Dear Friends,
Because this coming Halloween will mark the 497th anniversary of the day Martin Luther posted a long list of complaints about the Roman Catholic to the door of his church in Wittenberg, Germany, in Celebration on Sunday October 26th, we will be observing Reformation Sunday. This is not, perhaps, one of the most famous or prominent festivals on the Church calendar, but it feels important to me because Martin Luther—and those who followed in his footsteps—changed not the just the Church but all of Western Civilization in ways that I think are important.
In many ways the Reformation was the theological and ecclesiastical expression of Humanism, an intellectual and cultural movement born of the Renaissance. Humanists believed humans were capable of doing great things. They rediscovered the work of Greek philosophers, engaged in the work of science, and created amazing works of art. As an expression of humanism Protestantism embraced science and allowed itself to be informed by learning of every kind. We haven’t always allowed that spirit to abide in us, but at our best we have been great learners.
Politically, the Reformation helped mold modern democracy by rejecting the power of the Pope, by questioning the divine right of monarchs, and by believing ordinary humans are capable of making decisions and shaping society.
So three cheers for the Reformation. Be sure to show up on Sunday to help celebrate the great tradition in which we stand. We’ll sing great Reformation hymns and we’ll recommit ourselves to embracing the best in our tradition.
See You Sunday!
Ben