Luther, Lutheran Churches, and Mission Engelsk Artikel

Abstract

This paper deals with the Lutheran understanding of Mission, especially from a historical perspective. Three important aspects are given. First (and lastly), I try to identify Luther´s personal position on what we today call Mission. We also touch upon some different positions on Mission, which over the centuries have been taken by Lutheran Churches and theologians. I also try to explain why the Lutherans were so late in starting a mission ministry, especially in comparison with Roman Catholics and Anglicans. It seems that this delay had both practical and theological reasons – and it was, at least partly, influenced by a misinterpretation of Luther´s own position.