User:Petermgrund/Lutheranism in the United States

Lutheranism is one of the major branches of Protestant Christianity and has a significant presence in the United States. Its origins in the country date back to the 17th century, and it has since become one of the largest Protestant denominations in the nation.

History


Lutheranism was introduced to the United States by immigrants from countries where it was an established religion, such as Germany, Sweden, and Norway. The first Lutheran congregations were established in New York and Pennsylvania in the 17th century by Dutch and German settlers. Later in the 19th century, further waves of immigration from Scandinavia and Germany helped to solidify and expand the Lutheran presence in the U.S.

Over time, these immigrants established their own synods, often organized along ethnic and linguistic lines. Gradually, these synods merged, culminating in the formation of the two largest Lutheran bodies in the United States: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS).

ECLA
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), formed in 1988 by a merger of three Lutheran bodies, is the largest Lutheran denomination in the U.S. The ELCA is known for its more liberal stance on theological and social issues. The ELCA was formed as a response to demographic and societal shifts in the United States. Traditionally, various Lutheran church bodies had been established due to waves of immigration from different countries. Over time, however, the national or ethnic identification lessened as descendants became more assimilated into American society, and the urbanization of areas led to members across organizations having more in common.

LCMS
The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), founded by German immigrants in the 19th century, is the second-largest Lutheran body. The LCMS maintains a more conservative theological position.

WELS
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) is another significant Lutheran body, which is also conservative in its theology.

Beliefs and practices
American Lutherans, like all Lutherans, believe in the doctrines of justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the two sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist. However, there is considerable variation in how these beliefs are understood and practiced, reflecting the theological diversity within American Lutheranism.

Lutheran worship in the United States is characterized by a liturgical style, although the formality of the services can vary. Hymn-singing is an essential part of worship, and Lutherans have contributed significantly to the corpus of Christian hymnody in the United States.

Social impact and influence
Lutheranism has had a significant social impact in the United States. Lutherans have been involved in various social justice issues, and Lutheran organizations provide numerous social services, including health care, disaster relief, and aid to the poor.

Lutherans have also played a significant role in education. From the early days of immigration, Lutherans established parochial schools to educate their children. Today, there are numerous Lutheran elementary and secondary schools, as well as colleges and universities.

Demographics
Lutheranism has traditionally been strongest in the Midwest, particularly in states like Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, reflecting the Scandinavian and German heritage of many residents. However, there are Lutheran congregations across the country.

As of 2023, about 5% of the U.S. population identifies as Lutheran.

By state

 * North Dakota: 35%
 * South Dakota: 27%
 * Minnesota: 22%
 * Nebraska: 19%
 * Wisconsin: 18%
 * Montana: 15%
 * Iowa: 14%
 * Alaska: 13%
 * Wyoming: 12%
 * Kansas: 11%
 * Idaho: 11%
 * Colorado: 10%
 * Oregon: 9%
 * Washington: 8%
 * Missouri: 7%
 * Michigan: 7%
 * Arizona: 7%
 * New Mexico: 7%
 * Utah: 7%
 * Nevada: 6%
 * Illinois: 6%
 * Indiana: 6%
 * Ohio: 5%
 * Texas: 5%
 * California: 5%
 * Pennsylvania: 5%
 * Oklahoma: 4%
 * Florida: 4%
 * North Carolina: 4%
 * Virginia: 4%
 * Maryland: 4%
 * New Jersey: 4%
 * New York: 4%
 * Connecticut: 3%
 * Massachusetts: 3%
 * New Hampshire: 3%
 * Maine: 3%
 * Vermont: 3%
 * Rhode Island: 2%
 * Delaware: 2%
 * Kentucky: 2%
 * Tennessee: 2%
 * Alabama: 2%
 * Georgia: 2%
 * South Carolina: 2%
 * Louisiana: 2%
 * Mississippi: 1%
 * Arkansas: 1%
 * West Virginia: 1%
 * Hawaii: 1%

Decline
Over recent decades, there has been a noted decline in the number of Americans identifying as Lutherans. This trend mirrors the broader phenomenon of decreasing affiliation with organized religion in the United States, often referred to as the "rise of the nones", referring to individuals who claim no religious affiliation.

Demographic shifts are a significant factor contributing to the decline. Many Lutherans in the United States are of German or Scandinavian descent, communities that have had lower immigration rates in recent years compared to groups from regions where Lutheranism is less prevalent. Furthermore, younger generations are less likely than their elders to identify with a religion, a trend seen among Lutherans as well.

Broader societal trends are also influencing the decline of Lutheranism. The increasing secularization of society, the questioning of religious authority, and the emphasis on individual spirituality over organized religion are all contributing to decreased religious affiliation. Also, stances on certain social issues have created divisions within the Lutheran community, potentially influencing the affiliation rates.

The decline in Lutheranism is not just seen in affiliation, but also in church attendance and membership. Even among those who identify as Lutheran, fewer are regularly attending church services. Similarly, the number of official members reported by Lutheran bodies such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) has been decreasing.

While the decline of Lutheranism in the United States is clear, the future is less certain. Some expect the trend to continue given the current societal and demographic factors. However, others point to potential for growth in areas such as outreach to non-traditional communities and the development of new forms of ministry.