Tim Le Croy and Trevin Wax on Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation

5 Misconceptions of Reformation Day

For many people the date October 31 is significant not only for being the Eve of All Saints (All Hallows Eve, Halloween) but as the day in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg. These theses were a list of arguments against the abuses of the papacy as it was in the early 16th century, largely centering on the sale of indulgences by the Roman Church. The 95 theses were quickly copied and distributed with the emerging printing press, and soon became a manifesto of sorts for the reform of the church in Europe.

The 500th anniversary of this event is quickly approaching.

Because of this many people are talking about the Reformation and interest in Reformation events and theologies is swelling. Along with this interest and discussion comes several of the myths or misconceptions about the Reformation that have been perpetuated over the years.

As a historical theologian I am not only interested in these misconceptions for accuracy’s sake (though I do care about accuracy) but also because I believe that holding to faulty conceptions about the Reformation does harm to the actual intentions and aims of the Protestant Reformers.

For this reason, I am going to briefly address 5 of these misconceptions and discuss why correcting them is important. Read More

Martin Luther's Parasite

This month marks the 500th anniversary of the posting of Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses, long considered the start of the Reformation. Luther is a hero to me and many other Protestants for his courage, his conviction, and his rediscovery of the truth of justification by faith alone.

It may seem out of place to interrupt our celebration of Luther's legacy by discussing some of the darker aspects of his life and thought. That's how some reacted earlier this week when I tweeted a link to an article called "Luther's Jewish Problem," which lays out in all its awfulness the anti-Semitic turn of Luther in his later years. I agreed with the article in saying that we must look this evil square in the face and not explain it away.

The truth is the truth. And truth is not served by hagiography and exalted biographical sketches that minimize our heroes' flaws. I believe Luther, who never minced words regarding sin and evil, would recommend we not minimize his sins. Read More