REFORMATION 500

As we kicked off the year of the Reformation’s 500th anniversary, Living Lutheran began a series in which we highlighted 500 items about the Reformation and its spirit and impact. Over the course of 10 issues, we explored 500 unique aspects of the Reformation, beginning with 50 wide-ranging quotes.

These lists were not meant as an all-encompassing compendium of everything essential to the Reformation and its theology, but rather as a glimpse of the variety of ways the movement that Martin Luther sparked in 1517 would influence the history of the world.

Contents

50 Reformation quotes 2

50 Reformation sites 7

50 Reformation figures 11

50 Reformation artworks 16

50 Reformation publications 21

50 things you may not know about Luther 26

50 things you may not know about the Reformation 31

50 things Luther taught that you may not know 36

50 Reformation hymns 41

50 ways the Reformation still impacts pastors 46

VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 REFORMATION 500

50 Reformation quotes

As we kick off the year of the Reformation’s 500th anniversary, Living Lutheran begins a series in which we’ll highlight 500 items about the Reformation and its spirit and impact. Over the course of the next 10 issues, we’ll explore 500 unique aspects of the Reformation, beginning this month with 50 wide-ranging quotes.

This list is not meant as an all-encompassing compendium of everything essential to the Reformation and its theology, but rather as a glimpse of the variety of ways the movement that Martin Luther sparked in 1517 would influence the history of the world.

“In short, I will preach it, “[Luther’s] Reformation “The Protestant Reformation 1 teach it, write it, but I will 3neither transformed the 5had a lot to do with the constrain no one by force, for church, nor was crushed by it. printing press, where Martin faith must come freely without Instead, a de facto partition Luther’s theses were reproduced compulsion. Take myself took shape. One by one, a series about 250,000 times, and so you as an example. I opposed of German and Scandinavian had widespread dissemination of indulgences and all the papists, cities and territories abolished ideas that hadn’t circulated in the but never with force. I simply the Catholic Mass, repudiated mainstream before.” taught, preached and wrote the church’s hierarchy, and —Nate Silver, author and God’s Word; otherwise I did required preachers to proclaim statistician nothing. And while I slept, or Luther’s doctrines. A new form drank Wittenberg beer with my of Christianity was starting to friends Philipp and Amsdorf, come into being. … Like all “The recently published the Word … did everything.” great revolutions, it had created 6Atlas of World Christianity —Martin Luther (1483-1546) a new world.” enumerates about 500,000,000 —Alec Ryrie, author, Protestants adherents to churches and denominations that trace their “One man, Martin Luther, descent directly or indirectly 2 took a stand that literally “The Reformation is a much from 16th-century Protestant shredded the fabric of Europe. 4 broader event than that beginnings and several hundred It changed theology, it changed singular day. To be sure, the millions more in ‘independent’ politics, it changed society and it Reformation began on that churches with Protestant changed political boundaries. It day. The Reformation, however, origins or strongly Protestant gave us a revolution in education, spanned two centuries and characteristics.” in literacy. There are many, encompassed a cast of characters —Mark Noll, professor many manifestations of the from a variety of nations. Luther Reformation.” may very well be at the center of —Tom Rassieur, curator, the Reformation, but he does not “Martin Luther: Art and the stand alone.” Reformation” —Stephen J. Nichols, author, The Reformation

