On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther posted his 95 Thesis on the door of the Wittenberg Church. He had no clue that his “protest” against indulgences would ignite a socio-political and religious revolution. Next year will be the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. I’ve been wondering how Christian churches should observe this anniversary. What resources can we employ to teach God’s people about the history of the Faith?
Please allow me to recommend an excellent video resource that has been produced by the Christian History Institute:
This video presentation will help Christians understand the people, the issues, and the implications of the Reformation.
Most of the church history taught in Sunday schools or in the pulpit is denominational propaganda. If you want to understand the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Reformation, then this video presentation is for you. Just like biblical heroes, the heroes of the Reformation were deeply flawed individuals. This video series presents all of the actors in their sincerity, their conflicted egos, and even in their egregious sinfulness.
Even so, what makes this presentation so unique is that the story is told and interpreted by scholars from Catholic and Protestant traditions who understand and appreciate each other. The tone is friendly rather than antagonistic. Often presenters from one tradition will faithfully represent opposing views with much grace. To hear a Catholic bishop opine about the possibility of Martin Luther in dialogue with the Council of Trent brought a smile to my face.
Many Christians are unfamiliar with the politics of the Reformation. Therefore, some viewers will be scandalized by the religious violence and oppression perpetrated by Christians. Also, many will rediscover the genius of the American concept of church/state separation. We would do well to remember that the first Europeans to settle North America were fleeing the persecution of Christian European nations.
The most poignant part of the presentation is the final episode as presenters discuss the scandal of Christian schism and a way forward which expresses the love and unity essential to the Christian Faith. If we are to be true to the spirit of the Reformation, we must be diligent to “speak the truth in love” as we pursue “the unity of the faith. . . which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13-15). If we are to be faithful to the call and mission of Jesus Christ, we must find ways to walk together.
I am planning to schedule several learning opportunities next year for our church. This video will be center stage.
