From Gospel to identity

Luther's dialectics and the challenges of brazilian lutheranism

Abstract

This article analyzes Luther's dialectical understanding of the Gospel and its relevance to the identity challenges faced by Brazilian Lutheranism in the context of its bicentenary. The research initially examines the current landscape of Lutheranism in Brazil, considering the sociocultural and religious transformations of recent decades, with particular attention to the challenges faced by the Evangelical Church of Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB). It then analyzes Luther's thought on the Gospel, highlighting its fundamental dialectical tensions: between message and life, gift and example, law and Gospel. The methodology, qualitative and bibliographical in nature, draws from the analysis of Luther's writings, especially his commentary on the Letter to the Romans (1515-1516), in dialogue with postcolonial studies on cultural identity. The results indicate that Luther's dialectical understanding of the Gospel offers important conceptual resources for rethinking Lutheran identity in the contemporary Brazilian context, suggesting paths for an ecclesial presence that is simultaneously faithful to its theological roots and responsive to present challenges.