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Sola Scriptura the Reformers Recognized Subordinate

Sola Scriptura the Reformers Recognized Subordinate

thebanner.org Anniversary the 500th Commemorating Themes: Editor-in-Chief, Banner The ChongShiao In Christ’s Service, Reformation. the from lessons We pray that for resource this useful you be on will important inreflecting the study or devotion, group small discussions, or adult education groups. your You reflection. resource canfree this use inavariety of ways: for personal Wehave included discussion questions for eachof articles to these guide you in retrospective, Reformation:fine “The What Did We Gain? What Did We Lose?” availablealso at same this address.) In addition, we are including Dr. Karin Maag’s thebanner.org/study-series. present five second inthis volume all of Find it Banner the Study here: Series. faith alone, alone, Christ alone. alone, grace to We and glory are to pleased focusing on each of five the Reformational the solas, themes of Scripture alone, Banner The event that changed course the of Western history. Protestant Reformation. 2017marks anniversary October 500th the of that pivotal protest of sale the by Roman the . Thus began the monk German 31,1517,the MartinOn October wrote in his 95theses is commemorating anniversary the by publishing of aseries articles

(The first in the series, entitled(The series, first inthe “Reformed Basics,” is Questions for Discussion10 What Did We Lose? 7 The Reformation: What Did We Gain? 6 Gloria Deo Soli GratiaSola 5 Christo 4 Solo FideSola 3 2 Scriptura Sola 1 Introduction CONTENTS REFORMED MA TTE RS

Sola Scriptura The Reformers recognized subordinate

EDIA religious M

S.WIKI authorities. ON MM PHOTO BY CO PHOTO

know I’m right!” Luther recognized, though, that stood the test, they could be respected as 2017 MARKSTHE 500TH ANNIVERSARY subjectivistic individualism was a path into dark- lesser religious authorities—below Scripture of the Protestant Reformation. Starting ness, not toward light. So he wrestled with the but superior to anybody’s private ideas. The with this Reformed Matters column, we’ll question. The answer he came to, in short, was Reformers recognized subordinate religious commemorate the anniversary by high- that Reformation slogan we have all heard but authorities—the faithful teaching of the church lighting its five rallying themes: Scripture many misunderstand: . fathers, the , and the doctrinal deliver- Alone (Sola Scriptura), Faith Alone (Sola For the Reformers, “Scripture alone” did not ances of the ancient ecumenical councils— Fide), Christ Alone (Solo Christo), Grace mean “Scripture all by itself.” Rather, Scripture since these were faithful to Scripture. Alone (), and Glory to God Alone was “alone” as the only unquestionable religious This shouldn’t be surprising to us. We affirm (). authority, not the only religious authority. As sola scriptura but we also embrace what are Luther struggled with the archbishop’s chal- called secondary standards: the Belgic Confes- THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION’S slogan lenge in the months after the , sion, the Heidelberg , and the about religious authority, sola scriptura (“Scrip- he came to recognize that his understanding Canons of Dort. These three “forms of unity” ture alone”), doesn’t mean what some people of Scripture was not unique: he found it in many are superior to any of our private opinions; think it means. In fact, the way a lot of people (the common term for the they are meant to guide us into faithful under- have taken it is something all the Reformers respected pastors and theologians of the standing of Scripture. We also accept the 2repudiated. Sola scriptura is not honored by ancient church). He heard it proclaimed in the contemporary testimony “Our World Belongs someone sitting in an easy chair with a creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian). He to God” and the Belhar Confession as guidance in his lap, deciding for himself what is true— saw it set forth by the ecumenical councils for life in the present day—superior to private or by televangelists (or others) declaring they (Nicea, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalce- judgment, normed by Scripture. have “discovered something new in Scripture.” don), which defended the apostolic proclama- Living, thinking, and believing like this At the Diet of Worms in 1521, Luther boldly tion of who Christ was and what he had accom- honors what the Reformers intended in their responded to the German emperor that he plished, and of how that all related to God as bold affirmation about religious authority, sola could not recant what he had taught since it Father and as . These ancient worthies scriptura. n was based on Scripture rightly interpreted. served as religious authorities for Luther and STUDY QUESTIONS ONLINE But Luther was shaken when the Archbishop the other Reformers. Luther discerned that the of Trier then accused him of subjectivism—of stuff he had come to oppose was the clutter James R. Payton, Jr., is thinking that he alone, in all the history of the that had obscured that faithful ancient teaching the author of Getting the Reformation Wrong: Correcting church, had understood Scripture rightly. over the course of centuries, down to his day. Some Misunderstandings Such an allegation would hardly bother many For Luther and the other Reformers, Scrip- (InterVarsity Press, 2010). He Christians in our day. Shaped by our individual- ture was the ultimate religious authority. It is professor emeritus of history, istic North American culture, a Christian might was the norm by which other claimants to University College, and attends Ancaster well shrug off that challenge with a “So what? I religious authority must be measured. If they Christian Reformed Church in Ancaster, Ont.

