What are the differences between Methodist and Lutheran?

Answer 1

Comparing United Methodist to Lutheran:

Bible:
Methodist- Believe the Bible Contains the Word of God, much disagreement here.
Lutheran- Accept the Bible as the written witness to God's revelation of saving action through Jesus Christ.

Sacraments-
Methodist- Consider baptism and holy communion not only symbolic, but as signs of God's grace.
Lutheran- Consider baptism and the Eucharist as God's means of conveying God's grace.

Mission of the Church-
Methodist- Believe the church should express its faith in concrete action in the affairs of the world.
Lutheran- Believes the church lives to preach the Gospel and administer the sacraments, which gives strength for service in the world.

Worship-
Methodist- Formerly free and emotional.
Lutheran- Liturgical, following the classical forms of the Western Church

Government-
Methodist- Episcopal, with bishops but have no claim to apostolic succession.
Lutheran- Synodical

Christian Life-
Methodist- Major emphasis on Christian living as the fruit of personal commitment and clear understanding of Christian Doctrine. A great shift has been moved away from Christian doctrine.
Lutheran- Strong emphasis on correct doctrine, with Christian life to proceed from belief as faith becomes active in love.

Ecumenicism-
Methodist- Very Ecumenical, leaders in movements for reunion of Christian communities of faith.
Lutheran- Cautious about cooperation with other religious groups without doctrinal agreement.

Systematic Theology-
Methodist- Arminian/Wesleyan
Lutheran- Lutheran



**Update**
Hey eMale-
Yeah, you probably attend an ELCA church or something along that synodical line. There is a reason why your synod appears to be very similar to the Methodists. It is due to the Seminaries churning out theologically (not politically) liberal minded seminarians that have more in common with the Universalist/Unitarians than the rest of Lutheranism. I would point out (so you don't think I am bashing on you or your synod) that the book I used was published by the ELCA's publishing house "Augsburg Publishing House" and the book invited leaders from all denominations (and Judaism) to answer questions on what they teach and believe. I put good money down that my answers (on the Lutheran side) are the Confessional/Orthodox view of Lutheranism. I am sorry that your church/ synod may have strayed from that stance. If you need more information, please let me know. I would suggest reading "Whats Going On Among the Lutherans."
http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Going-Among-Lutherans-Comparison/dp/0810004275/sr=11-1/qid=1168211124/ref=sr_11_1/102-3509460-3410536

Answer 2

I hate to say this, but the Lutheran church I go to is more like the Methodist church Martin Chemnitz describes, than how he pictures Lutherans; so I must assume they are very similar.

Perhaps the most significant difference is that the Lutherans drink wine and the Methodists drink grape juice.

God Bless!

Answer 3

Catholics (which comprise the Orthodox, Roman, and Anglican) are liturgical church residences and function plenty is person-friendly, yet some changes in theology and shape. Lutheran are like them besides, as a liturgical church. Methodist are Anglican-lite, yet better in direction of the Protestant end of themes. The founding father of the Methodist reported out as an Anglican priest. The Calvinist and the Baptist have plenty in person-friendly with one yet yet another, being non-liturgical, and quite anti-Catholic. They rigidity being 'born decrease back' and a literal interpretation of the Bible. The Methodist, Calvinist and Baptist do now no longer drink. A liturgical church has Mass or Holy Communion and a Priesthood. and that's the way it grow to be from the being of the religion. The Protestants have been given right here alongside plenty later. incredibly the Anglican church began better Protestant than it incredibly is now. Catholic does now no longer advise basically the Roman Catholic church.

Answer 4

It used to be that the Lutherans were more liberal than the Methodist but all that changed last year.

Answer 5

With Lutherans, it depends on the Synod. Some are not that different from Methodists, and some are much more fundamental/strict.

Answer 6

Generally speaking Methodists have better songs and Lutherans have better ceremonies. They are both, basically what used to be called mainstream protestant. Fundies would find them liberal and not literal although there is probably a fundie movement in both churches. Talk to your local priest/pastor.