What is the difference between Lutheran and Catholic religions?

Answer 1

"What separates us as believers in Christ is much less than what unites us." (Pope John XXIII)

Almost all important doctrine is completely agreed upon between Catholic Christians and other Christians.

Here is the joint declaration of justification by Catholics (1999), Lutherans (1999), and Methodists (2006):

By grace alone, in faith in Christ's saving work and not because of any merit on our part, we are accepted by God and receive the Holy Spirit, who renews our hearts while equipping us and calling us to good works.

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_31101999_cath-luth-joint-declaration_en.html

There are many minor doctrine issues and some major cultural traditional differences which, I believe, do not matter that much.

A Catholic worships and follows Christ in the tradition of Catholicism which, among other things, recognizes that Christ made Peter the leader of His new Church and Pope Benedict XVI is Peter's direct successor.

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

To answer this question comprehensively we also have to ask the question, what's the difference between ELCA "Lutherans" & authentic Lutherans? "imacatholic" cites that there is a joint statement between Rome & the Lutheran church. This is true only in the sense that some who call themselves "Lutheran" have compromised with the RCC ( http://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/LCMS/wa_elca-lcms.pdf). The Lutheran church is sadly divided & those who have compromised with the Roman Catholic church are no longer authentic Lutherans (this according to the Lutheran Confessions themselves, so it's not just my opinion).

Although the LCMS desires to keep an honest dialogue with the RCC in hopes that true unity may someday become a reality, it will not compromise God's Word for the purpose of manufactured unity.

Here's a link to a FAQ about this topic that may be of help to you: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=2968

If you really want to do some reading about it, the Lutheran Confessions (" a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God") have stood unchanged for about 500 years. You can find the online version here: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=522.

Here are some shorter summary statements if the Confessions prove to be too much for the time being: http://www.lcms.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=523

Happy reading!

Answer 3

The biggest difference between the two is about what happens when a person sins after baptism.

Catholics believe that when a baptized person sins, the damage must be repaired through good works (penance), and that at the time of death, if this repair is undone or incomplete, a painful time of healing (Purgatory) is necessary before the person can enter God's presence.

Lutherans believe that since those who are baptized are clothed with Christ's righteousness, entry into God's presence is immediate regardless of what reparation or healing might be necessary--hence, we do not believe in Purgatory; and while we might consider penance beneficial, it is not part of the path to salvation, per se.

Most other differences are consequences of this one difference. For example, since we do not believe in a distinct position of "saint" as being separate from the position of every Christian, we believe that prayers to saints are not of special benefit, and we reject to the practice because of the abuse it has historically encouraged.

Lutherans do not practice marian devotion, though we hold Mary in far higher regard than do most other Protestants. Most Lutherans have no problem with giving Mary exalted titles such as "Mother of God," but we believe that Catholics have seriously overplayed her role in our salvation.

Lutherans do not believe in the supremacy of the Pope. This we share in common with the Eastern Orthodox churches; so while Lutherans consider it one of the most important differences, I suspect Catholics would rank it somewhat lower.

Answer 4

Martin Luther did not wish to divide the Church, rather to reform some of the errors and abuses that, over time became accepted doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church.

The division of the Church did not occur with the nailing of the 95 thesis' to the Church door in Whittenberg, nor at the presentation of the Augsburg Confession (although this really got the ball going). The separation was a result of the Pope Excommunicating Luther, and the subsequent Excommunication of the rest of us as a result of the Council of Trent.

Some of these abuses were/are: The selling of indulgences (forgiveness of sins) for money, The sacrificial nature of the Roman Mass, the infallibility of the Pope, man co-operating in his salvation through works, and a bunch more.

The one and only authority for doctrine in Confessional Lutheranism is Scripture. In the Roman Church it is Scripture, the Church Fathers, tradition, and the Pope.

Lutherans believe that Salvation comes through faith alone, not by faith and works as Rome teaches.

