Can anyone tell me a little about Lutheran's beliefs?

Question

I was never baptised, and I am pregnant, so I am thinking about getting baptised, however, I know absolutely nothing about any religion, I have always just had my own beliefs. My mother and husband are lutheran and want me to get baptised as one.....I am so confused about what to do. I dont even know if I want to have a chosen religion. If you get baptised, do you have to get involved with the church?

Answer 1

I'm a Lutheran pastor and I'd be happy to answer those questions at length.

The short version is: the Lutheran Church preaches Christ Jesus and him crucified. We teach what the Bible teaches: that all human beings have a problem, sin. Since God is Holy and we are not, this sin will lead to eternal death and separation from him. But God loves us and wants to save us from our sin. Therefore, Jesus - who is both God and Human in one person - came to die for our sins and rise again from the dead for our salvation.

All the power and benefits of Christ's death and resurrection get to us through Baptism, Absolution, and the Lord's Supper.

Please email me offlist and I will answer your questions further, and/or be happy to speak with you on the phone.

In Christ,
Pastor Curtis
[e-mail]

Answer 2

Luther's Small Catechism is the best resource for answering your question, and it's a very short book. It covers everything far better than anyone could on here. Here's an online copy:

http://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/LCMS/smallcatechism.pdf

The statement made above about adult baptism being for believers only, is only partially correct. You will be expected to confess belief in the Apostles Creed, but *please* don't let some lingering doubts stand in the way of being baptized if that's what you want.

Baptism is what we call a sacrament, which means that it actually achieves what it symbolizes. When you are baptized, God attaches the miracle of spiritual rebirth to your baptism. It is in this rebirth that God gives you the faith to believe. You may not feel a radical, instant change (though some people do), but at that moment God begins a new work in you, a lifelong process of becoming more like Him.

So it's okay to be baptized even when you have doubts, as long as you desire baptism for the remission of sin, and intend to live as a Christian. Luther's Small Catechism explains briefly what living as a Christian means. It would be best if you're generally comfortable with what it says.


Here's a summary of the process of salvation in Lutheran theology, for adults. For children born in Lutheran families, sacrament comes first.

1. Law: You learn what sin is, and are convinced of your guilt and need for forgiveness and rebirth.

2. Gospel: You learn about Christ's work on the cross, and this gives you hope.

3. Sacrament: You are baptized, and God attaches the miracle of rebirth to your baptism.

Answer 3

Baptism - an outward sign of an inward change. It is the Holy Spirit and the grace of God coming into us, and causing us to be reborn as children of God. We are baptized "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." There is really nothing that we do... it is strictly a gift from God, resulting from our faith and our desire to be His.

Lutherans follow the premise of Sola Fide, Sola Gratia, Sola Scriptura. It is only through faith that we are saved by God's grace. And scripture is divine inspiration written down by men and is the source of our beliefs.

In regards to communion, we believe that the bread and the wine are also the true body and blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bread and wine are not replaced but are together with the body and blood. It is not merely a symobol.

I would suggest getting hold of Luther's Small Cathechism and do some reading. And talk with the pastor of the church. He should be more than happy to sit down with you and discuss all of this with you.

As for getting involved, that is your call. You could just show up for divine service every Sunday if you want. Or you could attend Bible studies, ladies groups, moms group, whatever you are called to do! Some spend their whole lives just going to service. Others end up with their lives revolving around the congregation. And others find a place somewhere in between.

Whatever you do, never be afraid to ask questions and want things clarified and explained. Lutherans go to church with their minds turned on... We tend to question a lot... even those of us raised in the faith!

Answer 4

You have received many good answers. Usafbrat, Anonomouslutheran and Pastor Curtis in particular.

As a Christian first, and a Lutheran second, I must agree with your husband and mother in law; you should be baptized. With eternal salvation and the forgiveness of sins that Scripture (God) promises that we receive in Baptism any one with faith should run to receive it. Christ instituted it for us as a means of receiving Gods Grace, how can we turn down such a gift.

Also when your child is born, have your child baptized as soon as you can. Christ promises the gifts of baptism are for all, not just adults.

Talk to your husbands Pastor, or take Pastor Curtis' offer and email him. I can't speak for these two Pastors, but in my experience I have yet to find a Lutheran Pastor that bites (met a few that bark loud though).

May God bless you, and help you make the right choice.

Mark

Answer 5

I'm Lutheran. Lutherans are Christians. The Lutheran emphasis is more on theology (study of the nature of God) rather than emotion - not that emotions are bad.

Baptism for adults is only for believers in Christ and the baptism is in the name of Christ, not the name of Lutheranism so you are not baptized as a Lutheran but as a Christian. Don't get baptized unless you believe in God, in Christ and in the Holy Spirit.

God created us to love each other and to love Him but we have to choose to love so God also gave us free will. (Love without a choice is not love at all)

We are greatly drawn to a God who created us and loves us but at the same time we are repelled by that same God who is an authority over us and would rule our lives. It is the human dilemma, turn to God in love and accept His authority as our Father or reject God and run our own lives. It is often in a crises when we have run our own life and have failed miserably that we turn to God and He is always willing to take us back.

The following links are a good (I hope) introduction to Christianity:

http://www.interviewwithgod.com/theoriginal.htm
http://www.interviewwithgod.com/newmovie.htm
http://www.interviewwithgod.com/specialmovie.htm

Email me if you would like more explanations.