A. A. Pastor,
President of the General Synod of the ELC

Information about the basics of faith
Evangelical Lutheran Church

The Evangelical Lutheran Church belongs to the Western branch of Christianity. Its religion and structures were formed in the 16th century. (after 1520) as a result of the Reformation, which proclaimed the need to renew Christian life on the basis of St. Scripture and especially the Gospel, which is the foundation for all Christian Churches. The name reflects the principle of following the ideas of the Reformation laid down by Martin Luther. The Lutheran religion became widespread both in Europe and in other parts of the world. Currently, the Lutheran Church is the state Church in Sweden (92% of the population), Norway (93% of the population), Denmark (95% of the population). Lutheranism is professed by the absolute majority of believers in Finland (90.6%), Estonia, and Latvia (80%). In Germany, Lutheranism is practiced by approximately 50% of Christian believers, especially in the northern lands. In the United States, among other denominations, Lutheranism ranks third in terms of the number of parishioners. There are about 75 million Lutherans in the world.
The first Lutheran communities appeared in Russia already in the 16th century. The first oldest church was built in Moscow in 1576, the second - in Nizhny Novgorod in 1593. Throughout the XVI-XVII centuries. the number of parishioners grew steadily. The sharp growth of Lutherans in Russia occurred as a result of the annexation of the Baltic territories to the Empire under Peter I, as well as Catherine II’s invitation of settler colonists to Southern Russia and the Volga region. Since then, the Evangelical Lutheran Church has been an integral part of the life of Russia - persons of the Lutheran faith have held responsible government positions (up to the position of state chancellor). The first Charter of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Russian Empire was adopted in 1832 and approved by Emperor Nicholas I. The reorganization of church structures after the October Revolution ended with the adoption of a new Charter in 1924, on the basis of which the current Charter was created.
The basis of the doctrine (as well as for the Orthodox, Catholic and other Christian denominations) is the Holy Scripture of the Old and New Testaments - the only source and firm, infallible norm of Church Teaching and activity, as well as the Nicene and Apostolic Creeds. The practical confession of religion is recorded in the "Book of Concord", which includes the unmodified Augsburg Confession of 1530, Dr. Luther's Short and Large Catechisms, the Schmalkaldic Articles and other symbolic books.
The basis of the structure of the ELC is the community. The leadership of the community is carried out by the Community Council. The spiritual leadership of the community is carried out by the preacher or pastor. Communities of a large region form a Regional Church (diocese). The highest legislative body of the Regional Church is the Synod of the Regional Church, which also determines issues of spiritual leadership of the Regional Church. The Synod of the Regional Church has the right to create priesthoods. Probates bring together communities located within small regions. The highest governing body of the Probation is the Probation Synod, which elects the Probation Council. The Provincial Synod has the right to create parishes uniting small neighboring communities. Decisions of general church significance of the Evangelical Lutheran Church are made by the regularly convened General Synod, which is the highest legislative body of the ELC and consists of representatives of all Regional Churches and parishes. The General Synod elects the Presidium of the General Synod, headed by the President, as well as the Archbishop, who exercises the spiritual leadership of the Church. The Evangelical Lutheran Church on the territory of Russia is formed by the Regional Church of European Russia and the Regional Church of the Urals, Siberia and the Far East. In addition, the Evangelical Lutheran Church includes the Regional Evangelical Lutheran Churches of Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, as well as the Evangelical Lutheran communities of Georgia, Belarus, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. The governing and executive bodies of the ELC, headed by the Archbishop, are located in St. Petersburg.
The training of preachers and pastors is carried out by the Theological Seminary and special courses.
Regular worship services are the basis of the spiritual life of communities. The liturgical service includes prayers, reading St. Scriptures, preaching and celebration of St. Sacraments The practical life of communities, and the entire Church as a whole, includes diaconal work, i.e. providing assistance to people in difficult circumstances.
Marriage and family at ELC is a respected institution. “...the married life of believers is holy because it is sanctified by the Word of God... For Christ calls marriage a Divine Union...” (Apology of the Augsburg Confession, article 23) “...God honors and exalts this state (married life) , in view of the fact that by His commandment He sanctions and protects it... Thus, He wants us too to honor it, support and realize it in life, as a divine and blessed state. Because, first, He instituted this before all else, and thus created man and woman as separate persons, not for a life of debauchery, but so that they might live together lawfully, be fruitful, have children, raise and educate them to the glory of God" (Large Catechism). Divorce is allowed, but not approved.
ELC considers medicine and its services as a gift from God and does not know any restrictions in the use of medical institutions.
Members and ministers of the ELC recognize themselves as citizens of their country and respect its laws. “In relation to secular affairs, our churches teach that lawful government decrees are good works of God, and that Christians can rightfully perform public office, be judges, serve as soldiers, enter into legal transactions, own property... They also condemn those who connects Evangelical perfection not with the fear of God and not with faith, but with the renunciation of worldly affairs..." (Augsburg Confession, article 16) "... one should also say about obedience to secular authority... because God gives and saves through them, like through our parents, we receive food, a home and yard, protection and safety. Therefore... we, too, must honor them and rank them highly... Whoever is obedient, diligent and helpful in this, and willingly does everything that relates to showing honor, knows that he pleases God...” (Large Catechism, interpretation 4th commandment) The history of Russia shows that Lutherans have always been a reliable support of the state.

