Why do we call ourselves Lutherans?

Originally the term “Lutheran” was used by Roman Catholic theologians as a slur against anyone who followed Luther in particular, or opposed the Roman church in general. Luther’s followers began to wear the slur as a badge of honor. Dr. Luther opposed this, preferring that Lutherans call themselves Evangelicals (Lutheran churches in Germany to this day are called “Evangelische”), or simply Christians.  Martin Luther even said, “I pray you leave my name alone and not to call yourselves Lutherans, but Christians. Who is Luther? My doctrine is not mine: I have not been crucified for any one…How does it then benefit me, a miserable bag of dust and ashes, to give my name to the children of Christ? Cease, my dear friends, to cling to these party names and distinctions; away with all of them; and let us call ourselves only Christians, after Him from whom our doctrine comes.” (Life of Luther, by Michelet, p. 262).  In spite of Luther’s protests, those who agree with his understanding of the Bible continue to call themselves Lutheran today.