|
Let me see if I can be fairly comprehensive. Firstly, the Reformation started because of Martin Luther, when he disagreed with Catholic indulgences - paying for absolution for sins you haven't committed yet.
Luther felt that no matter what anybody did, they could not stop sinning. According to Jesus, even thinking anger is a sin, and he tried as hard as he could to not sin, becoming an ascetic monk. Nothing worked, and lo, he decided that the answer was that God's grace saved everyone, not good deeds. Luther gives us the quote "Sin Boldly" and try not to sin, but it's okay if you do as long as you believe in God.
Lutherans have 2 sacraments, Communion and Baptism. These are the two rituals which Lutherans everywhere adhere to.
Lutherans, as the first protestant group, are the most similar to Catholics, and the one main difference is that they do not believe in absolution by a human. It is considered an "old people" religion, not very popular with young people because it is still very traditional in its worship service and viewpoints.
|