2 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017

“… the Reformation as “I have a hard time picturing “Luther was the man who, 7 such, liberated from its early 11several aspects of the 16guided by experience in the modern political constraints, modern world without Luther.” life of his own soul, again made remains alive —Martin E. Marty, ELCA pastor people understand the original and well in the United States. and professor and true meaning of the gospel Anyone who doubts this need of Christ.” only open the Yellow Pages of a —Herman Bavinck (1854-1921), local phone book from anywhere “The Reformation theologian in the United States and look 12inspired a mood of anti- under ‘Churches.’” authoritarianism, which led —Brad S. Gregory, professor to backlash against the feudal “The mainstream system and, by extension, to the 17Reformation was not democratic movement around concerned with establishing a “The now almost universally the world. In the centuries new Christian tradition, but with 8acknowledged principles following the Reformation, the renewal and correction of an of religious freedom, liberty movements like women’s existing tradition. On the basis of conscience, the rule of law, suffrage and the abolition of of their assertion that Christian separation of powers and slavery traced their roots back to theology was ultimately constitutionally limited republics Reformation-era principles.” grounded in Scripture, were unthinkable before the —Reference.com reformers such as Luther and Reformation.” Calvin argued for the need —The Reformation Society, to return to Scripture as the Cape Town, South Africa “The Reformation was primary and critical source of 13fundamentally a struggle Christian theology.” for the backing of secular —Robert Kennerson, author, “The Protestant Reformation governments. Without their “The theological agenda of 9was one of the most far- support, no religious dissidents the Reformation” reaching events of the last could last for long. With it, the millennium. It ended the old church was at their mercy.” millennium-old hegemony of —Alec Ryrie, author, Protestants “Prior to the Reformation, the Catholic Church in Western 18worship was largely done Europe and altered political and for the people. The music was economic fortunes wherever it “Luther used humor to performed by professional reached.” 14express his theological musicians and sung in an —Sascha O. Becker, Steven Pfaff ideas in all sorts of ways. Perhaps unfamiliar language (Latin). The and Jared Rubin, professors it’s because he struggled Reformation gave worship back with melancholy as well as to the people. … Worship once profoundest opposition to again became participatory.” “It is impossible to his passionately held ideas; —Kenny Lamm, Renewing 10understand modern history his humor served as a life raft Worship NC apart from the Reformation. keeping his spirits and Spirit We cannot understand the buoyed.” history of Europe, England or —Jane Voigts, pastor, comedian, “All that matters is that America without studying the writer 19God’s Word be given Reformation. For example, in free course to encourage and America there would never have enliven hearts so that they do been Pilgrim Fathers if there “The true treasure of the not become burdened.” had not first been a Protestant 15church is the most holy —Martin Luther Reformation.” gospel of the glory and grace —Jack Arnold, church history of God.” professor, IIIM Magazine —Martin Luther, thesis 62

3 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 “Luther knew what it felt “[Christ] is everywhere, “With no ‘spiritual 20like for the law to convict 23but he does not wish 27license’ to teach and him, accuse him, leave him with that you grope for him preach and write in public, with nowhere to rest. And if you want everywhere. Grope rather no recognized official role to do to know what really sparked the where the Word is, and there so, the most important stimulus Protestant Reformation it is the you will lay hold of him in the for Protestant women to write fact that feeling this way, Luther right way.” theologically came from their … believed that God’s grace is —Martin Luther understanding of the Word and a gift, [and] no longer accepted external reasons: a necessity to what the church had for so long defend others, to intervene on taught: that we are really saved “Perhaps Luther’s greatest behalf of others, to show care for by the works of the law. The 24achievement was the ‘theirs’ as well as others, to teach medieval church had pawned off German Bible. No other work those they cared about, and to law as gospel, and Luther dared has had as strong an impact speak the word of truth when it to know the difference, and then on a nation’s development and was needed, and to respond to he became a preacher of grace, heritage as has this Book.” the call of the gospel as they and that changed everything.” —Henry Zecher in saw it.” —Nadia Bolz-Weber, pastor, Christianity Today —Kirsi Stjerna, ELCA pastor House for All Sinners and and professor Saints, Denver “The Bible ceased to be a 25foreign book in a foreign “Because churches “For the reality of grace tongue, and became naturalized, 28today—both Protestant 21is not severable form that and hence far more clear and and Catholic, as well as Jewish, web and bundle of life out of dear to the common people. Muslim and other religions—are which the human emerges Hereafter the Reformation still wrestling with the balance and is defined, with in which depended no longer on the between men’s and women’s the negatives of need and works of the Reformers, but spiritual equality and social anguish and death, as well as the on the book of God, which difference, [Luther’s] words, affirmative vitalities of beauty everybody could read for himself like those of other authoritative and joy burst forth, to which as his daily guide in spiritual religious writers, are not simply the Incarnation of grace came, life. This inestimable blessing of matters of historical interest.” and which, in the numberless an open Bible for all … marks —Susan Karant-Nunn and occasions of experience, an immense advance in church Merry Wiesner-Hanks, constitutes the theater of man’s history, and can never be lost.” professors redemption by grace.” —Philip Schaff (1819-93), –Joseph Sittler (1904-87), theologian and church theologian historian “When he asked why 29he got married, Luther responded that “his marriage “He [Luther] rejected “A Christian would please his father, rile the 22the emphasis on internal 26congregation should pope, cause the angels to laugh, experience as the basis for faith never gather together and the devils to weep.” because, for him, human beings [in worship] without the —Terry Lindvall, author, encountered God through the preaching of God’s Word and God Mocks means outside themselves (extra prayer, no matter how briefly.” nos), through the scripture, —Martin Luther the word of preaching and the “In essentials, unity; in sacraments.” 30differences, liberty; in all —Rev. Kenneth Mtata, author, things, charity.” “The Holy Spirit in the —Attributed to Philipp Lutheran and Reformation Melanchthon (1497-1560), History: An African reformer and theologian Perspective”