38 THE BANNER | March2 2017 THE BANNER | thebanner.org Study Series | Reformation Themes: Commemorating the 500th Anniversary | thebanner.org/Study-Series REFORMED MA TTE RS

Sola Fide Faith must be nurtured and nourished in a community of faithful proclamation and sacramental participation.

of background conditions. Some people face divine invasion into despair at failure to estab- 2017 MARKSTHE 500TH ANNIVERSARY invisible barriers to participation in the grand lish oneself, a sense that the very coherence of the Protestant Reformation. We’re cultural dream: barriers of race, gender, or of the world was at stake unless God acted, commemorating the anniversary by class. Others are born into security and pros- and had acted, in Christ. highlighting its five rallying themes: perity, the proverbial silver spoon. Some teams This reliance on grace liberated the Reform- Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura), Faith are just plain lucky; their rivals are having a ers to remake their societies. They didn’t always Alone (), Christ Alone (Solo bad season. see the challenge to political power implied Christo), Grace Alone (Sola Gratia), and The dictum“faith alone” (sola fide in church- in sola fide, and their tenets would soon degen- Glory to God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria). speak) is not“faith in faith.”Faith is never truly erate into the dialectic of bookish Protestant alone. Faith must be nurtured and nourished (“the faith”as a system of beliefs) “YA GOTTA BELIEVE.” These are the immor- in a community of faithful proclamation and versus non-dogmatic, inward (the seed tal words of Frank Edwin “Tug” McGraw, relief sacramental participation. of “faith in faith”) the following century. pitcher for the 19 ew ork Mets. In last But even more than this: faith depends on But that’s to cast a shadow on the com- place on the last day in August, the Mets went its object. If the object of faith is the ability of memorations. For the genuine insight of the on an improbable run to the pennant, past the sovereign individual, faith will certainly Reformers was that radical trust in a God on the heavily favored Cincinnati Reds and into fail. Faith will become merely another “work.” whose faithfulness the world depended was Ythe World Series. If the object of faith is the sovereign God, faith the center from which all personal and social It’s a quintessentially American motto, will unite an understanding of personal inabil- transformation proceeded. And the faithful praising the ability of the individual to “boot- ity to God’s ability. Faith will look not to itself, church, that is, the church that lives from the strap” him- or herself into or out of any situa- but to the covenant faithfulness of God made faithfulness of God, is always reforming, never tion. It stands behind not only more secular flesh and blood in Jesus.“I have been crucified settled. Reformation is not mere“innovation,” entrepreneurial ventures, but also forms of with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives for it has a Model. At its best, such a church that reinvent faith as a means to in me. And the life that I now live in my body, constantly reforms not only itself, but its mem- (or a sign of) financial success. I live by faith, indeed, by the faithfulness of bers, and indeed its world in faithful conformity “Confidence in confidence alone”(to quote God’s Son, who loved me and gave himself for with its Lord. n Rodgers and Hammerstein) presumes too me.” (Gal :0, CEB) STUDY QUESTIONS ONLINE much—and too little. This was the underlying concern of the It presumes too much on the ability of the . pposing any insinuation “rugged”individual who is able, through naked that individual ability or social station could Dr. Stephen Martin is associate will, to succeed. All the belief in the world make one acceptable to God, they insisted professor of theology wouldn’t have helped “the miracle Mets” had that becoming right with God was dependent at The King’s University they not been able to put the bat on the ball. on an act of prior , to which faith College, Edmonton, Alta. It also presumes too little on the importance was a response. In other words, grace was a

38 THE BANNER | April3 2017 THE | BANNER thebanner.org Study Series | Reformation Themes: Commemorating the 500th Anniversary | thebanner.org/Study-Series REFORMED MATTE RS

