Anglicans and the Lutheran Reformation

Late October is a time when many Christians think about Martin Luther and the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation in 1517. Professing Anglicans have held divergent views concerning the 16th and 17th-century reforms, but historical study shows that there are clearly Lutheran influences on the beliefs and practices of the English Christian heritage.

In the early years of the Reformation, numerous English churchmen and civic leaders were influenced by Luther's views. Lutheran views led to translations of the Bible into English and a renewed emphasis on reading Scripture. Lutheran liturgical reforms influenced Thomas Cranmer's revisions of the Anglican Daily Office, the Order for Holy Communion, the Litany, and many daily and seasonal prayers. Although reflecting a distinct British approach, the English Articles of Religion, drafted by Thomas Cranmer and revised by Matthew Parker, were influenced by the Augsburg Confession and other Lutheran confessions. Some historians have also suggested Lutheran tendencies in the personal religious practices of Elizabeth I.

Over time, direct Lutheran influence in England became weaker. Some Anglicans were heavily influenced by Reformed or Calvinist doctrine, and the English Church developed its own local tendencies of reform. Thus, as the C of E became a broad national church body, Anglican theology was not strictly Lutheran. Nevertheless, Anglicans still incorporated the Lutheran emphasis on Scripture and justification by grace through faith. From the seventeenth century to the present, many Anglicans continued to be influenced by Lutheranism. Like Lutherans, non-Puritan Anglicans focused more on continued respect for the Gospel, the ancient Creeds, and orderly liturgical and sacramental worship than on more radical reforms.

To this day,  Anglicanism remains a special case. Anglicans reject papal excesses and honor central concepts associated with the Reformation. Orthodox Anglicans place Scriptural authority first. They emphasize the importance of grace and justification by faith, and they understand sanctification as a fruit of grace and faith. Among other historical factors, Lutheran influences are ingrained in Anglican doctrine and worship. So, it is appropriate to acknowledge and appreciate the Lutheran influence on Anglicanism.