Readings, news reports, internet posts, and conversations often remind me of major Lutheran emphases. There is much to be said, and many long books have been written on these matters. Here is a list of seven important characteristics of Lutheranism.
1. Scriptural. Lutheran doctrine and practice are rooted in the Holy Scriptures in ways that no other Christian tradition, denomination, or movement can match. Being a student of Scripture is the key factor that led me to be Lutheran even before I was officially one.
2. Evangelical. Luther and his followers called themselves Evangelical long before the development of later movements that used the name. Evangelical means based on the Gospel or Good News of Jesus Christ. While respecting all Scripture, Lutherans attempt to stay focused on the heart of Scripture, the message of redemption for sinners through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
3. Creedal. Along with many other streams of Christianity, Lutherans affirm the three great ancient creeds, commonly called the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed. Furthermore, Lutheran teaching and practice actually incorporate these creeds in meaningful ways.
4. Sacramental. Lutheran doctrine and practice take the Biblical Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper very seriously. Lutherans believe that these two Sacraments of the Gospel are more than mere symbols. They really make divine grace available and active. In unique ways established by our Lord, God uses the ordinary materials of water, bread, and wine. By His commands, He joins the appointed materials with His Word to forgive sin, offer new life, and unite the faithful with the living Christ.
5. Confessional. Whether they wish to admit it or not, all religious groups have some documents and assumptions about what they believe and do. Lutherans are honest about this and proclaim their loyalty to the Lutheran Confessions of the 16th century, especially the Augsburg Confession and Luther's Small Catechism. The Lutheran Confessions are firmly grounded in Holy Scripture (as well as in the early church), and they provide a sound foundation for Lutheranism.
6. Catholic. Many different kinds of Christians claim to believe the catholic or universal faith and that they are part of the catholic or universal Christian Church. Lutherans have retained connections with earlier generations of believers. Lutheran doctrine and practice reflect the catholic faith, "which has been believed everywhere, always, by all" (St. Vincent of Lerins, 5th century, Commonitory, ch. 2). Lutherans reformed the church in accordance with Scripture, but did not discard sound teaching or practice that had been handed on through church history.
7. Liturgical. There has been and still is liturgical variety among Lutherans, but there is usually orderly liturgical worship. From Luther onward, Lutherans have valued the best expressions of universal Christian worship. In Christian freedom, particular usages may vary from place to place, but most Lutherans remember St. Paul's exhortation, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (I Cor. 14:40). Furthermore, despite local variations, confessional Lutheran foundations in Scripture, Creed, and Sacrament lead to some common basic expressions of liturgy.
