Before examining the ways in which Lutheranism differs from other varieties of Christianity, it is important to stress that there are many similarities between Lutheranism and the other varieties.
The different forms of Christianity are based on the same texts and historical events: on the history of God's relation to humanity from the times of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, through the times of Moses and, later, the Kingdom of Israel, including its captivity in Babylon and its release from there. The pivotal point in the history of God's dealing with people is the birth, life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. God's primary approach to humans is one of love; God is understood as loving humans, and generously giving all manner of things to them. This characterizes some of what is common to all forms of Christianity.
In order to study any particular form of Christianity, it must first be considered how such study is to be done. If we wish to study Roman Catholicism, or the Baptists, or Anglicanism, or Lutheranism, or Coptic Christianity, or any other variety, we must decide what constitutes an accurate characterization of that form.
If I wish to study Lutheranism, shall I survey a number of people who call themselves "Lutheran"? But how will I know if they really are Lutheran, or if they can accurately represent Lutheranism to me? Or shall I survey those who are called "Lutheran" by others? Still, the same questions will confront me; their answers to my questions may or may not clearly crystalize Lutheran thought. Perhaps I shall survey those who hold membership in some Lutheran organization; but mere membership guarantees nothing about the accuracy of the information they might give me. How then can I investigate Lutheranism?
The answer lies in texts. Various forms of Christianity have defining texts. Just as the Hebrew text of the Tanakh and the Greek text of the New Testament together define all forms of Christianity as a whole, each variety of Christianity has texts, dating from the inception of that variety and from pivotal points in the development of that variety, which define it.
The texts which define Lutheranism are gathered under the title "The Book of Concord" ("concord" meaning "agreement"). It is this book which clearly defines the essence of Lutheranism. Using this book, we can (finally!) proceed to original question, the characterization of Lutheranism as a whole.
Comparing Lutheranism to other forms of Christianity, we note that Lutheranism is more self-consciously textual than some other forms. While all forms of Christianity are textual, Lutheranism stresses the systematic study of the text of the Scriptures. Hence, Lutherans have long traditions of studying Hebrew and Greek.
Lutheranism is sacramental; Lutherans understand the acts of baptism and communion ("the Eucharist" or "the Lord's Supper") to be more than symbols: they are divinely commanded by the authority of God, and carry with them His presence, His power, and His Spirit.
Lutheranism is characterized by an understanding of, and reliance on, God's grace. "Grace" means undeserved love in the form of an unearned gift. Lutherans emphasize the notion (common to all forms of Christianity) that humans can in no way "earn their way to heaven", but rather must simply accept it as a freely given gift. Any attempt on the part of humans to "earn" anything from God is utterly futile. Quite to the contrary, humans are to spend their lives in service toward each other, in selfless regard for the well-being of one's neighbor, knowing fully that they earn nothing from such actions, but being motivated to care for others out of thankfulness to God, out of love for God, and out of love for one's fellow human being. God is to be obeyed, not because we gain anything by such obedience, but rather because our obedience is the only appropriate response to God; it is our gift to Him, and acknowledges His full authority as the majestic King of the universe.
Lutheranism often describes itself as a "ministry of Word and sacrament". Thus seen, Lutheranism works toward a balanced approach: a "ministry of the Word" would be incomplete without the sacraments, and the "administration of sacraments" would be incomplete with out the ministry of the Word.
Interesting Ideas: The Concordia Lutheran Conference states in its official publications that " ... perfect uniformity in doctrine and in practice is possible, though only when the Word of God is consistently adhered to. (The Christians's life must of course be brought into harmony with God's Word, but this sanctification is a gradual process, unable perfectly to be achieved here on earth.)" Further, " ... true Christian unity is based upon perfect agreement and one-mindedness in doctrine and practice."
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