Lutherans identify with “Followers of Jesus Christ”. The point being is that Luther was not/is not infallible. We don't claim that.
And considering that this site has some who constantly claim that
1. Lutherans are not “real” Christians.
2. Lutherans worship Luther.
I can see some getting touchy about it. In fact I expect a few to arrive shortly, who will start saying that Lutherans (and all non Roman Catholics) are indeed damned.
In other words, welcome to the religion forum. Poo gets thrown here.
Why would I be offended? That is what I am - I have a duty to be obedient to Papa Benedict.
“The point being is that Luther was not/is not infallible. We don’t claim that.”
You claim the bible is inerrant and at the same time use Luther’s canon. Ergo, you are followers of Luther and his teachings.
As a Catholic, I would say that anyone, Catholic or not, who actually believes that Lutherans worship Luther is in serious need of re-education.
Most Catholics would agree that Luther was not/is not infallible although he may have a better understanding of the truth than he once had.
Most Lutherans of my acquaintance are "real Christians" in that they are followers of Jesus Christ (though not perfect followers any more than Catholics are).
I am a follower of Benedict XVI and was a follower of John Paul I and John Paul II. The real test of my faith was to be a follower of Paul VI and John XXIII. I would have easily followed the other popes of the last two centuries with whom I am familiar. I suspect likewise as to their predecessors with whom I am less familiar. I am a papist and do not regard the term as pejorative.
In any event, God bless you and yours! And may we, each in his own way, succeed in following Christ as Christ wishes to be followed.
They would be objectively committing falsehood and rash judgment. If these people are Catholics, please tell me who they are, so I can go after them hammer and tongs.
And I will, too.
I can see some getting touchy about it. In fact I expect a few to arrive shortly, who will start saying that Lutherans are indeed damned.
Red -- THIS Catholic will vehemently argue against any who say that.
I agree with Red when he says In Germany and other Baltic states, those synods are often called “Evangelical”. -- I can vouch for that, though don't know if it is a slur.
Red -- note that the term Lutheran doesn't seem to be a slur in Poland among Lutherans (not sure about other countries). This is what they call their center here in Warsaw
But the Church is called "Ewangelicko-Augsburg" -- "Evangelical Augsburg".
I, as a Catholic, strongly oppose calling our Lutheran brethren as 'followers of L' -- but, tell me, red/Mr. Lucky -- is the term "Lutheran" ok to you two?