Lutheranism(on behalf of the founder Martin Luther) - Christian Protestant doctrine, which arose in 16th century as a result reform movement in Germany. Basic principles beliefs were formed during struggle Lutheranism with abuse common in the Roman Catholic Church, as well as with others more radical Protestant teachings such as Anabaptism, Calvinism, etc.

Martin Luther(1483-1546) was born in Saxony, in the city of Eisleben. Although the Luther family was poor, Martin was able to get a good education, graduating from the University of Erfurt. Refusing teaching work, M. Luther accepts monastic tonsure and it becomes Catholic priest. Usually the founding moment of Lutheranism is associated with October 31, 1517 when Luther spoke openly with criticism of the Roman Catholic Church, nailing a board with 95 theses to the door of his church in Wittenberg. But the term “Lutherans” first appeared only in 1520, and it was used by opponents of the doctrine exclusively in in a pejorative sense. During the Counter-Reformation Lutherans, like other Protestants, were subject to severe persecution by the Roman Catholic Church.

All provisions Lutheran doctrine set forth in Book of Concord. Its quintessence is 5 principles, formulated in the form of short Latin slogans:

• Sola Gratia - "Only mercy": people cannot earn eternal life with God by any of their deeds, this gift can only be received by them in the form of God's mercy expressed through Jesus Christ;
• Sola Fide - "Only Faith": atonement for sins can be obtained only through faith in the Gospel of Christ, but a person has free will - to accept this faith or reject it;
• Sola Scriptura - “Only Holy Scripture”: Only the Bible is revered as an accurate and infallible expression of the divine will, and all subsequent religious texts (Sacred traditions, writings of theologians, etc.) can be accepted only to the extent that they are consistent with Scripture. This also applies to the writings of M. Luther himself, who is respected, but does not make a cult out of him;
• Solo Christo - “Only in Christ”: salvation can only be obtained through Jesus Christ, who in one Hypostasis united the divine and human principles;
• Soli Deo Gloria! - “Glory to God alone!”: Lutherans worship only God, although they respect the memory of the Virgin Mary and other saints.

Lutherans only recognize 2 sacraments: baptism, by which people become Christians, and participles, through which faith is strengthened. Wherein priests in the Lutheran community are perceived exclusively like preachers, nothing not elevated above the laity.

Unlike Catholics and Calvinists, Lutherans carry out clear boundary between spheres of action Gospel and worldly laws. The first relates to the church, and the second to the state. Law seen as God's Wrath, Gospel same - how God's mercy.