Solo Christo

“Christ alone” challenges us to humbly examine ourselves.

well is a most enormous blasphemy against human beings, but they cannot reconcile us 2017 MARKSTHE 500TH ANNIVERSARY Godfor it then would follow that Jesus Christ to the one true God. of the Protestant Reformation. We’re is only half a Savior.” is not faith in “Christ alone” also challenges us to humbly commemorating the anniversary by Christ plus something else; it is faith in Christ examine ourselves. Have we inadvertently, in highlighting its five rallying themes: alone. This two-fold emphasis is still a chal- theory or in practice, elevated something good Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura), Faith lenge for us today. to be equally important alongside Christ Do Alone (Sola Fide), Christ Alone (Solo This notion challenges popular religious we unwittingly shape people to place their Christo), Grace Alone (Sola Gratia), and sensibilities. In today’s multi-religious world, faith in Jesus plus something else Perhaps Glory to God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria). the exclusive claim of “Christ alone” is often, Jesus plus a particular form of piety, or plus a at best, an embarrassment. I frequently hear particular Reformed philosophy, or Jesus plus IN COURTROOMS, witnesses swear to tell the objection, “Don’t all religions ultimately social activism or social conservatism, or Jesus the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but teach the same truths” plus. . . . Have we fallen into this trap when the truth. This statement recognies that the we judge some as the “wrong kind” of Chris- Having grown up Buddhist in a Muslim truth can be distorted when some bits are left tians Have we put too much trust in our own country, and having served for 1 years as a out or added in. Similarly, the Reformation unofficial “saints”: Abraham Kuyper, John Christian campus minister engaging various theme “Christ alone” emphasies that salvation Calvin, , or Jim Wallis other faiths, I don’t think all religions teach the is through faith in no one else but Christ, and Though not always easy to untangle or I same truths. There are some truths that over- nothing more than Christ. discern, it is utterly important to examine our lap, but there are fundamental and essential We see this theme embodied in the Hei- hearts in these matters. Because, ultimately, differences. In fact, they don’t even agree on delberg Catechism: “Salvation cannot be found these “additions” to Christ only lead us to trust what “salvation” is. in anyone else; it is futile to look for any salva- in ourselves, in human abilities, ingenuity, or tion elsewhere” (Q&A 9). And those seeking I believe salvation is not gained through tradition, and to make salvation more about salvation “in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere” enlightenment, obeying certain rules, or what we know or what we do and less about do not “really believe in the only Savior Jesus” believing in certain truths. As we learned from God’s grace to us. Rather, as the Reformation even if “they boast of being his” (Q&A 0). the Reformation theme“faith alone,” salvation reminds us, salvation is through faith alone in The Reformers were concerned that some is through faith in Christ. It is a personal, holis- Christ alone, by God’s grace alone. n church practices, such as venerating the saints, tic trust, not simply an intellectual assent to STUDY QUESTIONS ONLINE might distract our faith away from Christ. They spiritual truths (, Q&A were also concerned with tendencies to add 1). And it’s faith in Christ alone. I can learn Shiao Chong is editor-in-chief and benefit from what’s true in other religions, onto faith in Jesus as conditions of The Banner. He attends for salvation. We see this in Belgic Confession as I do from science, philosophy, and the arts. Fellowship Christian Reformed Article : “Therefore, to say that Christ is not But I confess that none of those other truths Church in Toronto, Ont. enough but that something else is needed as can save me. They might make us better

38 THE BANNER | May 42017 THE | BANNERthebanner.org Study Series | Reformation Themes: Commemorating the 500th Anniversary | thebanner.org/Study-Series REFORMED MATTE RS

Sola Gratia

Who is this Abraham guy, anyway?

