Lutheranism

Lutheranism is a mainstream Protestant branch of Christianity. It emerged in Germany during the Reformation of the 16th century. It is based on the teachings of German theologian Martin Luther (1486-1546) who rejected parts of the theology and organizational structure of the Roman Catholic Church. Originally a term of derision coined by enemies, esp. by Pope Leo X, its adherents came to call themselves "Lutherans." After a series of religious wars that lasted to 1648, the status of Lutheranism stabilized, dominating Scandinavia and the central and eastern parts of Germany. Today it is also well represented in Africa, Indonesia and the United States.