What Is Protestant Christianity? Understanding the Lutheran View
In today’s religious landscape, the word Protestant gets used often—but what does it really mean? And how does it relate to Lutheran Christianity, especially within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)?
Let’s explore the roots of Protestant Christianity, and how the LCMS sees itself not just as a Protestant body, but as the historic, liturgical, traditional, catholic, orthodox Church—cleansed and clarified through the crucible of the Reformation.
The Meaning of Protestant Christianity
Protestant Christianity refers to the branch of Christianity that emerged during the 16th-century Reformation, when church reformers like Martin Luther sought to return the Church to the pure teaching of the Gospel found in Scripture.
Protestants are united by several key convictions:
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Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone as the highest authority)
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Sola Gratia (by grace alone)
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Sola Fide (through faith alone)
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Solus Christus (Christ alone)
The Lutheran Reformation, led by Martin Luther in 1517, was the spark that began this Protestant movement. However, from the LCMS perspective, being “Protestant” is not about breaking away from the Church—it’s about returning to the true Church Christ established.
The LCMS: More Than Protestant
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod embraces the term Protestant, but we understand ourselves in a richer, deeper way:
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Historic: Our teachings are grounded in the ancient apostolic faith, not a new invention. We uphold the historic Creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian).
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Liturgical: We continue the Church’s liturgical tradition, which centers on the Word and Sacraments. Our worship reflects reverence, order, and theological clarity.
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Traditional: We honor the traditions that serve the Gospel, not as empty rituals, but as treasures handed down for our edification.
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Catholic (small “c”): We are part of the universal Church across time and space. “Catholic” means “according to the whole,” and we claim this heritage.
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Orthodox: We hold fast to right doctrine, faithful to Scripture and the Confessions of the Lutheran Church.
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Protestant: We are the children of the Reformation—opposing false teaching, not for rebellion’s sake, but to preserve the truth of the Gospel.
In short, the LCMS is the Church of the Augsburg Confession—reformed, yet continuing the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
The Reformation: Cleansing, Not Starting Over
Some misunderstand the Reformation as a total rejection of the historic Church. But for Lutherans, especially in the LCMS, the Reformation was not about starting something new—it was about cleansing the Church from error and abuse, restoring it to fidelity to the Word of God.
We continue to confess the Book of Concord (1580), which includes the Augsburg Confession, Luther’s Small Catechism, and other foundational documents. These writings express our deep connection to the Church through the ages.
You can explore these confessions here on the LCMS website.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re exploring Lutheran Christianity or want to go deeper in understanding the LCMS perspective, check out these helpful resources:
Final Thoughts
So, what is Protestant Christianity? From the LCMS Lutheran perspective, it is a return to the foundation of the Gospel—a Reformation of the Church that is faithful to Scripture and the Church’s catholic and apostolic roots.
We are Protestant, yes—but we are also historic, liturgical, traditional, catholic, and orthodox. In Christ, we hold fast to the truth once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3), standing on the unshakable Word of God.
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