Lutheranism as an Influential Christian Movement

Varied histories and discussions have referred to Lutheranism as a movement. Viewing Lutheranism as a movement acknowledges that the impact of Luther and Lutheranism is broader than particular organizations that bear the name Lutheran. Beginning with Luther himself, Evangelical Lutheranism has often existed within other church organizations. The key to being Lutheran is not organization but loyalty to core Biblical and Reformation ideas. These ideas are found in Luther's writings and the Lutheran confessional documents, especially the Augsburg Confession and Luther's Small Catechism. 

In a broad sense, the label "Lutheran" has been applied to other Reformation-era figures. In England, this includes Tyndale, the early Cranmer, Thomas Cromwell, and even Queen Elizabeth I.  "Lutheran" has been applied to or claimed by many other individuals over the centuries. Often, the Caroline Divines and Old High Churchmen either were influenced directly by Lutherans or arrived at similar convictions, especially on the Sacraments. In our time, many Anglicans continue to be influenced by the Lutheran movement. Even some people who would not accept the Lutheran label are still heavily influenced by Lutheran thought.

Of course, Lutheranism as a movement within the broader Christian context (such as within Anglicanism) can have weaknesses. There have been and still are weak or inconsistent theologies, and there are practical organizational inefficiencies. Yet, there can also be strength because the Lutheran movement within universal Christianity is not inextricably linked to any one time, culture, language, or ecclesiastical organization. Human organizations rise and fall, develop and wither, but the basic understanding of the Christian Gospel rediscovered by Luther survives.

 

Epiphany is an appropriate time to reflect on a Lutheran influence in universal Christianity. Lutherans have emphasized that Epiphany highlights the Gospel mission to the peoples. And that mission involves proclaiming saving faith in Christ. So whatever our ecclesiastical affiliation, as we proclaim the biblical message of justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, we participate in the ongoing evangelical mission emphasized by Luther and his followers.