writings) which distinguish it from other churches : –the unaltered Augsburg Confession (1530), –the Apology of the Augsburg Confession (1531), –Luther’s Large Catechism (1529), –Luther’s Catechism for Children (1529), –the Articles of Smalkald (1537), and –the Form of Concord (1577).

Basic Information The Church is made up of bishops, pastors, and deaconesses who are ranked temporarily. The Church is made up of bishops, pastors, and deaconesses who are ranked temporarily. The Lutheran Church is composed of 35 districts united in a Synod. The Lutheran Church is composed of 35 districts united in a Synod. Third largest single Christian movement. Third largest single Christian movement. Nearly 66 million Lutherans world wide Nearly 66 million Lutherans world wide –Most are found in Europe

Beliefs Salvation comes from grace of God and faith in Christ alone. Salvation comes from grace of God and faith in Christ alone. Reject some Catholic traditions such as role of the priests, priests not being able to marry, Latin Bible and Liturgy, Purgatory, and Transubstantiation. Reject some Catholic traditions such as role of the priests, priests not being able to marry, Latin Bible and Liturgy, Purgatory, and Transubstantiation. Felt the Scripture should be in everyone’s language. Felt the Scripture should be in everyone’s language. Lutherans believe that the Bible is divinely inspired and is the final authority for all matters of faith and doctrine. Lutherans believe that the Bible is divinely inspired and is the final authority for all matters of faith and doctrine. Grace Faith Scripture

Differences between Catholics and Lutherans Some Lutheran churches ordain women to the ministry. Some Lutheran churches ordain women to the ministry. Lutherans accept the death penalty. Lutherans accept the death penalty. Lutherans reject purgatory, praying to the saints, and praying to Mary. Lutherans reject purgatory, praying to the saints, and praying to Mary. Lutheran churches are governed locally. Lutheran churches are governed locally.

Church where Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses Martin Luther’s home in Wittenberg St.Peter’s Cathedral was built with the money made from the church selling indulgences.