Lutheranism is a movement within the universal Christian Church. The name Lutheranism is derived from the founder of the movement named Martin Luther. Some hallmarks of the Lutheran tradition are:
- Emphasis on the Bible alone as the source of teaching for the Christian life and faith.
- We are justified (put into a loving / life-giving relationship with God) by our faith / trust in Jesus Christ alone and not by anything we do to earn it.
- God is loving, merciful, compassionate, just, and always seeks us out when we go astray.
- God is active in our world through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Worship includes both Word (readings from holy scripture) and Sacrament (Holy Communion and / or Holy Baptism).
- There are two Sacraments of the Church Holy Baptism & Holy Communion. These sacraments are gifts from God which give us the benefits they promise.
- Grace as our unearned love and favor given to us as a gift through Jesus Christ.