4 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 “What have Luther and “Reformation ends not the power of the Lutheran 31Melanchthon taught save 35in contemplation, but witness to the gospel and at the the Word of God? You have in action.” same time a space for the self- condemned them. You have not —George Gillespie (1613-48), critical acknowledgement of refuted them. Where do you theologian failures in faithfulness and of read in the Bible that Christ, the continuing pain of division the apostles, and the prophets among Christians.” imprisoned, banished, burned, “God is decreeing to —Lutheran World Federation or murdered anyone?” 36begin some new and strategic plan —Argula von Grumbach (1492- great period in His Church, 1568), reformer and author even to the reforming of the Reformation itself.” “If Luther were to rise —John Milton (1608-74), author 40from the dead he would “The law says, ‘do this,’ be shocked at the strange things, 32 and it is never done. which are done, under the cover Grace says, ‘believe in this,’ “If we Protestants of his name.” and everything is already 37are ‘reformed and —Bishop Manas Buthelezi (1935- done.” always reforming,’ then 2016), theologian, activist and —Martin Luther commemorating the first bishop of the Evangelical Reformation should cause us Lutheran Church in Southern not so much to celebrate the Africa’s Central Diocese “[Luther’s] ultimate past as to renew our mission and 33message was that if one ministry in the present.” “In commemorating the wanted to compare Christianity —Christopher Gehrz, professor 41Reformation, we cannot to a ship, then one must know just see it as a jubilee, but should that all Christians—whether also admit our guilt for past monk or farmer, nun or “It was a sad and errors and repent on both sides housewife—were granted a 38unexpected consequence for the past 500 years.” place on board, and no one of the Reformation attack in —Heinz Josef Algermissen, place was better than another. monasticism that the immediate bishop of the Roman Catholic Moreover, a ride aboard this effects on education were Diocese of Fulda in Germany ship of grace came only by way negative. As persons left religious of faith.” orders, and as their property —David C. Mayes, professor was seized by nobles with “The ecumenical evident greed, the traditional 42movement has altered role that these institutions the orientation of the churches’ “The first thing I played in educating the young perceptions of the Reformation: 34ask is that people disappeared.” ecumenical theologians have should not make use of my —Timothy Lull (1943-2003), decided not to pursue their name, and should not call author, Martin Luther’s Basic confessional self-assertions at themselves Lutherans, but Theological Writings the expense of their dialogue Christians. What is Luther? partners but rather to search for The teaching is not mine. Nor that which is common within was I crucified for anyone. “The anniversary of the differences, even within St. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3, 39the Reformation in the oppositions, and thus work would not tolerate Christians 2017 becomes the focus for toward overcoming church- calling themselves Pauls or a multiyear global process of dividing differences.” Peters, but only Christians. reflection, repentance, and —The Lutheran-Roman How did I, poor stinking bag celebration in all congregations Catholic Commission on Unity of maggots that I am, come to and expressions of the the point where people call communion. As one part of this the children of Christ by my emphasis, the [Lutheran World evil name?” Federation] Assembly in 2017 —Martin Luther will be planned as an occasion for the joyful celebration of

