Catholicism vs Lutheranism: Difference and Comparison

Catholicism and Lutheranism are among the popular branches of Christianity, but is there a difference between them?

The Catholic and Lutheran churches are known to have different opinions regarding their beliefs and teachings. Their opinion also differs on how individuals achieve salvation.

However, Lutherans and Catholics both believe in the holy trinity (God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). Both Lutherans and Catholics use the Holy Bible, and they also hold gatherings in the form of Mass to worship God.

We will explore more differences and similarities between Catholicism vs Lutheranism in this article, so keep reading.

What Is Catholicism?

Catholicism refers to the morals, liturgy, theology, spirituality, and tradition of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s one of the three main branches of Christianity, with Protestantism, and Orthodox Christianity.

The term “Catholicism” generally refers to both Eastern and Western churches- churches that are in full communion with the Holy See.

According to Study.com, the definition of Catholic originally came from the Latin word “catholicus” which means “universal”.

But, the definition of “Catholic” is not generally shared by Christians around the world today. Not all Christians are Catholic and there are many faiths beyond Christianity and Catholicism.

Catholics have their own doctrine, belief and theology, which is quite different from other Christian denominations.

Catholic churches are usually large and accommodate a large congregation even at local churches. The number of Catholics around the world today is estimated to be around 1.2 billion.

With over 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide, it’s the second-largest religious group, only second to Muslims with around 1.6 billion faithful.

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What Is Lutheranism?

Lutheranism is a major branch of Christianity that came into existence during the Protestant Reformation. It’s a branch of Protestantism that identifies with the theology of Martin Luther.

Luther was a 16th-century German monk and reformer whose belief was to reform the Catholic Church’s theology and practices. Today, Lutheranism is dominant in the northern parts of Germany and all of Scandinavia.

Northern Germany and Scandinavia adopted Lutheranism as their preferred religion during the 16^th century. Lutherans are also found in North America, as many Europeans from Northern Germany and Scandinavia emigrated to the content in the late 19^th century and early 20^th centuries.

Catholicism vs Lutheranism: Differences between Catholicism and Lutheranism

Let’s explore some of the main differences between Catholicism and Lutheranism.

Authority of the Scripture

Lutherans generally that the Holy Bible holds the sole authority in the Lutheran church. This is one of the major principles that differentiates Lutheranism from Catholicism.

In contrast, Catholics believe in three main sources of authority within the church, which are magisterium, scripture, and tradition.

In this context, tradition defines the understanding and teachings passed down since the era of the apostles. Catholics generally believe that how they understand the scripture and their fate is connected to these religious traditions.

“Magisterium” refers to the teaching authority of the Catholic Church as an institution guided by high-ranking Catholic officials like cardinals, bishops, and the pope.

The Pope

The Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church, an authoritative religious figure who leads the Church. He is the head of the Roman Catholic Church and is globally recognized as the chief pastor.

The Roman Catholic Church sees the pope as a religious leader without fault. However, Lutherans would have a different opinion about the Pope. They do not believe that the Bishop of Rome has any kind of divine authority.

Lutherans generally believe that the Scripture directs Christians to achieve salvation. They believe that the Holy Bible contains the word of God, which is truth and life and that alone guarantees salvation.

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Baptism

Lutheranism vs Catholicism differ in their views regarding the sacrament of baptism.

Both Lutherans and Catholics baptize people of all ages from infancy to adulthood. Catholics however believe that baptism is the redemption for all sinners. They also view baptism as an important step towards embracing salvation and reconciling with God.

On the other hand, Lutherans view baptism as something that should be necessarily done to give infants or adults the faith they need in order to receive salvation.

Unlike Catholics, Lutherans generally see baptism less as the forgiving of one’s sin.

Salvation

Lutherans believe that one’s faith in the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ is just about enough to achieve salvation. Lutherans believe that Christ took away their sin and as long as they believe he died for their sins, they will receive salvation.

Catholics share a similarity with the Lutherans here regarding salvation. They also believe that a person’s faith in God is important to achieve salvation. Catholics also believe that a person must do good deeds to achieve salvation.

Additionally, the Roman Catholic path towards salvation is a lifelong religious process that starts with a person’s baptism. They believe that after a person is baptized, they also have to participate in each of the remaining sacraments- (Confirmation, Eucharist, anointing of the sick, Holy Orders, Matrimony, and Penance).

Catholicism also encourages doing good deeds like holding a service for the church or community.

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Catholicism vs Lutheranism: Penance/ Confessing Sins to a Priest

Catholics generally believe that a priest must intercede for a sinner seeking forgiveness. For someone who has sinned and wants to seek the face of God for forgiveness, they must confess to an ordained priest in order to restore their relationship with God.

The Roman Catholic priest here intercede for the sinners for their relationship with God to be restored.

While Catholics believe in confessing sins to ordained priests, Lutherans believe that all Christians have a direct connection to God through Christ Jesus. Lutherans do not believe in the confession of sins to a priest.

They believe that through Christ Jesus and by declaring that he is the lord and personal saviour, the sins of a man will be forgiven.

Saints

Although Lutherans remember the saints as well as believing in them, they do not pray to the saints.

Catholics sometimes do pray to the saint, but Lutherans believe that doing so will make the saints seem more benevolent than Jesus Christ.

Catholicism vs Lutheranism: Comparison Chart

	Catholicism	Lutheranism
Head of Church	Catholicism refers to the morals, liturgy, theology, spirituality, and tradition of the Roman Catholic Church.	Lutheranism is a major branch of Christianity that came into existence during the Protestant Reformation. It’s a branch of Protestantism that identifies with the theology of Martin Luther.
Head of Church	The Pope	Elected councils
Salvation	It’s achieved through faith and good deeds.	It’s achieved through faith
Traditions	Followed based on the church tradition	Followed based on the bible
Eucharist	Transubstantiation	Consubstantiation
Holy communion requirements	One must be in full communion with the Catholic church	Everyone is allowed to receive
Sacraments	Believe in seven sacrament	Believe in two sacrament

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Catholicism vs Lutheranism: Similarities between Catholicism and Lutheranism

Belief in the Holy Trinity

Catholics and Lutherans all believe in the Holy Trinity- it states that one God externally exist as three persons (God the Father, God the Son; Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit)

Lutheranism and Catholicism both affirm this belief when reciting the Nicene Creed.

Conclusion

Both Lutherans and Catholics use the Holy Bible and also hold gatherings in the form of Mass to worship God. Lutherans believe that one’s faith in the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ is just about enough to achieve salvation.

Catholics also believe that a person must do good deeds to achieve salvation. While Catholics believe in confessing sins to ordained priests, Lutherans believe that all Christians have a direct connection to God through Christ Jesus.

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References

WikiHow: Lutheranism vs Roman Catholicism: Similarities & Differences
CoreDifferences: 10 Differences between Lutheran and Catholic (With Table)
BibleReasons: Lutheranism Vs Catholicism
Study.com: Catholicism: History & Beliefs
Wikipedia: Lutheranism

Catholicism vs Lutheranism: Difference and Comparison

What Is Catholicism?

What Is Lutheranism?