Lutheran worship services are characterized choral performance hymns (sometimes the number of choir members reaches several thousand), as well as the use organ music, in particular many works Johann Sebastian Bach, written especially for Lutheran congregations.

Among the others famous Lutherans, who contributed great contribution to art and science, it can be noted V.I. Dalya (Russian writer and lexicographer), I.V. Goethe (German poet, naturalist), G.R. Hertz (German physicist), F.F. Bellingshausen (Russian navigator), I. Kepler (German astronomer) and many others.

Currently in the world there are about 85 million Lutherans. After the emergence of Luther's teachings in Germany spread throughout Europe— Austria, Hungary, France, the Netherlands, Scandinavian and Baltic regions, later penetrated to North America. As predominant religion Lutheranism now exists in northern Germany, Scandinavia, Finland and the Baltic states. On Russian territory Lutheranism became widespread in the 16th century, thanks to to German settlers. Wherein there is no one world Lutheran church— there are several fairly large church associations and a number of independent denominations, which are divided into two groups:

• Liberals, most of whom perceive Lutheranism as good tradition, while extremely rarely attend religious services; this direction of Lutheranism recognizes women priests(the world's first female bishop was Lutheran Maria Yepsen) and same-sex marriage;
• Confessional Lutherans- more to conservative, oppose the ordination of women and the blessing of marriages between sexual minorities.

Lutherans made significant contributions to development of art. In particular, great attention has always been paid architectural beauty of churches(Kirch), made in Baroque, classical and modern styles. At the same time, the doctrine does not impose any requirements on the aesthetic design of church buildings, which provides architects wide freedom for creative expression. Along with painting of buildings, Lutherans paid attention portrait painting: the appearance of many figures of the Reformation was immortalized by such famous artists as Albrecht Durer and Lucas Cranach the Elder.

Lutheranism played key role in reform Christian Church, becoming the first Protestant doctrine, who spoke openly against abuse the Catholic Church, giving way to the spread humanistic values in northern Europe.

one of the directions of Protestantism, named after the founder of the Protestant movement, Martin Luther. Most widespread received in Germany, later Scandinavia, the Baltic states, and the USA.

