Uncovering the Reformation: A Journey Through Time
The 14th century was a tumultuous period for the papacy, marked by rival popes and pressure from the French monarchy. Rome suffered greatly, with seven successive popes abandoning the city in favor of Avignon in France. Saint Peter’s Basilica fell into disrepair, and the city was left to languish. However, with the return of the popes in 1377 and the resolution of their divisions in 1417, a new era of renewal began.
A New Era of Renewal
Fast forward to 1505, when Pope Julius II decided to rebuild St. Peter’s Basilica. This ambitious project required significant funding, leading to a massive fundraising campaign. It was during this campaign that Johann Tetzel arrived in Germany, selling indulgences – promises of time off purgatory in exchange for cash. This sparked Martin Luther’s protest, as he nailed his famous 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517.
Sausages and Scripture
Meanwhile, in Zurich, a group of students held a sausage-themed party during Lent in 1522. Traditionally, only vegetables and fish were eaten during Lent, but these students wanted change – and hot dogs. The city council fined the host, but Huldrych Zwingli, the leader of the city’s church, came to their defense. He argued that the Bible didn’t prohibit eating sausages during Lent, and the council eventually agreed. This may seem like a trivial matter, but it marked an important turning point in the Reformation, as it emphasized the authority of Scripture over tradition.
The Power of the Gospel
At its core, the Reformation was about rediscovering the power of the gospel. Catholicism had become mired in ritual and tradition, with a focus on earning salvation through good works. In contrast, the Reformers preached that salvation is a gift, freely given by God through faith in Christ. This understanding frees us from the burden of trying to earn our way to heaven and allows us to serve our neighbors in love.
Convents and Fish Barrels
In 1523, a group of nuns contacted Luther, seeking his help in escaping their convent. Luther enlisted a merchant who regularly delivered herring to the convent, and on April 5, the nuns made their escape by hiding among the empty fish barrels. Their families refused to take them back, so Luther set about finding husbands for them – no easy task, given their, ahem, fishy aroma.
A Surprising Marriage
One of the nuns, Katharina von Bora, proved particularly difficult to marry off. Despite her strong personality, no husband could be found for her. So, somewhat against his wishes, Luther himself married her. The marriage proved to be a happy one, and Luther’s love for his wife became a powerful example of the Reformation’s emphasis on the importance of family and relationships.
The Real Issue: Authority
As the Reformation gained momentum, the issue of authority became increasingly important. The Catholic Church claimed that tradition and the authority of the Church were equal to Scripture, while the Reformers argued that Scripture alone is our ultimate authority. This debate continues to this day, with many evangelicals unwittingly adopting a more Catholic approach to authority.
Semper Reformanda
The Reformation was never intended to be a static event, but rather an ongoing process. The slogan “semper reformanda” – always being reformed – captures this idea perfectly. As we continue to learn from Scripture and apply its teachings to our lives, we are constantly being reformed by God’s Word.
A Lasting Legacy
So why does the Reformation remain relevant today? The answer lies in its emphasis on the authority of Scripture, the power of the gospel, and the importance of relationships. As we look back on this pivotal moment in history, we are reminded that our salvation is founded on the certain promises of God and the finished work of Christ. And if it’s all of God from start to finish, then the glory goes to him alone. Soli Deo gloria!
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