I have never taken the time to study Martin Luther nor his role in helping to change the world religiously, economically, politically, socially, and intellectually. This image I posted with my blog says it all: Exploring a movement that changed the world.
October 31st to most is a celebration of Halloween. Let me tell you that as an adult parent it is all about commercialization and capitalism. I too studied a bit more of this tradition and how it came about by blogging about it last year. You can read my blog “Are you carved up?” from 10/31/16 posted below.
This October 31st is an anniversary that marks the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, when Martin Luther posted his protest manifesto against the Catholic Church on the doors of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, and ushered in the modern era. Simply a fascinating story to study. This anniversary is worth taking a look at.
It was centered around the scandalous Catholic view on indulgences, which allowed the faithful to use money to purchase forgiveness for their sins. His protest was aimed at the corruption, the greed , and the lust for power.
Popular views in the 1500’s described it as the Pope’s way of raising funds to pay Michelangelo for the beautiful intrinsic artwork on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.
All of this started somewhat of a Protestant revolt by using a new device invented by Johannes Gutenberg called the printing press. It allowed Luther to translate the Bible into German vernacular.
A struggle ensued trying to present what human dignity should be while at the same time share the meaning of faith. There was a theology road rage brewing.
Martin Luther struggled with a lot of the teachings during this time. He would question “is God about rules or love?” He often questioned “why do I feel guilty?” He went further by asking “what is grace and how does it manifest itself in my life?” He would ultimately embrace the idea that the Bible alone is the sole spiritual authority. He found that people were justified or made right before God not for their good works or sacraments but solely through their faith and God’s grace.
You see, as a Protestant, we know that by studying this Bible we have come to read and know, in the many versions that have been published, appreciate it more and more each day of our lives. The Bible shares many scriptures about professing your sins. 2 Chronicles 7:14 tells us that if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Not a penny spent, but God’s blood saved us all from the sins in our lives.
Christ alone, Grace alone, Faith alone. This was truly God’s grace in action.
We do know that no matter which Bible one reads that he reminds us that I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through ME.