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LUTHERANISM

one of the main direction of Protestantism, which arose during the Reformation of the 16th century. in Germany based on the teachings of M. Luther. Like other Protestant religions, L. denies papal power , and unity. recognizes the “Holy Scripture” - the Bible - as the authority and source of faith. Symbolic books of L.: Augsburg Confession (1530) and its “Apology”, compiled by F. Melanchthon, Luther’s Large and Small Catechisms (1529), Schmalkalden Articles (1537, compiled by Luther), Formula of Concord (in 1580 all symbolic books of L. were combined into the Book of Concord). Basic the difference between Catholicism and Catholicism in doctrine is the Protestant thesis about “justification by faith alone,” bestowed upon man directly by God, without the decisive intervention of the church; All that is required of a person is humility before the grace of God that “saves” him, hence the shift in L. attention from rituals to preaching, which is different from the Catholic one. The church understands the role of the clergy (the priest-pastor is considered not as a “mediator” between God and believers, but only as an “interpreter” of the “Holy Scripture”, helping the believer turn religiosity into “inner conviction”). Denying the Catholic cult and church organization that only clearly contradicted the “Holy Scripture” (complex church hierarchy, monasticism, cult of saints, veneration of icons, etc.), L., much less decisively than Zwinglianism and Calvinism, broke with Catholicism, retaining a number of provisions close to Catholicism (interpretation two sacraments preserved by Protestantism - baptism and communion, approaching the Catholic one, certain elements of ritual, etc.). The compromising nature of L. was a reflection of the fact that it arose as a silent religion. burghers and finally took shape in the conditions of the defeat of the people. movement (Cross War of 1524-25) and capitulation of the Germans. burghers before the princes. This found clear expression in the direct subordination of the Lutheran churches to the secular authorities (German princes) - the secular sovereign became the head of the Lutheran church. Latvia was recognized as an official religion (along with Catholicism) in Germany by the Peace of Augsburg in 1555 (which was confirmed by the Peace of Westphalia in 1648). L. was used in the 16th and 17th centuries. German princes to strengthen their power and carry out secularization; The stronghold of orthodox Latvia became the states of Saxony, Hesse-Darmstadt, and Württemberg. In the 30-40s. 16th century L. also spread to Scand. countries where it became a tool to strengthen queens. power and where the state still remains. religion. The Lutheran Church does not form a single church. organization, like a Catholic one, but splits into many departments. churches. The organization of Lutheran churches, dogmatism, etc., underwent changes in the course of history. development means. changes. L.'s history is full of struggle with the people. movements (Anabaptists), Protestant sects, as well as the struggle between different directions in Leningrad itself. In the 17-18 centuries. Pietism opposed orthodox L. in the 18th and 19th centuries. - rationalism, which sought to substantiate the church. dogmas from an idealistic position. philosophy. In the beginning. 19th century the previously existing trends towards rapprochement between Latvia and the Reformed churches prevailed (while in the 16th century, a movement in Latvia close to Calvinism, the so-called crypto-Calvinism, was considered by orthodox Latvia as a kind of heresy), which led to to the creation in Prussia and certain other Germans. state-wah of the unified church (its opponents, who adhered to the letter of the “old” L., received the name Old Lutherans). In the 60s 20th century there are approx. 70 million Lutherans, most of them in Germany and the GDR (approx. 40 million), the largest Lutheran church is the United Evangelical. Lutheran Church in Germany (Vereinigte Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche Deutschlands), Sweden (approx. 7 million), Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, USA (in the USA, Lutherans, united in several independent churches, occupy the 4th largest number ( approx. 8.4 million) place after Catholics, Baptists and Methodists). In 1923, the Lutheran World Convention arose, which was reorganized in 1947 into the Lutheran World Federation (unites the majority of Lutheran churches in the world). L. penetrated into Russia in the 16th century. (was common among residents of foreign settlements); At the same time it spread widely in the Baltic states. In the USSR there are est. and Latvian Evangelical Lutheran churches, each headed by its own archbishop. At the head of each Lutheran church is a bishop elected by the believers. Department management church the provinces are carried out by a superintendent; at the head of every church. communities are pastors, invited by communities, but not replaced by them. Source: Die Bekenntnisschriften der evangelisch-lutheranischen Kirche, Bd 1-2, G?tt., 1930. Lit. see under Art. Luther.

The most important and, in fact, the only thing that God requires of us is that we honor Him as God: that we place all our trust only in Him, that we trust completely in life and death, in time and in eternity To him.

Man’s sin lies precisely in the fact that he is not capable of such things, that he thinks more about himself than about God, that his heart does not belong entirely and completely to the Lord. Sin is not individual actions, but a person’s distance from God, in a person’s turning towards himself.

In most religions, and in many Christian Churches, they teach that a person himself must, to one degree or another, become pleasing to God, must work on himself, that sin must be overcome by the inner strength of a person. Because of such calls, a person turns to himself again and again. Salvation becomes his business. He relies, at least partly, on himself. And therefore he cannot place all his trust entirely in God. Thus, the more pious and religious a person is, the more he relies on his own strength, and the further he is from God. It's a vicious circle. This is the tragedy of human sin: even if a person actually becomes better through his efforts, he still, thereby, moves away from God. And this tragedy is inevitable, because man is designed that way. Everything around us teaches us that if we want to achieve something, we need to make an effort, we need to change something in ourselves. In Lutheran teaching this is called law.

