Western Civilization - Essay Example

Western Civilization Catholics, Lutherans and Calvinists each held a different world view. However, they all have similarities and differences. In relation to creation, the three doctrines believe in the fact that God is the creator of the universe, and that He is the controller of all forms of existence in the universe. In this case, the three doctrines hold the fact that the Bible is the foundation of human existence that directs human beings on what to do and what not to do during their life on earth.

Human beings also have the right to communicate to their creator in all the religions, so as to get the mercies from Him. The Lutherans, according to Alles & Ellwood (pp.270), believe that salvation of the human race comes from the grace of God. The same applies in the case of Calvinism, whose basics are of the belief that God’s grace is the final, and that He chooses who save unconditionally. Catholicism is also of the belief that through God’s grace, human beings are spared from destruction (Kielbasa & Singer-Towns, pp.7). The three religions also hold the view that there is life after death.

More so, the believers of the word are bound to have an eternal life that is rewarding. In this context, therefore, these religions advocate for building a lasting rapport between the followers of the religion and God. On the contrary, Lutheranism does not advocate for total reliance on the church. Though Lutheranism has churches and ministers of the word, this religion is of the opinion that the church need not be there for the individuals to develop a relationship with God. Both Calvinism and Catholicism believe in the church and the need to have total discipline whilst in the house of the Lord.

Catholics, for instance require their members to attend mass on the Lord’s Day to celebrate the resurrection of Christ (Kielbasa & Singer-Towns, pp.8). Lutheranism believes that it is only God who can save. Lutherans have the permit to pray to God directly, without confessions to a person. Catholics believe that the pope has some form of powers on the lives of the individuals. Through these persons- the pope and saints- the followers hold the view that God will pardon their sins. They also believe in confession of sins and praying on behalf of ‘pure’ persons (Kielbasa & Singer-Towns, pp.8). The same would apply in the case of Calvinism, which believes that specific persons have been called to save the others from sin.

From a critical view of the beliefs of the religion, the differences are more than the similarities. The concept of Lutheranism is closest to my viewpoint. I believe in worship that is not confined to rules and regulations that are too stringent like those of Catholicism. All individuals in my opinion have the right to pray to their creator directly, though we are not holy and are full of sin. Lutheranism is in this case; most closely approximate my own beliefs. Works citedKielbasa, Marilyn.

& Singer-Towns, Brian. Catholic Quick View: Beliefs, Definitions, Prayers, Practice Symbols, and Saints. New York: Saint Marys Press, 2008. Print. Alles, Gregory. & Ellwood, Robert. The Encyclopedia of World Religions. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2007. Print.