5 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 “If, unfortunately, “In particular, our church “The radical gospel of 43 there are things in 46will have to confront the 48justification by faith Rome which cannot be vices of hubris, the worship of alone does not allow for a improved, there is not—nor power, envy, and illusionism middle-of-the-road position. can there be!—any reason as the roots of all evil. It will Either one must proclaim it as for tearing oneself away from have to speak of moderation, unconditionally as possible, the church in schism. Rather, authenticity, trust, faithfulness, or forget it. We must somehow the worse things become, the steadfastness, patience, muster up the nerve to preach more one should help her and discipline, humility, modesty, the gospel in such fashion as stand by her, for by schism contentment. It will have to see to put the old to death and call and contempt nothing can be that it does not underestimate forth the new. … If Lutheranism mended.” the significance of the human is to recover a sense of its identity —Martin Luther ‘example’ (which has its origin and mission today, it must begin in the human of Jesus and is so to consider what it means to important in Paul’s writings!); preach the gospel in radical “He [Luther] took his the church’s word gains weight fashion.” 44shots at the system, yet he and power not through concepts —Gerhard Forde (1927-2005), also lived up to all the reforms but by example.” theologian he pushed through. The people —Dietrich Bonhoeffer listened to him because they (1906-45), theologian could see Luther laboring “In our day, we emphasize to bring Christianity back to 49the gospel of self-esteem, the point where Christ had “The time is ripe to marketing the church based on established it—a simple faith 47 acknowledge that people’s needs, saying, ‘I found in God, a direct relationship translating Luther to new it!’ and ‘I’m the little engine that with Christ, contentment with contexts involves a process could.’ Our culture promotes the calling God gives each of transfiguration by which human ability and human will, individual, and living righteously the old, relevant as it is in its as did the indulgence culture in in the midst of the world.” reappearance, also passes Luther’s day, as a way to bring —David C. Mayes, professor away. … The contours of the salvation. So I have a hunch Reformation now are to be Luther would still feel compelled defined over against this new to speak his central message.” “The Reformers did background in which powers —Martin E. Marty, ELCA pastor 45not seem themselves and principalities exert and professor as inventors, discoverers, or control now as they did when creators. Instead they saw their the Reformation erupted as a efforts as rediscovery. They cry for freedom and a call for “The church needs a weren’t making something the gospel. The Reformation 50reformation which is from scratch but were reviving defined them then; it is left for us not the work of man, namely what had become dead. They to name them today, yet the spirit the pope, or of many men, looked back to the Bible and is the same.” namely the cardinals, both of to the apostolic era, as well as —Vítor Westhelle, author, which the most recent council to early church fathers such as Transfiguring Luther has demonstrated, but it is Augustine for the mold by which the work of the whole world, they could shape the church and indeed it is the work of God re-form it.” alone. However, only God who —Stephen J. Nichols, author, has created time knows the The Reformation time for this reformation.” —Martin Luther

This list was compiled by John Potter, a content editor of Living Lutheran, and Rod Boriack, a writer and editor living in Des Plaines, Ill.

6 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 REFORMATION 500

50 Reformation sites

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Living Lutheran is exploring 500 of its unique aspects, continuing the series this month with 50 Reformation locations.

University of University of Wittenberg, Germany 1Erfurt, Germany 4In 1512, Luther received his doctorate and Martin Luther joined the theological faculty here. Today the enrolled here Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg is in 1501 with located in Halle, while the original campus is home the intention to its convention center. of studying law. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1502 and his

master’s in 1505. Shutterstock.com / Hackemann Jorg Photo:

St. Augustine’s Monastery, Erfurt 2Luther left law school to enter the Augustinian cloister here in 1505. He took his monastic vow in 1506 and was ordained in 1507. Photo: Mary Takashi Images / Shutterstock.com / Images Mary Takashi Photo:

The Town and Parish Church of St. Mary, 5Wittenberg, Germany Considered the “Mother Church of the Reformation,” it held the first celebration of mass in German. Luther preached hundreds of sermons here.

