The Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche which or is commonly known as the Evangelical Lutheran Church is a Protestant Christian denomination with strong faction in Berlin, Germany. This is a blog post and my purpose in writing it is to give a brief background of this religious institution, its principles and its function in society.
A Brief History
The Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Berlin was founded during the reformation in the 16th century or at the earliest. Martin Luther who was a German theologian was one of the mains behind criticizing some practices of Roman Catholic church at that time. He was responsible for founding of Lutheranism as a separate form of Christianity. The formation of congregation and construction of Lutheran churches in Berlin started in the nineteenth century.
Beliefs and Doctrine
The Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche is synch with the teachings and doctrines of Martin Luther. Some of the core beliefs include:
- Salvation by faith: Lutherans affirms that if one has faith in Christ then he has everything that could lead to his salvation. For it is by works of the law that no human being will be justified in the sight of God.
- Bible authority: The supreme authority in all religion and spiritual affairs is the Bible. That is often referred to as the inspired word of God.
- Baptism and Communion: Concerning liturgical rites, baptism and communion are considered essential, which are received by the Lutherans. One of the emphases that is made is that baptism is as a process of grace through which people are born into Chritendom. Communion which is the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper is celebration of Christ’s death. The Lutheran church allows all people who have been baptized to receive communion, although some Lutheran churches has exclusive communion.
Role in the Community
The Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Berlin is fully participating in different social causes and charitable organization. Here are some of the key roles and activities:
Worship Services
There is almost constant worshiping in the Lutheran churches in Berlin with the services being available to the public. These services afford the believers a chance to come together, pray, sing and listen to reading from the Bible and messages from the teachings of the scripture. Most Lutheran services are in German, but other languages may also be used occasionally, for instance English.
Education and Catechism
Education is highly valued in the church and several programs are available for children as well as adult. The Sunday school classes teach Lutheranism with a view of developing the congregation’s members to confirm their faith. In addition, there will be kindergartens, schools, and adult education classes in the Church.
Charitable Initiatives
Currently many Lutheran churches in Berlin are involved in charity for helping needy persons or groups of people. Such services can include feeding the homeless, offering shelter, helping refugees, offering houses for low income earners and advising people.
Cultural Events
Moreover, the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche still stages cultural events as concerts, artistic exhibitions, and lectures from time to time. These occasions are intended to advance music, art, and debates that concern the society, talents shown by individuals within the church organization.
Conclusion
The Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Berlin as a lively Church organization that has its origin from protestant reformation. Through its teachings, beliefs and spread of that word together with its operations in the community, it remains a relevant religious organization in the city. Regardless, of ones status as a Berliner or a tourist, a walk through the Lutheran churches will give you a historical as well as current day look into this branch of the Christian faith.
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