Lutheranism is a major branch of Western Christianity that identifies with the theology of Martin Luther, a German reformer. Luther's efforts to reform the theology and practice of the Roman Catholic Church launched the Protestant Reformation. Beginning with the 95 Theses, Luther's writings were disseminated internationally, spreading the ideas of the Reformation beyond the ability of governmental and churchly authorities to control it.

The name "Lutheran" originated as a derogatory term used against Luther by Johann Eck during the Leipzig Debate in July 1519. Eck and other Roman Catholics followed the traditional practice of naming a heresy after its leader, thus labeling all who identified with the theology of Martin Luther as Lutherans. Martin Luther always disliked the term, preferring instead to describe the reform movement with the term "Evangelical", which was derived from euangelion, a Greek word meaning "good news", i.e. "Gospel." Lutherans themselves began to use the term in the middle of the 16th century in order to distinguish themselves from other groups, such as Philippists and Calvinists. In 1597, theologians in Wittenberg used the title "Lutheran" to describe their church.

Jonathan Fisk (September 26, 1778 Amherst, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire – July 13, 1832 Newburgh, Orange County, New York) was an American lawyer and politician from New York.

He was the son of Jonathan Fisk, who later removed to Williamstown, Vermont, and was appointed Judge of Probate for the District of Randolph in 1800.

Fisk attended the public schools, taught school in Weare, New Hampshire, and later removed to New York City to read law. He was admitted to the bar in Westchester County, New York, in 1799, and began to practice in Newburgh in 1800. He married Sarah Van Kleek (1773–1832) and they had four children.

Fisk was elected as a Democratic-Republican to the 11th United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1809 to March 3, 1811. He was again elected to the 13th and 14th United States Congresses, holding office from March 4, 1813 to March 21, 1815, when he accepted a recess appointment by President James Madison as United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 6, 1816, and remained in office until June 30, 1819. Afterwards he resumed the practice of law.