Heylshof Garden, Worms, Germany 6 After being excommunicated by the pope, Luther was called before the Diet of Worms here in

Photo: Shutterstock.com 1521 to answer charges of heresy. He was declared Rome, Italy an outlaw in the Edict of Worms. 3When Luther took a pilgrimage here in 1509— seeing firsthand St. Peter’s Basilica and the Scala Augsburg, Germany Santa, among other sites—it was a formative moment 7 At the Diet of Augsburg in 1530, the Augsburg in his lifelong skepticism about church practices. Confession, which became Lutheranism’s primary confession of faith, was presented.

7 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Veste Coburg, Coburg, Germany Rick Steves’ top 10 8 While seeking protection during the Diet of Augsburg, Luther continued his translation of the Reformation sites Bible into high German here. To research and film my public television special Rick Steves’ Luther Nuremberg, Germany and the Reformation, I traveled to 9With 21 printing presses during the 16th many Reformation-related sites century, this town played a vital role in spreading around Europe. Here are my 10 the Reformation’s ideas by creating and distributing favorites.

pamphlets. Photo: Courtesy Rick Steves Europe

Grossmünster, Zurich, Switzerland Cathar Castles, Southwestern France 10 In 1519, Huldrych Zwingli, a leader of the 16Centuries before Martin Luther, a heretical group Reformation in Switzerland, became pastor here called the Cathars created their version of Christianity. and began to preach about reforming the church. The king of France and the pope wiped them out in a series of Crusades. Today the looming ruins of Cathar St. Pierre Cathedral, Geneva, Switzerland Castles are a reminder that Luther wasn’t the first 11Prominent Reformation theologian John Calvin Christian who sought an alternative to the medieval preached here throughout the mid-16th century. church.

Castle of St. Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic 12Andrews, St. 17 Czech professor and priest Jan Hus spoke out Andrews, Scotland against many of the same medieval church corruptions John Knox, leader as Luther. But he did it in a less enlightened time, a of the Scottish century before Luther, and Reformation and was burned at the stake. Today Hus is honored by founder of the a statue in the center of the enchanting square. Presbyterian Church of Scotland, was chaplain of St. Andrews Castle in the

Photo: Shutterstock.com mid-16th century.

Parliament of England 13By passing the first Act of Supremacy in 1534, the English Parliament established King Henry VIII as supreme head of the church, breaking the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church.

Thirty Years’ War, across Europe 14Growing tension between Roman Catholics Photo: Shutterstock.com and Protestants, in part, led to the Eighty Years’ War Erfurt, Germany (1568-1648). The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) was 18 Visitors can tour a museum that includes the fueled by a Protestant rebellion against efforts to austere cell where the young monk spent his formative curtail religious freedom. years, and the church where he struggled with his theological demons. Peace of Westphalia, Westphalia, Germany 15 This series of peace treaties marked the end Scala Santa, Rome, Italy of both the Eighty Years’ and Thirty Years’ wars, 19 This staircase—believed to be the very steps from leading to the separation of religion from the state Pontius Pilate’s palace that Jesus climbed on the day throughout western Europe. he was convicted—was brought to Rome and became a magnet for pilgrims. When Luther climbed the steps on Nos. 1 through 15 were compiled by John Potter, his knees (believed to reduce one’s time in purgatory), a content editor of Living Lutheran. he wondered, “Who knows if it’s actually true?”

