Most people will have their eyes on Halloween as the big celebration today. However, 31st October is also the anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation in 1517. Now some of you may be asking whether or not that’s something to celebrate. Wasn’t the Reformation a negative and divisive thing. So it is helpful… Continue reading Still reforming?
Tag: Martin Luther
Why the Reformation still matters
As well as being Halloween, the 31st October marks “Reformation Day.” It’s the anniversary of the day when Martin Luther launched his protest against the Catholic Church. Now, I don’t think that Reformation parties are likely to catch on or engage culturally as an alternative to Trick or Treating, so if you were planning one,… Continue reading Why the Reformation still matters
The sins of the fathers – case studies in how (and how not) to do church history
I’ve seen two examples recently of people attempting to make connections between the thoughts and actions of predecessors and culture today. Both are concerned with the influence of the reformation and its aftermath on western, especially American, Christian culture. Here’s the first example: And here’s the second: I want to suggest that one example, unsurprisingly… Continue reading The sins of the fathers – case studies in how (and how not) to do church history
What shall we do with Halloween?
It’s strange isn’t it that October 31st has become quite the big deal in some ways, yet less so in other ways. In fact, that’s true of this time of year generally. Back when I was a child in the 1970s-80s, there were things that were big about late October/early November. Bonfire Night was fast… Continue reading What shall we do with Halloween?
Happy Reformation Day
Over 500 years ago today, Martin Luther nailed his theses – a set of 95 propositions for debate to the door of the church in Wittenberg. This was to spark the Protestant Reformation. The reformation is about much more than that one act of protest though. At its heart was the rediscovery of what Scripture… Continue reading Happy Reformation Day
The Sweet Exchange (Reformation Reflections)
Sorry for the delay in getting this one out. Here’s the final in our mini series on justification and righteousness.
Feet of Clay
The Reformation, Justification and Martin Luther
Reformation Reflections (2) Judgement Day
Who remembers the dread of parents’ evening?
Reformation Reflections (1) I’m not ashamed
Most people celebrate Halloween on the 31st October but this day is also significant because it marks the anniversary of over 500 years since the Reformation started. What were the exciting fresh discoveries that motivated men like Luther, Calvin and Zwingli to challenge the corruption, abuse and superstition of their day?