chapter 11. What makes Abraham so special it is tempting to justify Abraham’s election as 2017 MARKSTHE 500TH ANNIVERSARY that he should be the one through whom all we read the story of his life. of the Protestant Reformation. We’re nations will be blessed? It seems like some Maybe, like me, you have caught yourself commemorating the anniversary by important detail was left out and we need to misreading your own story, living as if you can highlighting its five rallying themes: supply it. supply your own lost details of faithfulness and Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura), Faith Some storybooks do just that with Genesis . For us, confessing sola gra- Alone (Sola Fide), Christ Alone (Solo 12. Before God says anything, the narrator tia means facing the hard truth that these details Christo), Grace Alone (Sola Gratia), and introduces us to Abraham. We might get details do not save us. In his new book, Biblical Author- Glory to God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria). like: Abraham is a good man, or Abraham ity after Babel, Kevin Vanhoozer says, “Grace believes in God. Sounds harmless, right? This contradicts every system of religion precisely OUR FAMILY HAS QUITE THE COLLECTION may be a nice way to set up the story, but because God’s free mercy cannot be predicted, of Bible storybooks, gifts from loved ones who when we read Genesis 12 like this we are in calculated, or manipulated. Grace is especially pray for our son’s faith formation. Most of the danger of missing what is so profound: Scrip- troublesome for control freaks—sinners curved storybooks are very good, and we enjoy work- ture never says why God chooses Abraham. in on themselves, bent on securing their own ing our way through the stack at bedtime. At There is no lost detail. existence and status” (p. 40). times, though, I find myself rephrasing a line Genesis 12 helps us reflect on the principle Instead of getting lost in self-examination, Oor two as I read the book aloud. I judge that of sola gratia, grace alone. Abraham receives God invites us to look up and see our place in some important detail has been lost trying to undeserved favor. We are not told what dis- the one grand story revealed in Scripture. This craft the story for children. tinguishes him from others members of his is ultimately a story not about us, but about I struggle to find the right words, and per- family. We know nothing about his character God and God’s gracious initiative—a grace haps these books do too since the Bible itself or belief. The story of Abraham does not begin displayed most clearly in the person and work does not always read like a children’s book. with Abraham; it begins with God. God speaks of Jesus Christ. The stories of our lives do not Take Genesis 12 for example: the chapter starts first. God reveals his overwhelming desire to need details like “he was a good person” or with God speaking to Abra(ha)m. It feels like bless. To supply extra details would make the “she believed in God”; the main theme is we are jumping into the middle of a conversa- story less wonderful. always God’s amazing grace. n tion, like we accidentally skipped a page in Sola gratia focuses our attention on what STUDY QUESTIONS ONLINE the storybook. God commands Abraham to God does instead of what we do—God’s big leave everything and go to the land God will story and not our details. In particular, sola show him. Then God bestows on him an gratia refers to the Reformation emphasis on Sarah Schreiber is assistant extravagant blessing that extends to all the doctrine of salvation by grace alone. Salva- professor of at peoples on earth (Gen 12:1-3). But who is this tion is by grace through faith in Christ; no one Calvin Theological Seminary Abraham guy, anyway? Why has God chosen is able to earn or merit salvation. Not even and an associate pastor at Grace him? He seems to be just another name in Abraham deserved God’s favor, even though CRC in Grand Rapids, Mich.

