Difference Between Lutheran and Methodist

Christianity is one of the oldest religions in the world. Even though it started in Jerusalem, but it found its strongest foothold in the European continent. Through this continent, this religion has multiplied over the world. Over the year, Christianity divided into different branches. Catholic and Protestantism are two main branches of Christianity. However, Protestantism also divided into different branches. Lutheran and Methodist are two main branches of Protestantism.

On the surface, both of these sects look the same and they both love and cherish Christ. For this reason, many people think they are in the same group of people. However, the reality is quite the opposite.                      

Lutheran vs Methodist

The main difference between Lutheran and Methodist is that Lutherans are the followers of one of the largest branches of Christianity that follow Protestantism which started in Germany in 1512 and they pursue 16th-century German religious reformer Martin Luther’s teachings, while Methodist is a brunch of Christianity that follow Protestantism and they follow the doctrine and teachings of John Wesley which started in the United Kingdom in 1932.

 

Comparison Table Between Lutheran and Methodist (in Tabular Form)

Parameters of Comparison	Lutheran	Methodist
What is it	Lutherans are the followers of one of the largest branches of Christianity that follow Protestantism and they pursue 16th-century German religious reformer Martin Luther’s teachings.	Methodist is a brunch of Christianity that follow Protestantism and they follow the doctrine and teachings of John Wesley.
Leader	Martin Luther	John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield
Started	1512, In Germany.	1932, in the United Kingdom
Follower	Over 74 million people	Over 40 million people
Holy book	Bible and other holy texts	Only Bible
Important rituals	Confession, Baptism, Eucharist, Lutheran hymn, etc.	Holy Communion and Holy Baptism

 

Who is Lutheran?

Lutherans are the followers of one of the largest branches of Christianity that follow Protestantism and they pursue 16th-century German religious reformer Martin Luther’s teachings. The term Lutheran derives from Martin Luther and this term appeared in 1519 by the opponent of Martin Luther.

Lutheranism started in the year 1512 when the edicts of the Diet officially banned Martin Luther for propagating his idea. Currently, after the Baptist churches, Lutheranism is considered one of the second largest segments of Protestant believers. According to an estimate, around 74 million people follow Lutheran churches. In a few countries, Lutheranism is considered as a state religion. These countries are Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Denmark.

Lutherans believe that besides Jesus Christ no one can become holy in this world. A person can only get holiness once he reaches heaven with regular rituals. Lutherans believe in two natures of Christ. They believe he was the only holy person in the world and represented human and god at the same time.

Along with Bible Lutherans also accept several other authoritative religious texts. For Lutherans, important rituals are Confession, Baptism, Eucharist, Lutheran hymn, etc. The Lutheran church emphasizes more on the long-lasting ceremonies, where the regular congregation is a part of rituals.

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Who is Methodist?

Methodist is a brunch of Christianity that follow Protestantism and they follow the doctrine and teachings of John Wesley. In the United Kingdom, the Methodism movement started 1932. Early leaders of Methodist movements were George Whitefield, John Wesley and his brother Charles Wesley. According to an estimate, there are over 40 million people around the world consider them self as Methodist.

The Methodist church gives rituals and regular congregations less importance. Instead, they believe more in doing good work to make God happy. According to belief, virtuous acts and good deeds opens the door of heaven for everyone. They proclaim that Christ is present around us and God overlooks all the activities.

Methodist only considers the Bible as their holy book and they do not accept the authority of other religious texts. For a Methodist, important rituals are Holy Communion and Holy Baptism. Even though other rituals are also performed like Ordination, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Funerals, etc but they are not considered sacraments.

All Methodist churches are part of the international World Methodist Council. Instead of following universal juridical authority, it is more like independent denominations of every church.

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Main Differences Between Lutheran and Methodist

Lutherans are the followers of one of the largest branches of Christianity that follow Protestantism and they pursue 16th-century German religious reformer Martin Luther’s teachings. On the other hand, Methodist is a brunch of Christianity that follows Protestantism and they follow the doctrine and teachings of John Wesley.

The leader of the Lutheran movement was Martin Luther; while the leaders of the Methodist movement were John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and George Whitefield.

The foundation of Lutheranism was started in Germany, in the year 1512. However, the foundation of the Methodist branch of Christianity started in the United Kingdom in the year 1932.

Currently, over 74 million people follow the Lutheran branch of Christianity. But only 40 millions of people follow the Methodist branch of Christianity.

In the Lutheran sect of believes Bible and other Christian text has the religious authority and considered as holy books. However, the Methodist believes that the Bible is the only holy book.

For a Lutheran follower, important rituals are Confession, Baptism, Eucharist, Lutheran hymn, etc. On the other hand, for a Methodist believer, there are only two important rituals. These are Holy Communion and Holy Baptism.

 

Conclusion

Today, Christianity is one of the biggest religions in the world. It has over billion of followers. Even though this religion segmented in different branches, but all of these people live with each other in harmony.

The Lutheran sect believes that ritual ceremonies are the right way to find peace and it makes them prepare for heaven. These people emphasize more on the regular congregation and confess ceremony. On the other hand, Methodist sect emphasizes less on rituals and they believe that the virtuous acts and good deeds open the door of heaven for everyone. They proclaim that Christ is present around us and God overlooks all the activities.

References

https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1999-08299-005

https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1G1-86876531/the-lutheran-roman-catholic-agreement-on-justification

Last update on 2022-06-13 / Amazon Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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