God Himself gave us a way out of this vicious circle in Jesus Christ: through His death and Resurrection, God forgave us and accepted us. Accepted without any conditions, once and for all. The story about this is called the Gospel. The Gospel completely overturns the usual worldview. If a person comprehends the Gospel, then he no longer has to do anything for his salvation. He simply understands that he is already saved. Saved without any merit. He owes his salvation only to God Himself. Man now sees his salvation and all the best and greatest not in himself, but only in God. This is faith: a look outside of yourself, a look at Christ, a refusal to save yourself - complete trust in God. A believer turns out to be righteous precisely when he refuses to achieve his righteousness and accepts that he, such as he is, righteous or unrighteous, is accepted by God. It’s as if a person rushes without looking back into the open arms of God, no longer thinking about himself. This is the righteousness of the gospel, the righteousness of faith. Righteousness based not on one's own achievements and actions, but only on God's forgiveness. A believer does not ask himself: “Have I done enough for my salvation, have I sincerely repented of my sins, do I firmly believe?” The believer thinks only about Christ, about what He did.

To believe means to understand that nothing that is inside me can become the reason for my salvation.

To believe means: in the midst of all doubts and temptations, look outside yourself - at the crucified Christ and only at Him.

This is the fulfillment of what God requires: to trust completely and completely in Him, to be focused only on Him, only in Him, and not to seek salvation in oneself. Therefore, only faith (and not works, not work on oneself) is saving. Or rather: not faith itself, but what we believe in - God, as He revealed himself to us in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Around this central statement (confession), this radical focus on Jesus Christ, the rest of the doctrine of the Lutheran Church is formed, while it retains most of the traditional dogmas of Christianity.

LUTHERAN WORSHIP

Do not seek your own merits, but, recognizing your helplessness before sin, completely trust in God - believe. Because of his sinfulness, this is very difficult for a person, almost impossible. Therefore, it is necessary to proclaim the Gospel to him again and again, turning his gaze outside himself - to the cross of Jesus Christ. Again and again a person needs to proclaim the forgiveness given to him by God. Remind again and again that he does not save himself, that his salvation is the merit of Christ alone. This is the main meaning of Lutheran worship. The entire course of worship and the entire structure of each church building is subordinated to this goal.
The story (proclamation) of salvation is carried out in different forms, first of all - in the sermon.
Therefore, in every church there is a pulpit from which the pastor or preacher reads his sermon. Preaching is the proclamation of the Gospel in a living and free form, focusing on the current situation of believers, accessible and understandable to them. Therefore, the sermon is the center of Lutheran worship.
The second center is the Sacrament of Communion (Eucharist), which is celebrated at Lutheran services regularly (in some communities every week or even more often). The altar in every church is the table for this sacred meal. For Lutherans, the Sacrament of Communion is the same Word of forgiveness, “said” in a particularly material form. By receiving bread and wine in Communion, those gathered eat the Body and Blood of Christ. This means that God’s love itself touches them in a material, tangible way, that they are in literally accept the forgiveness proclaimed by God in the death of Jesus Christ. Therefore, on the altar, as a rule, there is a crucifix illuminated by candles, reminiscent of the Savior’s death on the cross. Also on the altar lies the Bible, which is the oldest and most authoritative testimony about Christ.
The altar is open (everyone can approach it: an adult and a child, a woman and a man): Christ calls everyone to His meal; He calls everyone to hear and taste the Word of salvation. All Christians are usually invited to Communion in the Lutheran Church, regardless of their affiliation with a particular Church, if they recognize that in this Sacrament they receive the Body and Blood of Christ.
You can often see a board with numbers in a church. These are numbers of chants from special collections that are in the hands of parishioners. At each service, as a rule, several church hymns are heard. These hymns were written by Christians of different times and peoples. These are testimonies of their faith, their prayers and their confessions, to which we join today with our singing.
In the Lutheran church, during worship it is customary to sit on benches or chairs so that nothing interferes with the concentrated perception of the sermon. It is customary to rise from the pews or kneel only during prayer or at especially important and solemn moments of the liturgy.
Often after the sermon, monetary donations are collected for community or charitable purposes.

