Reformation Day
The last day of October commemorates Reformation Day, when Martin Luther, a lawyer by education and monastery-trained Catholic priest, posted 95 theses to reform the Roman Catholic Church. A key complaint addressed the practice of conferring indulgences to Catholics in exchange for their gifts to the Church. Particularly troubling to Luther was soliciting money and religious artifacts on behalf of the Church of Rome in exchange for the forgiveness of sins and grant of commensurate days in heaven. Dr. Luther’s careful study of the New Testament led him to believe that salvation was a free gift from God paid for by Jesus Christ, and eternal life or any portion thereof could never be bought or traded through any treasury on earth.
Since the Roman Church was receiving significant wealth through indulgences, the Pope resisted Luther and his 95 theses. So firm was Papal opposition that Luther’s life was threatened, and a permanent Protestant movement began, ultimately spreading from Germany throughout Europe, including the British Isles.
Somewhat less evident from Luther’s reforms was eventual redistribution of power from the Pope to individual believers in Christ. If humanity was becoming intelligent enough to read the Scripture for themselves, instead of relying on pronouncements from the Pope, or judgements from Catholic priests (as in Confession, admission to the Communion Table, or reception of members into the Roman Church), salvation and sanctification now could be personally and freely received. The close tether maintained by Catholic clergy worked for a long time among ignorant masses of the earth (sometimes called heathen, pagans, etc.). But when civilized minds reached worthier heights of enlightenment (as in Germany with Martin Luther), they became individually fortified with high intelligence and knowledge. Self-motivated inquiry could empower direct dealing with God, and discovery of His will revealed in the Holy Scriptures.
The Protestant Reformation ran into relentless opposition while spreading through Europe, even bloody resistance. The Presbyterian Church founded by John Knox in Scotland endured the execution of 200 gospel ministers during a 50-year transitional period in that country. Crowning the head with the Mind of Christ and standing in its freedom was a blessing not easily embraced. America was discovered in 1492, 25 years proximate the 1517 date when Martin Luther posted his reform thesis on the Wittenberg Church door. Close neighboring of Europe and the United States of America brought a less encumbered Northeast U.S. Reformation Movement among nation-founding immigrants. The American Revolutionary War was more about resisting unfair domination by England, less about issues of Protestant faith and liberty. The U.S.A. became the world’s first self-governing nation and leading Christian Democracy, widely adopting the King James Bible, and led by Protestant Presidents until John Kennedy’s administration. Citizens of the New World’s virginal U.S.A. appear to have become the most liberated expression and beneficiary of the European Reformation’s grand and timely promise.
It is surprising to see the present observance of Reformation Day materializing as Halloween, with masks and disguises, dark fantasy costumes, haunted houses, scary voices, bump-in-the-night noises, spooky stories, etc. I grew up amidst the ghost & goblin tradition, joining countless other children begging candy throughout the American neighborhood spouting a make-pretend trick-or-treat warning, quite unacquainted with the authentic Reformation backdrop. I realize now that Devil’s Night invokes a completely different spirit, not a Holy Spirit. The mind behind a Halloween mask is completely different from the Mind of Christ, which celebrates true, unfeigned reality. Those who “put on Christ” have wonderful things to lovingly, openly give, never taking anything by deception or threat.
Americans would be wise to revive the original theme for Reformation Day, perhaps stirring in a little harmless Halloween flavor. Instead of dressing up like walking dead things, why not dress up in Nationality Costumes that hearken to the diversity of immigrants that came together from many different lands to establish America? Multi-State America was a “Melting Pot” where ethnic differences were softened, friendships grew, teamwork built the nation, and God stirred the purifying crucible. Why not host neighborhood parties with gracious sharing of abiding food and drink abundance? Entire families could converse with neighbors about forefathers, so you could get to know both them and those who came before them, and the children could learn precious history behind their own family name. We are quite musical now: Reformation Day could be a wonderful opportunity to sing and play the sounds of each one’s national origin. Bring and fly your National Origin Flag. Play and sing your National Origin Anthem. Share folk music and dance. Neighbors who have descended from other lands might like to see or even try some of the art you hold dear. This is backward-look reality, not fantasy . . . a bit of time-travel all can manage. Extending “hands across the water” in this manner brings a distant world nearer, elevating human compassion and common understanding. Reclaiming a Spiritual Reformation Day can keep each one mindful of America’s pinnacle responsibility to bring Christ to all the world.
It is certain that America the Beautiful didn’t just happen. Neither was the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave a mistake or accident of history. He who disposes all affairs of man purposed a glorious kingdom, worked a marvelous work, and fulfilled a grand and heavenly vision. The mind of God has fleshed out its Story, and Reformation Minds of Christ are privileged to embrace and re-tell, remember and remind. Nationality costumes testify to original differences amazingly resolving to One in the Spirit. Think of it: neighborhoods from around the world are represented by the Great Plan of God right in your neighborhood, composing an American Reformation all can celebrate by donning family-line fashions imbued with deepening affection and rising respect that has us staring into the mirror of history, and contemplating the glory of God.
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Martin Luther
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, A bulwark never failing; Our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe- His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing, Were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He- Lord Sabaoth His name, From age to age the same, And He must win the battle.
And tho’ this world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph thro’ us. The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him- His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure: One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them abideth; The Spirit and the gifts are ours thro’ Him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also- The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still: His Kingdom is forever!
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