The Augsburg Confession was written in 1530 by Phillip Melancthon to define the core beliefs of Lutheranism in response to growing religious divisions in Europe. It consisted of 28 articles that affirmed Lutheran teachings such as salvation by grace through faith, the real presence of Christ in communion, and the authority of scripture over church tradition. The confession distinguished Lutheran beliefs from other Christian faiths like Catholicism and Calvinism and became a foundational document for the Lutheran church.