The service is usually led by an ordained pastor or preacher. However, he does not possess any special “grace”; he is no different from other believers. A pastor is an appropriately educated person who, on behalf of the Church, is officially entrusted with the public preaching of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments.

Focus on the diverse proclamation of the Gospel (the story of forgiveness and salvation that God gives to man), openness, simplicity, modesty, and at the same time careful preservation of the ancient traditions of the Christian Church - these are the main features of Lutheran worship.

ORIGINS OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH

The medieval German theologian and church leader Martin Luther (1483-1546) was one of those believers who was especially sensitive to the question of their salvation. He was taught in the monastery that only those who can sincerely and deeply repent of their sins before God will be saved. Luther invariably asked himself: “How do I know that my repentance is sincere and deep enough, how do I know if I have done enough for my salvation?” In the end, his answer was: “I don’t know if my repentance is enough, I don’t know if I’m worthy of salvation. Most likely not. But I know one thing: Christ died for me. Can I doubt the power of His Sacrifice? I will trust only in her, and not in myself.” This discovery shocked and inspired many of his contemporaries. Within the Western medieval Church, a party of his supporters is rapidly forming, who want to renew church doctrine and preaching. This is how the Reformation begins. Luther himself did not seek to separate from the existing Church and create a new one. His only goal was that in the Church, whatever its external structures, traditions and forms, the preaching of the Gospel could sound freely.

However, due to historical reasons, a split was inevitable. One of its consequences was the emergence of the Lutheran Church.
LUTHERAN CHURCH TODAY

Separate Lutheran Churches, each of which is independent, are today most widespread in Germany, Scandinavia, the Baltics and the USA. There are many Lutherans in Latin America and Africa. There are about 70 million Lutherans in the world. Most Lutheran Churches are united in the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Also, the majority of Lutheran Churches are in full communion with the Reformed (Calvinist, Presbyterian) Church and with a number of other Protestant Churches that have remained faithful to the traditional principles of the Reformation. Lutheran theologians conduct an interested and fruitful dialogue with representatives of Orthodoxy.
Many researchers associate the economic well-being and political successes of the modern West with the ethics of the Reformation, which values ​​hard work, responsibility, honesty, adherence to duty, caring for others, the ability to stand firmly on one’s own two feet, but condemns excessive luxury.
Already in the sixteenth century, Lutherans appeared in Russia. Before the October Revolution of 1917, Lutheranism was the second largest Church in the Russian Empire and numbered several million believers, mostly of German origin. The head of the Russian Lutheran Church was the emperor himself Russian Empire. During Soviet times, the Lutheran Church in Russia was almost completely destroyed. Only a few scattered communities managed to survive.
Today, a complex and labor-intensive process is taking place of the revival of the Lutheran Church in Russia and its search for new ways of preaching the Gospel in a completely new situation for it in the modern world.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church is a collection of people deeply affected by the event of the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Only in this event do they see the basis and center of their spiritual life.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church is a community of people who are aware of the depth of their guilt before God, all their sinfulness, but at the same time boldly trust in the love of God and His forgiveness.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church is a traditional Church that recognizes and accepts the basic Christian beliefs:
- about the trinity of God
- about the Divinity of Jesus Christ
- about the need for the Sacraments (Baptism and Communion).
But, at the same time, this is a Church that is constantly striving for a new understanding of ancient truths, not afraid to reflect on theological problems, pose new, sometimes “inconvenient” questions and seek its own answers to them.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church recognizes the truth of other Christian Churches that proclaim Jesus Christ, is open to dialogue with them and is ready to learn from them.
In its teaching, worship and customs, the Evangelical Lutheran Church is guided by the forms and traditions developed over thousands of years in Western Christianity.
Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church are not fanatics, but ordinary people who do not isolate themselves exclusively in their own circle, but are ready to communicate. People who live a normal everyday life, who know how to appreciate the joys of the world around them and do not give up on them.

