Global Lutheranism in the Contemporary World

This book explores Lutheranism and its various expressions throughout the world. This Protestant tradition has spread and developed far from its European and American heartlands to take on increasingly diverse forms. The global dispersion of Lutheranism and how it interacts with different cultures and worldviews has resulted in Lutheran pluralism in theology and church practices. Still, there are distinctive Lutheran teachings that are present in most churches going by that name. However complex the concept of world Lutheranism may be, this volume demonstrates that a wide-angle view can best be achieved through understanding national Lutheran expressions and the “lived religion” of these churches and their adherents.

The globalization of Christianity has impacted all communions, but at the same time, local and national contexts and institutions remain crucial in mediating global and transnational flows and shaping Christian identity, particularly as globalization has been challenged by nationalism and populism. The contributors employ historical and sociological research methods along with theological analysis to understand Lutheranism. The chapters consider prospects for Lutheranism and Lutheran identity in vastly different societies, reflecting the continuing growth of Lutheran churches in the global South and East.

The countries and regions examined may not comprise all of the world’s Lutherans, but they are, in most cases, the societies with the strongest Lutheran presence that will decide the future of Lutheranism. The book will be of particular interest to scholars of global Christianity and the history of Christianity.