500th Anniversary of the Reformation – Sola Fide
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“We can respect the Reformers without revering them. Over the next few weeks I will examine those areas of the Reformation in which we Baptists can agree.” Maranatha Online
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Quick Facts About Protestantism on Its 500th Birthday
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“Protestants constituted 37 percent of Christians worldwide in 2010. It comes second to Catholics, which make up 50 percent of Christians all over the globe.” WRN
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Reasons for the Reformation
There was nothing remarkable about that day in October, 1517, when a Roman Catholic priest by the name of Martin Luther fastened his now famous ninety-five theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenburg, Germany. He certainly did not expect to ignite a religious revolution. As a loyal son of the established church, Luther merely wished to engage his university town in theological discussion about certain church doctrines that troubled him. His goal was to try to rein in some of the most grievous abuses of the Church by discussing them openly.
Little did he know that his theses would be copied, printed, and distributed across Europe within days. In the providence of God, Luther’s modest debate propositions ignited a fire that is still burning today. On this five-hundredth anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, it is fitting to remember how it all began, and more importantly, why.
There are some today who question the validity of this great schism with Rome. They believe that the Reformation, though probably warranted in its day, is no longer necessary. They assure us that the abuses of Luther’s day have been addressed, and it’s time to acknowledge the mistakes of the past and join hands as fellow members of Christ’s body.
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Theology Thursday - Read Luther's 95 Theses!
Below is the actual text of most of Martin Luther’s infamous 95 theses. Many people have heard of them; fewer have actually read them. Here they are:1
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Over 250 Protestant Leaders Sign 'Reforming Catholic Confession' on Essentials of Christian Faith
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“[L]eaders from around the world released on Tuesday a theological statement affirming the essentials of the Reformation. And its Protestant authors contend that in this 500th anniversary year, the document is a “catholic” statement in its best sense.” CPost
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TGC celebrates Reformation's 500th anniversary
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“Some 8,500 people — including a significant contingent of Southern Baptists — celebrated the Protestant Reformation’s 500th anniversary at The Gospel Coalition’s National Conference April 3-5 in Indianapolis.”
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