Transformations of Lutheranism

The question of confessional liturgical identity and its current relevance in the German-Brazilian dialog

Abstract

The article is part of a Brazilian-German research project dealing with the question if it is (still) possible to speak about a Lutheran liturgical identity. The background in Germany and Brazil is different: The German situation is characterized by growing secularism and explicit and implicit demands to overcome inner-Protestant confessionalism. In Brazil, the idea of being 'Lutheran' gains support, especially in contrast to the growing influence of Evangelical movements. Discussing historical and current examples of Lutheran liturgical developments, the article argues for a perspective describing Lutheran liturgical identity in its dynamics of transformation and normatively identifying it with a dynamic of transformation.