Lutherans believe that this "faith" in Christ that saves us is a gift of Grace alone, given by God through his Holy Spirit.

These are the three "Solas"; Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, and Sola Gracia.

Outwardly, both Churches appear similar. The celebrants wear similar vestments, the liturgy of the Mass IS the historic liturgy of the western Church. Both Churches have altars, similar art, both can have statues and stained glass, and both Churches confess their faith in the three Ecumenical Creeds. But again the main difference is in a Lutheran Service anything non-Biblical has been removed.

Mark

Addendum:

The first quote that Imacatholic cites was directed at Confessional Lutherans and only Lutherans, in the year commemoration the 500th birthday of Martin Luther.

The truth about the "Joint Statement" is that both the Roman Catholic Church, and the non Confessional Lutherans have both since done some back pedaling regarding this.

Sakurachan makes references to the "Lutheran Confessions". I would like to draw your attention to the "Augsburg Confession" and the "Apology". These show what the two Churches share, and also what still divides us.

She also makes reference to "authentic" Lutherans (the same as confessional). The joint statement was indeed made by non-Confessional Lutherans Only, and the RC Church.

To give you an idea of how much these non-Confessionals have in common with Rome these are some of the things that they teach and practice:

Open Communion; Ordination of women; Ordination and acceptance of homosexual Clergy; blessing of same-sex unions; female Bishops; belief in the true presence of Christs body and blood in the sacrament is optional, as is the acceptance of the Old Testament as divinely inspired word of God; an acceptance of the "pro-choice" position regarding abortion. I could go on and on and on.

Confessional Lutheran Synods ARE in agreement with the RC Church on ALL of the above issues and doctrines.

Sorry for the rant.

Mark

Answer 5

The Luthern church exchange into the 1st church to interrupt from the Catholics in what's asserted as the Protestant Reformation. that's called for Martin Luther, whose teachings began the Reformation. Lutherns are (as pronounced) Protestant. they have an inclination to us varied rituals and readings that are equivalent to the Catholic church (no Latin). yet they place much less importance on the Eucharist (Communion). this is not served at each and every provider. they don't have faith that it bodily will become the physique and blood of Christ. they don't renowned the Pope because of the fact the Vicar of Christ or the top of the church. they suspect in what's asserted as "the priesthood of all believers", that's each and every man or woman can bypass directly to God of forgiveness of sin. there is not any "confessions". they don't have faith in praying to (or via) Mary and the saints. Priest are allowed to marry and function families. There at the instant are not any "nuns" or "clergymen" interior the Luthern faith. previous that, they suspect interior the diety of Jesus, the Trinity, salvation by making use of faith, the dying and ressurection of Jesus, and that the Bible incorporates the be attentive to God. each and every Luthern church will variety in accordance to the pastor who leads the church. So possibly the best element to do may well be to take a seat down with the Luthern pastor and communicate over with him. Ask correct to the subject concerns that difficulty you, and learn what he believes and teaches. that's the only thank you to truly comprehend in case you would be delicate in that church. i visit assert that in case you make sure to bypass the pass from Catholic to Protestant, the Luthern church is possibly between the best to do it in. they have an inclination to be greater like the Catholic interior the variety of their centers then maximum different Protestant church. possibly because of the fact their "founder" have been a Catholic priest for some years.

Answer 6

Lutheran Church is a German sect that is a direct off-shoot from Catholicism. It was founded by Martin Luther, a German monk, who had some big problems with the church, including how some people seemed to expect being forgiven their sins by paying penance.

He broke away from the church when he nailed his edict to the cathedral door and founded his own movement.

I was Lutheran when I was young, until I was about 12 years old, and I dont remember all that I was taught. But I went to Worms when in Germany, to visit the place where martin luther founded his church

Answer 7

Not a lot, Episcopalians as well. They do not recognise the Pope as "speaker" for God. Me? I think maybe so.

Answer 8

same fairy tale, different author.