Can anyone explain the differences in Methodist and Lutheran theology?

Answer 1

Methodist:

Beliefs

When John Wesley began the Methodist tradition, devout Godliness was both his prime motivation, and his ultimate goal. As outlined in the General Rules, his three basic precepts were:


shun evil and avoid partaking in wicked deeds at all costs,
perform kind acts as much as possible, and
abide by the edicts of God the Almighty Father.
This God is believed to be all-knowing, to possess infinite love and goodness, to be all-powerful, and to be the creator of all things. He has always existed and will always continue to exist, and He is said to consist of three persons in one, the Father, the Son (the Lord Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. 27 It was not until late in the eighteenth century that Wesley published further doctrinal standards, including his Sermons , Notes on the New Testament , and Large Minutes of the Conference (which had been preceded by Minutes of the Conference). 28

Later, the Twenty-five Articles of Religion (an amended form of a similar document in the Anglican Church) were added. These articles affirmed the Methodists' belief in many universally Christian ideas, as well as denied some ideas affiliated with certain specific Christian denominations.

Among the beliefs Methodists uphold with other Christian groups is the previously mentioned belief in a triune God. This God is the master of all creation and humans are meant to live in a holy covenant with him. However, they also teach that humans have broken this covenant by their sins, and can only be forgiven if they truly have faith in the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ. Christians (including Methodists) believe that Jesus was God on Earth (the product of a virgin conception) in the form of a man who was crucified for the sins of all people, and who was physically resurrected to bring them the hope of eternal life.

Other beliefs that the United Methodist Church shares with other Christian churches include: that the grace of God is perceived by people through the work of the Holy Spirit on their lives and in their world, that close adherance to the teachings of Scripture (found in The Holy Bible) is essential to the faith because Scripture is the Word of God, and that they are part of a universal church and must work with all Christians to spread the love of God. 29 .

Additionally, the Church encourages its members' participation in two sacraments to symbolize and strengthen their dedication to God. The first of these is Baptism. Baptism, a sacrament shared with many Christian churches, is a ceremony in which a person is annointed with water to symbolize being brought into the community of faith. The second sacrament, also shared by many other Christian denominations, is Communion. In this sacrament, participants eat bread and drink juice to show that they continue to take part in Christ's redeeming resurrection by symbolically taking part in His body (the bread) and blood (the juice). Wesley taught his followers that Baptism and Communion are not only sacraments, but also sacrifices to God. 30

Though United Methodists have many things in common with other Christian religions, there are some aspects of the religion that are distinctively Methodist . The most fundamental of these is the Methodist teaching that people must use logic and reason in all matters of faith. Also important is the acknowledgement of "pervenient," "justifying," and "sanctifying" graces. It is taught that people are blessed with these graces at different times through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pervenient grace is present before they are saved from the error of their ways. Justifying grace is given at the time of their contrition and forgiveness by God. And sanctifying grace is received when they have finally been saved from their sins and the sins of the world. Methodism teaches that people can only be saved through faith in Jesus Christ, not by any other acts of redemption such as good deeds.

Additionally, the Methodist Church puts a great emphasis on missionary work and other forms of spreading the Word of God and His love to others. 31 Finally, Methodism isolates itself from religious beliefs in purgatory, predestination, and sacraments other than Communion and Baptism. 32

Over the years, and particularly during the second half of the twentieth century, the United Methodist Church has strayed from the strict pious teachings of original Wesleyan tradition. Both seminary professors and clergy have found the original doctrines, rules, and laws to be open to broad interpretation, and have taken it upon themselves to do so. Evidence of this can be seen in many ways but one of the clearest manifestations is the growing willingness on the part of clergy to interpret Methodist doctrine as justifying, even mandating, liberal social action strategies. (For further discussion, see the segment below on Current Controversies .

Despite much recent liberal influence in the United Methodist Church, not all of its members feel that liberal social doctrine and political advocacy is a good thing. This has resulted in the emergence of conservative groups within the UMC. The most notable group is called "Good News." It stands in opposition to liberalism within the Methodist Church and advocates "renewal" of John Wesley's vision of a devout, pious community whose mission is to strictly follow the Word of God without subjecting it to broad and unconventional interpretations


LUTHERAN:

WE BELIEVE that there is one God (Dt. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4), in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Mt. 28.19; Mk. 1:9-11). Each person is of one and the same divine essence and is equal in power and majesty. This teaching is called the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Though it cannot be fully comprehended, it is how God has revealed Himself in the Bible. WE REJECT the notion that God is in all things (pantheism), that God is three "gods", and that He is so utterly unified within Himself that it is impossible to have a personal relationship with Him. We also reject the notion that people who adhere to non-Christian religions (Muslims, Buddhists, Mormons, Jews, etc.) also worship the true God and are therefore saved.

Answer 2

The Methodists are not as close to the Roman catholic as are the Lutheran.... The Methodists are the more liberal and are diluting the word of God much more deliberatly... at least the Lutherans are not as intentional in that as the methodists... But the Lutherans are still stuck with many of the deceptions of the RCs

Answer 3

Lutheran is diet catholic. The only difference between Catholocism and Lutheran is the fact that Lutherans don't have confession, or pray to intercessories, like the saints. Methodists I don't know much about.

Answer 4

I know that Lutherans are a product of The Reformation.(Martin Luther) United Methodist tradition is through the Episcopal (Anglican) tradition. I don't want to get into details here, but this is a starting point for your study of this question.

Answer 5

One's boring and the other is super boring. I never could figure out which was which.

Answer 6

both are Catholic light. all the kneeling and half the guilt