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. 

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.

Despite some weakness, Lutheranism as a movement within the broader Christian context (such as within Anglicanism) has also shown strength. Since the Lutheran movement within universal Christianity is not inextricably linked to any one time, culture, language, or ecclesiastical organization, it has flexibility. 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.

Is Anglicanism Reformed Catholic?

In Anglican circles, one sometimes hears or reads that Anglicanism is "reformed catholic."  That is an interesting phrase, and with qualifications, most Anglicans over the centuries might accept the description. However, there have been great differences in the understanding of and application of the term "reformed catholic." So, let us think about the concept. 

For some Anglicans, reformed has meant Reformed in a "Swiss" sense.  They see a major theological influence on the English Reformation in figures such as Melanchthon, Bucer, Bullinger, and Calvin. Of course, these reformers often influenced English church history. Although the Anglican Church never officially accepted all of their ideas or practices, the English Church did have close ties with these continental Reformers for about a century.

For some other Anglicans, catholic has meant accepting medieval Thomism, Tridentine definitions, or Vatican II theology. While catholic Anglicanism has shared points with those traditions, Anglicans do not accept their formulations and practices on significant points. The most notable disagreements center around the role and authority of the Bishop of Rome. The Anglican tradition does not accept papal claims or papal theological definitions from the Middle Ages, Trent, Vatican I, or Vatican II. Their views of papal authority are not compatible with the historic tendencies of the Anglican tradition. The Bishop of Rome "hath no jurisdiction in this Realm of England" (Article XXXVII), either civilly or ecclesiastically. The same applies among all Anglicans.

A broader understanding of the term "reformed catholic" has existed among many Anglicans over five centuries. Anglicans have been "reformed catholic" in the sense of honoring both the best doctrine and practice of the ancient church and key insights of the Reformation era.  Anglicans have recognized that the Medieval and Renaissance Church needed serious reforms, while also affirming the catholic elements of their heritage, especially elements of liturgy and theology received from the Church of the early centuries.  Most Anglicans since 1559 have respected both the ancient Catholic tradition and major insights of the Reformation. Being both catholic and reformed has been a characteristic of the Anglican heritage, and it remains a distinctive description of orthodox Anglicanism.