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Soli Deo Gloria

Home isn’t home unless there’s SH LA

NSP someone at the door to meet you. EHRHARDT/U AN NN HOTO BY BRE HOTO P

ary and found sweet communion in singing the glory along the road toward our eternal 2017 MARKSTHE 500TH ANNIVERSARY on Sundays. home (Soli Deo Gloria). of the Protestant Reformation. We’re Elder Mamie Bryant played the piano faith- The Reformation was the business of going commemorating the anniversary by fully and always in the same key, no matter back to dealing with the triune God as the highlighting its five rallying themes: exclusive object of our worship, living, and Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura), Faith the song. With some coaxing from Bryant, witness. The Heidelberg Catechism instructs Alone (Sola Fide), Christ Alone (Solo Taylor had to sing “Coming Home.” His voice us that our Lord requires our exclusive worship Christo), Grace Alone (Sola Gratia), and grew louder and his arms lifted a bit toward and that we are to“avoid and shun all idolatry, Glory to God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria). heaven. Standing next to him, I heard Taylor magic, superstitious rites or prayers to saints sing,“Coming home, coming home, nevermore or other creatures” (Q&A 94). to roam; open now thine arms of love; Lord, I SANG WITH ELDER CLINTON TAYLOR in The men and women of the Reformation I’m coming home.”Taylor sang and believed the choir at Lawndale Christian risked their lives to go back to God alone. In Reformed Church in Chicago, Ill., as a fledgling his entire life was going somewhere, to some- his book My Only Comfort, the late Fred Klooster, leader. He had a pithy saying he’d repeat to place, to someone. my former theology professor, remarked that anyone who asked how he was doing. In his All roads of the Christian life lead toward the Word alone“express(es) the wholeness and deep baritone voice, Elder Taylor would reply, home with God. Home isn’t home unless there’s exclusiveness of the gospel.” In other words, I“Well, I never had it so good.”Like many Afri- someone at the door to meet you. The holy the gospel reveals God’s glorifying presence can Americans who came from the South to Word reminds Christians that life broke down in our work, our worship, our praying, and northern industrial cities after World War II, in a garden, but the garden isn’t our future serving. It’s coming to understand that we Elder Taylor and his wife, Emma, came to home (Sola Scriptura). The gift of faith is like never had it so good! Soli Deo Gloria. n Chicago to find a better way of life for their a pair of miracle glasses that enable the sinner STUDY QUESTIONS ONLINE family. Lawndale was his home church, a to see that Christ paid it all (Sola Fide). Master church that joined him to fight for their cov- Jesus revealed our pitiful efforts to make enant children to attend Timothy Christian something out of ourselves by ourselves (Solo School in the 1960s. Taylor believed that Christo). Grace is the compass that keeps point- Christian discipleship meant giving God alone the glory, from the cradle to the grave. ing us back to home in the world (Sola Gratia). Elder Taylor kept a full head of hair, along Coming home is the twisting, bumpy road of Reginald Smith is director of race with a full salt-and-pepper beard. His hands mistakes, disappointments, deaths, scars, and relations and social justice for ordinary epiphanies which signal that we were were huge, with a couple of fingers bent by the Christian Reformed Church. working hard at his job. However, his voice meant for so much more than this place. All He attends Madison Square filled the gym that functioned as the sanctu- the while, Jesus keeps calling us to give him Church in Grand Rapids, Mich.

38 THE BANNER | September6 THE 2017 BANNER | thebanner.org Study Series | Reformation Themes: Commemorating the 500th Anniversary | thebanner.org/Study-Series BY KARIN MAAG

THE REFORMATION: WHAT DID WE GAIN? WHAT DID WE LOSE?

IN 2017, Christians are the Reformation means exactly for Chris- One way to move forward is to consider marking the Reformation’s tians around the world in 2017. Five what changed because of the Reformation. 500th anniversary. Histori- hundred years after the Reformation, what What has the Christian church worldwide ans and theologians have been should Christians be commemorating, gained or lost as a result? racing to publish biographies especially in the increasingly diverse and For starters, here are three important of Luther and analyses of his globalized church? Does the Reformation guideposts: impact. Various museums are have any relevance to Christians in South • The Reformation is a general label used hosting major exhibits on Korea or Nigeria or Argentina, not to men- to refer to a wide range of calls for Luther and his world. Pas- tion in North America or in Europe? Does wholesale changes in the theology and tors and church leaders are the Reformation still speak in any substan- practices of the Roman Catholic retelling the story of ’s tive way to 21st-century Christians? Church in Europe, primarily in the posting of 95 theses against the sale of These questions are hard to answer. 1500s. “” may well be a indulgences by the Catholic Church on First, many churches focus on the present more accurate descriptor. (The earlier October 31, 1517. Congregations will join and the future, largely ignoring their own split with the Eastern Orthodox in singing “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” history. If we don’t know what the Refor- Church is also important, but falls Meanwhile, tour companies are market- mation was really about, how can we outside the parameters of this article). ing trips to Reformation sites in Europe, commemorate it? Then there’s the chal- • These calls for reform came from and providers of memorabilia are selling lenge of figuring out what aspects of the insiders, not from folks who were everything from Luther socks to beer Reformation have enduring significance disgruntled outsiders disengaged from steins and bobbleheads. and what parts are rooted in the early their church. The leading reformers But beyond the books, articles, and modern world. As the heirs of Reformation Martin Luther, , and exhibits, the commemorative worship divisions over doctrine, liturgy, and church were all either priests or services around October 31 and the nifty government, how do we discern between priests-in-training in the Roman gift ideas for the Reformation fan on your bedrock issues and matters of preference Catholic Church prior to their advo- list, it is worth pausing to reflect on what that have become the norm over centuries? cacy of Reformation. They did not call

