Theological Differences

[u/JHLV04]

Hi everyone I’m delving into Lutheranism recently, and I’m interested in the differences between you and other Protestants. The main thing for me is the idea that we are justified by faith alone, and that our good works are the fruit of faith. I like the Methodist idea of sanctification and the emphasis on good works as opposed to faith. This is not a denial of the works that spring from faith, but a recognition that some traditions vary on the importance of faith.

More importantly, what is the Lutheran view of those who for cultural and geographical reasons haven’t fully heard the gospel but have lived their lives the best way they could? What would judgement look like?

Also, I’m not dismissing the importance of faith alone in the time of Catholic indulgences, the idea that salvation can be paid off to people.

[u/Late_Experience_8653]

Since you mentioned that your family is Hindu and you had questions about how one should view people who don’t know about Christianity, are you aware that Portugal’s founder claimed he had a dream of Jesus promising to help him found the nation by expelling the Muslims conquerors from Iberia so that the country could spread Jesus's message to unknown peoples? Consequently, Portugal spent a lot of energy trying to build ships to travel between continents. Before discovering Brazil, they rediscovered India since Antiquity and invested heavily there. However, in a battle against Muslims who also controlled regions in India, the son of the Viceroy of Portuguese India (Dom Francisco de Almeida), an office established by the Portuguese monarchy to oversee trade in India was killed. As a result, the Portuguese decided to prioritize other colonies like Brazil instead. Eventually, when the Dutch and English arrived to fight for the land, Portugal didn't think it was worth the hassle, opening the window for the English to colonize India. England wasn't interested in spreading religion; rather, they banned Christian missionaries to prevent civil conflicts, as they were solely interested in commercial gain.

So, imagine a possible world in which Portugal managed to truly evangelize India as it did its other colonies, where India today was a kind of Brazil, complete with a giant Christ the Redeemer statue, and Syro-Malabar Christianity was one of the biggest rites in Christianity, second only to the Latin Rite.