Lutheranism- one of the oldest Protestant movements in Christianity. The very emergence of the concept is associated with Lutheranism Protestantism, since it was the Lutherans who began to be called Protestants after their protest in Speyer. It arose as a result of the reformation movement in Germany in the 16th century, and then during the formation of the state churches of the Scandinavian countries. The basic principles of the doctrine of the Lutheran Church were formulated during the struggle of Martin Luther and his associates against the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church, on the one hand, and more radical Protestant movements, on the other (Anabaptism, Calvinism, Zwinglianism, etc.).

Naming

The term “Lutherans” was first used by Johann Eck in 1520 in his polemic against Luther and his supporters. Moreover, this definition was used in a pejorative sense. Only over time the name acquired a neutral connotation. Luther rarely used it, and it does not appear in the Book of Concord. Even at the beginning of the 17th century, the term was not generally accepted - theologian Philip Nicolai was surprised that German Protestants were called this way in Holland. This name began to be used more widely only after the end Thirty Years' War. However, the more correct terms are “evangelical Christianity” and “evangelical Christians.”

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Creed

The creed (confession) is comprehensively set out in the Book of Concord. Lutherans consider themselves to be trinitarian theists (Holy Trinity) and profess the divine-human nature of Jesus Christ, crucified on the cross, descended into hell, resurrected and ascended to heaven, in order to come again at the end of time to judge the living and the dead. An important place in the doctrine is occupied by the concept of original sin, which can be overcome solely by the action of grace (Latin: Sola Gratia), expressed in faith (Latin: Sola Fide). At the same time, while denying the role of freedom in salvation, Lutherans do not deny freedom in worldly affairs, therefore they are not supporters of predestination (God knows everything, but does not predetermine everything). They consider the Bible (lat. Sola Scriptura) to be the main and only criterion for the correctness of faith. As additional authority, Lutherans resort to the Holy Tradition of the Church Fathers and other traditional sources, not necessarily Lutheran, but emphasizing that they (like the Book of Concord) are true to the extent that they correspond to Scripture (the Bible), and are in no way self-sufficient. The same critical view is applied to the opinions of the theologians who stood at the origins of the confession, including the writings of Luther himself, towards whom Lutherans have a respectful, but without cult, attitude.

Lutherans recognize two sacraments: baptism and communion (at the same time, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession classifies confession and ordination as sacraments, art. XIII). Through baptism people become Christians. In communion they are strengthened in faith. A feature of Lutheran communion within the Western tradition is that all believers, not just priests, receive communion with the chalice. This is due to a special view of the church, where priests are only pastors (preachers), that is, just special professionals in their community, and are in no way elevated above the laity. Meanwhile, the Lutheran Church traces its succession back to apostolic times. This succession is not necessarily understood directly, as, for example, in Orthodoxy, but rather in a spiritual sense [ ] . In the strict sense, they do not have the status of a sacrament: confirmation, wedding, funeral service and ordination.

Theology

Liturgical practice

Lutherans celebrate the Liturgy, as the highest Divine service, including confession and absolution, with blessings in the sign of St. cross, traditional liturgical chants (Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus Dei).

Current state

More than 85 million people around the world consider themselves to be Lutherans. However, due to geographical, historical and dogmatic reasons Lutheranism does not represent a single church. There are several large church associations, very different from each other in dogmatic and practical issues - the Lutheran World Federation, the International Lutheran Council, the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference, and there are also a number of Lutheran denominations that are not part of any association. Formally, the largest Lutheran denomination is currently the Church of Sweden (about 6.9 million people). Lutheranism is much less homogeneous than other groups of churches that recognize apostolic succession. Actually, in Lutheranism there is also a “high-church” direction, which considers itself (and not without reason) to be reformed Catholics.

