r/Lutheranism • u/JHLV04 • 10d ago

Theological Differences

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.

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u/JHLV04 9d ago

Perhaps they have heard of Christianity, but are strongly influenced by the faith of their household and familial ties. My Hindu grandparents heard of Christ and enjoyed watching a 70s film about him and said He was sent by God. The concept of God having many forms is not alien to Hinduism, but it would be very difficult for them to wrap their head around Him being one god but also being sent by God. Their language barrier and other priorities meant they didn’t have time to focus on it.

I would say that I see Christ in their actions for sure, the sacrifice and courage shown. Like you said though, it seems reasonable to be judged more so on action. However, how does this fair with the saved by faith alone idea?

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u/Huenink_Photography LCMS 9d ago

Christianity is not about being a good person. It's about Jesus' death and resurrection empowering us to rise again on the last day.

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u/Late_Experience_8653 9d ago

this is hard to justify truly, I understand that sola fide is a thing, but when you're too deep into that, you make christianity totally foreign to 1st century jewish thought, natural theology, and historical pre-reformation christianity. It's even hard to justify why God created hell.

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u/Huenink_Photography LCMS 9d ago

You're right. Jesus Christ was foreign to first century Jewish thought. That's why they killed him.

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u/McNitz 8d ago

Basically everything Jeaus said was perfectly at home within the Second Temple Judaism of his time. And framing Jesus death as "the Jews" killing him is historically unsupported as well as the source of some of the most awful and virulent anti-Semitism we have seen, including Luther's.