Calvinist vs. Lutheran

Attribute	Calvinist	Lutheran
Founder	John Calvin	Martin Luther
Predestination	Believe in predestination	Believe in predestination
Sacraments	Believe in two sacraments	Believe in two sacraments
Church Governance	Presbyterian system	Episcopal system
View on Eucharist	Symbolic	Real presence

Beliefs

Calvinists and Lutherans are two major branches of Protestant Christianity with distinct beliefs. Calvinists adhere to the teachings of John Calvin, emphasizing the sovereignty of God, predestination, and the total depravity of humanity. They believe in the concept of "double predestination," which means that God has already determined who will be saved and who will be damned. On the other hand, Lutherans follow the teachings of Martin Luther, focusing on the doctrine of justification by faith alone. They reject the idea of double predestination and believe that salvation is available to all who have faith in Jesus Christ.

Church Structure

Calvinists and Lutherans also differ in their church structures. Calvinism is characterized by a presbyterian form of church government, where elders (presbyters) are elected to lead the congregation. These elders are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the church and ensuring that it remains faithful to Calvinist doctrine. In contrast, Lutheranism typically follows an episcopal form of church government, with bishops overseeing the regional church bodies. Bishops in the Lutheran tradition are responsible for ordaining clergy and providing spiritual leadership to the churches under their jurisdiction.

Sacraments

Another area of difference between Calvinists and Lutherans is their understanding of the sacraments. Calvinists recognize only two sacraments: baptism and the Lord's Supper (communion). They view these sacraments as symbolic acts that serve as a visible sign of God's grace. Lutherans, on the other hand, accept the sacraments of baptism, communion, confession, confirmation, marriage, and anointing of the sick. They believe that these sacraments are means of grace through which God imparts his blessings to believers.

Approach to Worship

Calvinists and Lutherans also have different approaches to worship. Calvinist worship services are typically characterized by simplicity and a focus on preaching. The sermon plays a central role in Calvinist worship, with the congregation gathering to hear the Word of God proclaimed. In contrast, Lutheran worship services often include liturgical elements such as hymns, prayers, and readings from the Bible. Lutherans place a strong emphasis on the sacraments and the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

View of Tradition

Calvinists and Lutherans have varying views on tradition and the role it plays in their faith. Calvinists tend to place a greater emphasis on the authority of Scripture and the teachings of the early church fathers. They believe that tradition should be subordinate to the Word of God and that church practices should be based on biblical principles. Lutherans, on the other hand, have a more nuanced view of tradition, recognizing the importance of the historical teachings of the church while also prioritizing the authority of Scripture.

Attitude Towards Evangelism

When it comes to evangelism, Calvinists and Lutherans approach the task of spreading the gospel in different ways. Calvinists tend to emphasize the sovereignty of God in salvation and believe that evangelism is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit. They focus on proclaiming the Word of God faithfully and trust in God to bring about the conversion of souls. Lutherans, on the other hand, place a greater emphasis on the role of human agency in evangelism. They believe that Christians are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others and actively engage in outreach efforts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Calvinists and Lutherans have distinct beliefs, church structures, views on sacraments, approaches to worship, attitudes towards tradition, and evangelism. While both traditions are rooted in the Protestant Reformation and share a commitment to the authority of Scripture, they differ in their interpretations of key theological doctrines and practices. Understanding these differences can help foster dialogue and mutual respect between Calvinists and Lutherans, as they seek to live out their faith in a diverse and ever-changing world.