18 THE BANNER | October7 THE 2017 BANNER | thebanner.org Study Series | Reformation Themes: Commemorating the 500th Anniversary | thebanner.org/Study-Series THE REFORMATION WAS ABOUT FINDING THE BALANCE BETWEEN COMMIT MENT TO ONE’S FAIT H AND RECOG NITION THAT OTHERS . . . WHO HOLD DIFFER ENT BELIEFS ARE STILL BROTHER S AND SISTERS MAD E IN THE IMAGE OF GOD.

for change because they hated their ’ support for adult or believers’ ognizing the validity of each other’s church but because they cared deeply as most faithful to the New Testa- . So although we are still divided about it and wanted it to follow ment record attracted opposition from doctrinally, many Christians seek some Christ’s teachings faithfully. everyone else who stood firmly for infant common ground, especially in areas that • The Roman Catholic Church also baptism. Jesus’ words at the Last Supper reflect the heart of faith and worship. engaged in the process of reformation proved equally divisive. Reformers dis- in the 16th century. It worked to clean agreed, for instance, about the nature of Worship up abuses in church practice while Christ’s presence in ’s Supper. The Reformation led to many significant reaffirming traditional Catholic doc- Luther and the Swiss Reformed famously changes in worship. First, Protestant THE REFORMATION: trines. To try to understand the Ref- fought over this issue at the Colloquy of worship largely moved from to the ormation’s impact while leaving aside Marburg in 1529. For their part, the Dutch , the language of the people. the story of the Catholic Church’s Reformed split in the early 17th century Second, most Protestant churches only reforms is to have only a partial picture over conflicting understandings of the retained two —baptism and WHAT DID WE GAIN? of how the calls for change reshaped doctrine of predestination. These doctri- communion—compared to the Catho- all of Western Christendom. nal divisions led to hostility and mutual lics’ seven. Third, for all Protestants, communion involved partaking in both There is no doubt that the Reforma- attacks on each other’s doctrine, which was a loss in terms of inter-church relations the bread and the wine, as compared WHAT DID WE LOSE? tion dramatically transformed the reli- with lay Catholics’ practice of only gious life of early modern Christians. To (see more below). receiving the bread. Beyond these fun- make it easier to assess the Reformation’s Today, doctrinal differences continue damental changes, there was little una- longer-term impact, let’s consider differ- to divide Christians, although church nimity among Protestants as to the most ent aspects of church life in turn. leaders have worked hard over the past decades to find points of agreement. So, biblically faithful way to worship. Theology for instance, the Roman Catholic Church Lutherans and Anglicans retained many Although each of those who worked for and the Lutheran World Federation have aspects of traditional Roman Catholic fundamental religious changes developed issued a “Joint Declaration on Justifica- liturgy, whereas the Reformed and the their own unique visions for reform, some tion” in 1999. The core section of the text Anabaptists adopted a much plainer key theological features surfaced again is worth quoting: “on the basis of their worship style. This difference led at least and again. These included turning to dialogue the subscribing Lutheran one Catholic observer of early Protestant Scripture as the key authority in doctrine churches and the Roman Catholic Church worship in Geneva to remark that he felt and worship, emphasizing God’s justify- are now able to articulate a common he was in school rather than in church. ing grace through Christ rather than understanding of our by The Reformed and the Anabaptists also human efforts, concentrating on preach- God’s grace through faith in Christ.” This rejected any religious images in their ing, and committing to teaching the next declaration is a major step forward, places of worship, leading to the destruc- generation the foundations of Christian- though not all Lutheran churches have tion of religious art in several locations. ity. A return to these fundamentals was signed on to this document. Today, worship-related differences definitely a gain, both in the short and In 1975, five of Canada’s largest between denominations are shrinking. long term. denominations, including Anglicans, Indeed, there are sometimes greater dif- Across the board, the Reformers Presbyterians, the United Church of ferences in worship styles within a given sought to restore what they understood Canada, and the Roman Catholic Church, denomination than between two different as the key teachings of the faith. These agreed to accept each other’s baptisms as confessional groups. In church music in core doctrines can be summarized in fully valid. In 2007, five major denomina- particular, denominations borrow freely various ways—as in the five solas: Scrip- tions in Brazil, including Lutherans, from each other. Here, the Reformation’s ture alone, faith alone, grace alone, Christ Presbyterians, Anglicans, and Catholics, strong encouragement to church mem- alone, and to God’s glory alone (for more did the same thing. In the United States bers to sing in worship has led to a rich on each of these, see Banner articles from in 2013, four denominations including tradition of hymnody that crosses March 2017 onward). the Christian Reformed Church, the denominational divides. CRC churches Yet these slogans provide only a partial Reformed Church in America, the United sing pieces by Catholic composers (think look at the complex history of Reformation Church of Christ, and the Presbyterian of Marty Haugen’s “Shepherd Me, O God” theology. The problem was that people Church USA formally signed a common or David Haas’s very popular “You Are disagreed about what Scripture meant and agreement with the United States Confer- Mine,” for instance). Meanwhile, contem- how to interpret it. For instance, the Ana- ence of Catholic Bishops, mutually rec- porary Catholic hymnals include

