Lutheranism vs. Calvinism — What's the Difference?

The belief in salvation through faith alone without the necessity of good deeds.

A Christian denomination rooted in the teachings of John Calvin.

A movement that values the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist.

A movement emphasizing the importance of scripture and the preaching of the Word of God.

The theological doctrines and church practices based on Martin Luther's teachings.

A branch of Protestantism influential in countries like Switzerland and Scotland.

A branch of Protestantism primarily found in Germany and Scandinavia.

The theological doctrines and ecclesiastical traditions based on John Calvin's teachings.

A Christian denomination stemming from the teachings of Martin Luther.

The belief in God's absolute sovereignty and the doctrine of predestination.

Lutheranism is one of the largest branches of Protestantism that identifies with the teachings of Jesus Christ and was founded by Martin Luther, a 16th-century German reformer whose efforts to reform the theology and practice of the church launched the Protestant Reformation. The reaction of the government and church authorities to the international spread of his writings, beginning with the 95 Theses, divided Western Christianity.

Calvinism (also called the Reformed tradition or Reformed Protestantism) is a major branch of Protestantism that follows the theological tradition and forms of Christian practice set down by John Calvin and other Reformation-era theologians. It emphasises the sovereignty of God and the authority of the Bible.

Of or relating to the religious doctrines of Martin Luther, especially the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

The religious doctrines of John Calvin, emphasizing the omnipotence of God and the salvation of the elect by God's grace alone.

Of or relating to the Protestant denomination adhering to these doctrines.

The theological tenets or doctrines of John Calvin (a French theologian and reformer of the 16th century) and his followers, or of the so-called calvinistic churches.

A member of the Lutheran Church.

The theological system of John Calvin and his followers emphasizing omnipotence of God and salvation by grace alone

The doctrines taught by Luther or held by the Lutheran Church.

Teachings of Martin Luther emphasizing the cardinal doctrine of justification by faith alone

Lutheranism is a Protestant Christian denomination based on the teachings of Martin Luther.

Lutheranism primarily spread in parts of Germany and Scandinavia.

Lutheranism believes salvation is through faith alone, without the need for good deeds.

Calvinism was founded on the teachings of John Calvin.

Yes, but Lutheranism emphasizes sacraments like baptism and the Eucharist, while Calvinism emphasizes the Word of God and preaching.

"Institutes of the Christian Religion" is a foundational text for Calvinism.

Lutherans believe in God's predestination but focus on the universal possibility of salvation through Jesus.

While there are similarities, both have significant theological differences from Catholic beliefs.

Yes, Lutheranism emerged slightly earlier during the Protestant Reformation than Calvinism.

Yes, both Lutheranism and Calvinism have various denominations and traditions within them.

Calvinism is known for its doctrine of predestination and God's absolute sovereignty.

Both reject the absolute authority of the Pope, emphasizing the primacy of the scripture.

Calvinism was influential in Switzerland, Scotland, and the Netherlands.

Yes, Lutherans have their catechisms, with "Luther's Small Catechism" being a foundational one.

Yes, John Calvin and Martin Luther were contemporaries, but Calvin was younger and began his reforming work after Luther.