Liberal denominations

Liberals, who formally constitute the majority, consider belonging to the Evangelical Church a good tradition. Many of them do not or rarely attend religious services. Some liberal communities sometimes hold rather unusual worship services - for example, with the presence of pets (which is motivated by the commonality and value of all living beings). Most liberal denominations are united in the Lutheran World Federation. This association includes, among other things, the “old” state (or formerly state) Churches of the Old World. The liberal movement tries to include all people in the church, despite biblical texts, the literal reading of which justifies the exclusion of representatives of quite a lot of layers from the church modern society(The Church of Sweden turned out to be the most consistent in this regard). At the same time, it cannot be said that liberals constitute the majority in the WLF, however, they are the most visible and influential.

Confessional denominations

Confessional Lutherans are more conservative and do not recognize not only the female priesthood and same-sex marriage, but even intercommunion with Anglicans and Calvinists. In their polemics with liberals, they appeal to the Bible and the Book of Concord. Most denominational churches belong to the International Lutheran Council. The most conservative are united in the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference.

Discussion questions

The subject of fierce debate are such innovations of liberal Lutheran denominations as the ordination of women (the world's first female bishop was Lutheran Maria Yepsen) and the blessing of same-sex marriage, which are rejected by confessionals. Lutheran Bishop Gunnar Staalseth criticized the position of Catholics who prohibit the use of condoms.

Relationship between Lutherans and other denominations

Lutherans, like other Protestants, were persecuted by the Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation.

Spreading

Historically, Lutheranism was the predominant religion in the following countries and regions:

• Nordlands of Germany (Evangelical Church of Germany)
• Denmark (Church of the Danish People)
• Sweden (Church of Sweden)
• Norway (Church of Norway)
• Iceland (Church of Iceland)
• Faroe Islands (Faroe Folk Church)
• Finland (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland)
• Estonia (Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church)
• Latvia (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia)
• Azerbaijan (Lutheran Church in Baku)

Art

Architecture

Unlike many Protestant denominations, Lutherans attached and attach great importance to architecture, as a result, most churches are, if not architectural masterpieces, then landmarks of the settlements in which they are located. Some of the buildings passed to the Lutherans from the Catholics (though not always peacefully), then buildings were built in modern (at the time of construction) styles - Baroque, then classical. Since the end of the 19th century, the neo-Gothic style was very actively used; later, in the 20th century, a large number of churches were built in the Art Nouveau style. The doctrine itself does not impose any restrictions on the style of church buildings, therefore, if the customer has the means and desire, the architect has noticeable freedom for creativity.

Music

Lutheran liturgical meetings are characterized by choral singing of hymns (including by all those gathered, and there may be several thousand of them), as well as the active use of organ music, which can either accompany the singing of chorales or be performed separately. One of the most famous and prolific composers to write music for Lutheran congregations is Johann Sebastian Bach. In XX and XXI centuries Modern musical styles have begun to be actively used, including metal masses in Finland since 2004.

Painting

Ceiling mosaic in the Church of the Ascension in Jerusalem

Unlike Calvinists, Lutherans never rejected church painting, but it is not given the same sacred meaning as Catholics. Since religious doctrine does not attach significant importance to the decoration of churches, images in churches are often limited to the presence of an altar painting or mosaic; stained glass windows may also be found. On the other hand, if desired and possible, a complex decoration with paintings in a variety of styles can be created. For example, the Church of the Ascension in Jerusalem, the Memorial Church of Protestation in Speyer, etc. are richly decorated.

In addition to painting buildings, there is Lutheran portrait painting. Thus, the appearance of many figures of the Reformation is known from works created, including by Albrecht Durer and Lucas Cranach the Elder.

Graphic arts

This genre has developed due to the need to illustrate printed books, including the Bible. A similar trend appeared already during the Reformation, but did not stop in subsequent centuries. For example, in