Happy Reformation Day!
October 31 to most people is considered to be the day for trick-or-treating that we normally call Halloween. But as you get older, sometimes those traditions begin to fade away. It is still fun to dress up and all, but when you are no longer a child, trick-or-treating sadly becomes a thing of the past.
But October 31 is not only Halloween. It is also Reformation Day. This is the day in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses on the doors of the church. He was calling for a Reformation in thought. And if you are in any way associated with Protestantism, then your beliefs date back to Martin Luther. If not for his bold actions on this day, Protestantism would not be what it is today.
We had a special chapel today in honor of Reformation Day where Dr. Patterson spoke on some of the historical and theological elements that come with Luther. For instance, Luther viewed Scripture as something that outweighs human authority, a concept that had been lost to a certain degree. In general Luther rejected the human-centered view and focused more on a God-centered faith.
As Dr. Patterson stated, Luther renewed the focus on God's glory, giving a God-centered approach to theology. He also gave key insights into the depths of human sin, offering a realistic picture of the human condition after the Fall. There was also a recovery of the Gospel - Salvation is God's work - We receive it with empty hands of faith. Finally, there was a strong encouragement on worship through music and the reading of Scripture.
The Reformation changed many aspects of Christianity, and Luther offered some major changing ideas, more than are mentioned here. So in the midst of this Halloween celebration, remember that October 31 was also the day that Luther made a bold statement with his 95 Theses, what is now known as Reformation Day
Matt
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