Lutheran vs  Catholic

Christianity saw its evolution as a Jewish sect in east Mediterranean. Christianity is considered to be a monotheistic religion – believing that there is only one god. This is based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Catholics were the early Christians to follow the teachings of Christ. The Catholic Church refers to all believers of Christ without any denominational affiliation. This believes that bishops are the highest order of ministry among Christians. According to them, Jesus made Peter guard the place on which his church would be built. Jesus will be followed by mere mortal men who would be called as Pope. As Popes were gaining authority, their  indulgences for money grew. This also led them into involvement in politics.

500 years ago, Martin Luther a German reformer’s perception on Christian theology and practices of the church helped in the evolution of Protestant Reformation. During his time Martin Luther was an exception with his Church contributions. Since the church was not following Catholic way, he took the path to advocate reforms with practices of church. This section of people which grew rapidly, were unsatisfied with the practices of Catholic Church joined the ranks of Lutherans.

Martin Luther believed and advocated that Western Church should return to what he thought, was a biblical foundation. He was advocating the Western Church reform and not to create a separate branch of Christianity. Lutheran Christianity is popularly known as Protestants.
The historic split between Catholic and Lutheran took place over the doctrine of Justification before God. According to Lutheranism, faith alone and Christ alone could save an individual. This is well contradicted by the Catholic’s belief that faith formed by love and work alone will save an individual. Lutheran theology advocates difference in theology, Christology, the purpose of God’s Law, divine grace, and predestination.

Lutherans also advocate that god’s grace will be granted only for the sake of Christ’s merit. Orthodox Lutheran theology holds that God made the world,  perfect, holy and sinless.

Lutherans believe that Jesus Christ is God by nature and as a man. They also confess in Luther’s Small Catechism that he is “true God begotten of the Father from eternity and also true man born of the Virgin Mary”. This sect of people advocates that sacraments and sacred acts are part of divine institution.

In spite of the differences in theology of Catholic Church, Lutherans continue to use pre-reformation church liturgical practices and sacramental teachings. The Protestants church teaches the doctrine of Luther and does not accept the Pope as their leader. Protestants also avoid use of the term Catholic instead of the term Christian to distinguish their own position from a Calvinist or Puritan form of Reformed-Protestantism.
Today, Lutheranism is one of the important offshoots of Western Christianity. Lutheran’s identify themselves with the teachings of Martin Luther.

Summary:
1.Lutheranism advocates that Grace and Faith alone can save an individual from his sin.
2.Roman Christians believe in faith formed by love and work could save an individual.
3.Lutherans believe that Jesus Christ is God by nature and as a man.