Lutheran Churches

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions | 1997 | 668 words | Copyright

Lutheran Churches. Those churches formed in response to Luther's teaching. Their doctrinal convictions are given expression in the Book of Concord (1580). Scripture is affirmed as the sole rule of faith, and justification by grace alone is the principal tenet.

From its beginnings in Germany Lutheranism quickly spread throughout Europe, gaining dominance in Scandinavia, Iceland, Prussia, and the Baltic Provinces, but its energies were diverted in the late 16th cent. by internal conflicts. The Lutheran Churches have produced outstanding theologians, philosophers, biblical scholars, composers, and musicians. They now have a worldwide membership of over 75 million.

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JOHN BOWKER. "Lutheran Churches." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN BOWKER. "Lutheran Churches." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-LutheranChurches.html

JOHN BOWKER. "Lutheran Churches." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-LutheranChurches.html

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