The Lutheran Tradition
We’re a Lutheran college. (Our name gives it away). What does that mean?
It means that we were founded as a college in Lutheran Christian tradition and we strive to reflect these values in our campus life.
It means that we care about your development as a whole person–body, mind, and spirit.
It means that we value an education that helps you explore your heart and your mind, discover your sense of purpose, and use your passions and gifts to serve the common good.
Rooted and Open
Luther College is deeply rooted in the Lutheran intellectual tradition and boldly open to insights from other religious and secular traditions. We intentionally pursue conversation about big questions from the full array of religious and secular academic traditions. In so doing, we shape character, invite vocational discernment and build religious literacy.
A College of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Luther College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a denomination of 2.7 million members across more than 8,300 communities in 50 states and the Caribbean.
We are a member of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU). Learn more about the rooted and open vision and common calling of ELCA colleges.
We are deeply rooted in the Lutheran Christian tradition and boldly open to insights from other religious and secular traditions, across all academic disciplines. We encourage students to explore and expand religious commitments as an important part of learning and development. We value critical inquiry and intentionally pursue conversations about big questions from diverse voices and perspectives. We welcome all and learn from all.
Living Our Lutheran Values
Grounded in Grace: The Lutheran emphasis on the expansive grace of God leads us to encounter our world and our neighbors with hospitality and generosity of spirit. Interfaith collaboration, rigorous academic inquiry, and ongoing work in inclusion flow freely from this core value of grace.
Called to Love: The radical and self-giving love of Jesus is our model for living. Answering the call to love our neighbors, we educate across disciplines and departments to discover our shared humanity. We cultivate a sense of responsibility for the collective well-being of all people and all creation. We prioritize compassion, generosity, and inclusivity in our relationships and community standards.
Liberated to Learn: Martin Luther, namesake of our college and denomination, was a pastor and a professor. Faith and learning are not adversaries. Heart and head work together to understand the world and our place in it. We embrace paradox, encourage exploration, and learn from all. Curiosity is one of our core values.
Created with Purpose: The Spirit invites and equips us to live with intention (we call this “vocation”). Whatever our interests, gifts, or fields of study, we bring our mind, body, and spirit to these endeavors. Our core convictions matter. We ask big questions about meaning and purpose so that we can live out our values for the sake of the world.
Committed to Justice: God’s grace liberates us from the powers of sin, death, and evil. This freedom compels us to seek liberation for our neighbors and for creation. We serve and advocate for the needs of our world. We seek the common good, discern moral vision, and address social and cultural injustices. God sends us into the world for the sake of the world.
Always Reforming: Martin Luther sought to reform the church so that it more closely and honestly reflected God’s love and grace. In this spirit, the Lutheran tradition encourages us to be responsive, creative, and compassionate as we engage with our ever-changing world. We embrace newness and celebrate the ongoing, active work of God’s Spirit.
Contact Information
Luther College
700 College Drive
Decorah, Iowa 52101
Phone: (563) 387-2000