Lutheran vs. Nazarene

Attribute	Lutheran	Nazarene
Founder	Martin Luther	Phineas F. Bresee
Year Founded	16th century	19th century
Beliefs	Justification by faith alone, sacraments, liturgy	Entire sanctification, holiness, evangelism
Structure	Episcopal, Synodical, Congregational	Connectional, Districts, Local Churches
Membership	Approximately 70 million	Approximately 2.5 million

Beliefs

Lutherans and Nazarenes are both Protestant Christian denominations, but they have some key differences in their beliefs. Lutherans adhere to the teachings of Martin Luther, the German theologian who sparked the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. They believe in the doctrine of justification by faith alone, the authority of scripture, and the sacraments of baptism and communion. Nazarenes, on the other hand, are part of the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition and emphasize the importance of holiness and sanctification. They believe in the doctrine of entire sanctification, which teaches that believers can experience a second work of grace that cleanses them from sin.

Worship Practices

When it comes to worship practices, Lutherans and Nazarenes have some differences as well. Lutherans typically have a more formal and liturgical style of worship, with a focus on traditional hymns, liturgical readings, and sacraments. They often follow a set order of worship that includes confession and absolution, scripture readings, prayers, and the Eucharist. Nazarenes, on the other hand, tend to have a more contemporary and informal style of worship. They may incorporate modern worship songs, testimonies, and spontaneous prayers into their services. Nazarene churches also place a strong emphasis on the importance of personal holiness and living a life that reflects Christ.

Church Structure

Another area where Lutherans and Nazarenes differ is in their church structure. Lutherans are typically part of a hierarchical system that includes bishops, synods, and national church bodies. They may be part of larger denominations such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America or the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Nazarenes, on the other hand, have a more congregational polity, meaning that individual churches have more autonomy and decision-making power. They are part of the Church of the Nazarene, which is a global denomination with a strong emphasis on missions and evangelism.

Social Issues

When it comes to social issues, Lutherans and Nazarenes may have differing views on certain topics. Lutherans tend to be more liberal on issues such as LGBTQ rights, women's ordination, and social justice. Many Lutheran churches are welcoming and affirming of LGBTQ individuals and support the ordination of women. Nazarenes, on the other hand, tend to hold more conservative views on these issues. They believe in a traditional view of marriage and may not support the ordination of women as pastors. However, both denominations are committed to serving their communities and helping those in need through various social ministries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Lutherans and Nazarenes are both Protestant Christian denominations, they have distinct differences in their beliefs, worship practices, church structure, and views on social issues. Lutherans emphasize the teachings of Martin Luther and the importance of justification by faith alone, while Nazarenes focus on holiness and sanctification. Lutherans have a more formal style of worship and a hierarchical church structure, while Nazarenes have a more contemporary style of worship and a congregational polity. Despite these differences, both denominations are united in their commitment to spreading the gospel and serving others in the name of Christ.