8 THE BANNER Study Series | Reformation Themes: Commemorating the 500th Anniversary | thebanner.org/Study-Seriesthebanner.org | October 2017 | THE BANNER 19 famous Protestant hymns including “Be simply bring people to Christ. Instead, Here are some real-life examples from Still, My Soul” and “Amazing Grace.” they brought the new converts to faith the 16th century to consider. Would a Hymns and praise songs from the global within a particular religious tradition. So French Huguenot family still attend their South and East are growing in popularity there are strong Catholic, Episcopalian, cousin’s Catholic wedding? Would a Prot- regardless of denomination. and Reformed communities in sub- estant baker sell his wares at a Catholic Saharan Africa, multiple branches and festival? Would a Protestant printer publish Church Leadership forms of Presbyterians, along with Meth- a Catholic prayer-book? Would a Catholic In many Protestant groups, especially odists, Baptists, and smaller Catholic father send his son to the academically among the Reformed and the Anabaptists, communities in South Korea, and vibrant excellent (but Protestant) school? Would lay church leaders grew in number and Catholic communities alongside smaller Lutheran parents accept a Reformed bap- in power. Among the Reformed, elders communities of Protestants of all kinds tism for their child if no Lutheran baptism and deacons provided crucial leadership, in the Philippines. While working dili- was available? Would young people from especially for congregations facing reli- gently to spread the gospel message, mis- different confessional groups marry and gious persecution. Even without a pastor, sionaries also imported the seeds of successfully navigate the pitfalls of an inter- these congregations could continue to denominational division. confessional marriage? Although inter- gather for worship and remain active as In the 16th century, tensions between communal religious violence persisted, a church body at the local level. rival Christian groups led to executions, already by the mid-1500s, many individu- Giving lay people a greater role and a religious riots, and massacres. Today in als and communities were quietly coming greater voice in church leadership has been much of the world, active violence between to terms with religious difference. They one of the most important—yet often Christian groups has largely abated. How- found ways to emphasize workplace, forgotten—longer-term gains of the Ref- ever, tensions still remain. Some denomi- neighbor, and kinship bonds that endured ormation. Churches around the world nations or groups within denominations beyond confessional divisions. have benefited from male and female lay still will not collaborate with other Chris- Many of these situations from the leaders from all walks of life who contrib- tians on joint projects, viewing each other Reformation era still resonate among ute their time and talents to bring forth as heterodox rivals rather than potential present-day Christians. For instance, God’s kingdom and help their local faith partners. At times, we still let our precon- cross-confessional marriages have con- community thrive. Lay leaders, particularly ceived notions about other Christian tinued to pose challenges, especially if in the global South and East, have served groups’ beliefs or practices dictate our both sides of the prospective family are as highly effective evangelists, teachers, attitude toward them. The continuing active in their respective churches. Yet the and pastoral care providers in their home fragmentation of the church (Christ’s experience of ordinary Christians in the communities, helping to bridge the gap body) calls for deep reflection and genuine Reformation era offers ways forward between large numbers of church members dialogue. As a Reformed colleague of mine, toward coexistence, even in situations and the small number of pastors. Dr. Epiemembong from Cameroon, where people are divided by different faith commitments. Inter-church Relations remarked, “We Reformed Christians in Does the Reformation still speak to In 1500, the vast majority of Western Cameroon only know those in our own 21st-century Christians worldwide? Yes, Europeans were Roman Catholic Chris- group—we do not know what other Chris- because it provides examples of men and tians. By 1600, rival confessional groups tians in our country are doing to address women putting their faith commitments had taken root across Europe: Lutherans, the same problems we face.” at the center of their lives, willing to go Anabaptists, Anglicans, and Reformed Yet the experience of confessional into exile for religious reasons, and com- competed with Catholics for people’s diversity within Christianity from the ing to terms with increased religious allegiance. Each of these Protestant Reformation onward can also be seen as diversity. Ultimately, the longer-term groups split further, either at the time or a gain, even though this gain (religious outworking of the Reformation was about afterward, often into more hard-line or co-existence) was slow in coming. Here’s finding the balance between profound more moderate factions. why: by the late 1500s, individual Chris- commitment to one’s faith and recogni- So the Reformation led to profound tians had to confront the reality that tion that others within the Christian and continuing splits within Western people living across the street or in the family who hold different beliefs are still Christendom. This separation among next town or over the border held to dif- brothers and sisters made in the image Christians can definitely be understood ferent beliefs and practices of the faith. of God. n as a loss. While governments and church leaders Worldwide, Christians still live with at the time tended to preach separation Karin Maag is director of the this legacy of division. When European and exclusivism, ordinary Christians on H. Henry Meeter Center for and North American missionaries went the ground had to figure out how to man- Calvin Studies at Calvin College to other continents in the centuries fol- age family and work life in spite of these and a member of Woodlawn lowing the Reformation, they did not divisions. CRC in Grand Rapids, Mich.

20 THE BANNER | October9 THE 2017 BANNER | thebanner.org Study Series | Reformation Themes: Commemorating the 500th Anniversary | thebanner.org/Study-Series Questions for Discussion Sola Scriptura Soli Deo Gloria 1. What was your impression when you first heard the phrase “Scrip- 1. What images and ideas are evoked when you hear the word “home”? ture alone”? What do you think it means? 2. What do you think it means to find ourselves “at home” with God? 2. Do you think North American culture has over-emphasized subjec- What might part of that experience be for us here and now? tive individualism? Why or why not? 3. How do the Reformation’s themes of Scripture alone, Faith alone, 3. The author suggests that confessions, creeds, and respected theo- Christ alone, Grace alone, and Glory to God alone help us in this logians can be “lesser religious authorities” subordinate to Scripture. spiritual journey toward home with God? How do you think having these secondary authorities help us in 4. In what ways might we inadvertently take glory away from God? our Christian lives and communities? 4. On the other hand, how do we prevent these helpful secondary authorities from becoming equal authorities to Scripture in our The Reformation: What Did We Gain? lives and communities? What Did We Lose? Sola Fide 1. What have you known, heard, or read about the Reformation? What do you appreciate the most about it? 1. In what setting have you come across the idea of “pulling yourself 2. Doctrinal differences have divided the church from the Reforma- up by your own bootstraps”? How does this fit (or not fit) within tion until today. How do you feel about this disunity? How can the context of Christian faith? Christians work together more closely? 2. How would you define faith? What are some of the various shades 3. Have you experienced worship in a different ? of meaning it might have? What was different from, or similar to, your home church? What 3. If faith must be nourished in a faithful community, how should did you learn from that experience? that make us understand the role of the church and our involvement 4. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your church’s leadership in church? structure? How has it been shaped by the Reformation? 4. How does radical trust (faith) in God’s faithfulness and grace moti- 5. How do you navigate relationships with Christians from other vate our own personal transformations as well as social transforma- denominations, especially those who are very different? Where tion? could you improve? Solo Christo 1. How have you personally experienced hope and salvation in “Christ alone”? 2. What are some common false “saviors” the world has faith in? 3. For Christians, what may be some tempting “additions” for us to place our faith in alongside Jesus? 4. How can we guard our hearts from turning our faith in Christ alone for our salvation into faith in Christ plus something else for salva- tion? Without turning to a mystical faith in faith itself, i.e. “you just have to believe”? Sola Gratia 1. What are your impressions of Abraham in the Bible? Or some other “saint” in Scripture? Did you feel they in any way deserved their divine appointments? 2. Can you identify ways in which the church, perhaps inadvertently, tried to predict, calculate, or manipulate God’s free grace? 3. In what ways have we misread our own individual stories in the shadow of deservingness rather than in the light of God’s amazing grace? 4. How should recognizing God’s grace to us affect our personal lives and the way we relate to others?

10 THE BANNER Study Series | Reformation Themes: Commemorating the 500th Anniversary | thebanner.org/Study-Series

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