8 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 24 23 22 Photo: Shutterstock.com Photo: Cethegus via Wikimedia Commons 20 “iconoclasts,” who whitewashed colorfully frescoed frescoed colorfully who whitewashed “iconoclasts,” byReformation of decoration cleared one of many translations. original his including Europe, in of Luther artifacts collection richest the and portraits he famous which preached, pulpit from the displaying now excellent is an von museum Bora, Katharina wife, Luther’s from art time. and artifacts with museum little afine 1521. is in castle the In X byPope excommunicated Leo been he had after George”) “Squire bearded the as (disguised tombstone. his including lore, Luther loaded with is location same the church in rebuilt the home. into his friends and students life—welcomed in and—later of excommunication, bull church door, papal the the to burned Theses 95 professor, his hammered atheology as served The home that an aging Luther shared with his his with Luther shared aging an homeThe that Germany Wittenberg, Lutherhaus, This castle is where is Luther holed up castle This Germany Eisenach, Castle, Wartburg This is the small German town where Luther town German small the is This Germany Wittenberg, The biggest church in Switzerland, this is is this Switzerland, church in biggest The Cathedral of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland 21 and its door are long-gone, door are its and church original that While Reformation. the off kicked event church, an that town Wittenberg door of the wooden the to discussion) (topics for theses 95 copy of a handwritten Luther nailed frustrated 31, Oct. On 1517, a Germany Wittenberg, (Schlosskirche), (Schlosskirche), Church Castle VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 •LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG FAITH OF VOICES 9

25 29 2 27 2 31 30 of bombastic Baroque decor designed to dazzle and and dazzle to decor designed Baroque of bombastic campaign apropaganda Counter-Reformation, the with Reformation the to responded church medieval The Europe throughout propaganda, Lutheran (pulpit). sermon the and music (organ) the on afocus placing and God, with relationship worshiper’sthe of decluttering goal the with saints—all the and of Mary statues smashed and windows, glass walls, trashed stained- in the church. the in “sola scriptura” here 1519. in doctrine, that Catholic Luther declared Debate. Leipzig the led to known, it became as Order here. Heidelberg The Disputation, Augustinian of the before ameeting cross” of the “theology spot. Today,monastery. this Luther Stone marks the school law for the leaving his to leading become amonk, to he promised life, for his here 1505. Fearing in storm well. here preach later Luther would as worshiped. also Bach’s family Sebastian where Johann church. the inside seen be font still can baptismal Nov. born, 11,was original of the 1483. remains The Luther’s museums. House Death Martin Today 1546. in it home is Luther’s to and Birthplace faithful. the intimidate 8 6 Luther debated Johann Eck, adefender Eck, Johann Luther debated of Pleissenburg Castle, Leipzig, Germany Leipzig, Castle, Pleissenburg Luther was baptized here the day after he after here day the baptized Luther was Eisleben Paul, and Peter of St. Church The Churches Churches with anti- with Luther reportedly got caught in a lightning got alightning caught in Luther reportedly Stotternheim here 1483 here in died born and Luther was Germany Eisleben, In 1518,In on the Luther defended theses his Germany Heidelberg, As a student, Luther sang in the boys’ choir here, the in astudent, Luther sang As Eisenach Church, George’s St. (Scripture alone) was the true authority authority true the alone) was (Scripture

Photo: Wikimedia Commons Allstedt, Germany Bad Frankenhausen, Germany 32Early German reformer and revolutionary 42In 1525, this was the site of the decisive Thomas Müntzer conducted church services in German battle in the German Peasants’ War. At the Battle of rather than Latin here, primarily at St. John’s Church, Frankenhausen, the insurgent peasants fighting under drawing thousands from around the region. Thomas Müntzer were defeated.

Strasbourg, France Speyer, Germany 33Called “the Refuge of the Righteous” by 43Although many Diets of Speyer were held here, Anabaptists, Strasbourg is where Martin Bucer helped one in 1526 resulted in a temporary suspension of the lead the Reformation and where John Calvin wrote his Edict of Worms and the expansion of the Reformation, seminal works on systematic theology. and one in 1529 resulted in the Protestation at Speyer.

Lutterworth, England Marburg Castle, Germany 34English reformer John Wycliffe produced the 44Luther and Huldrych Zwingli met here in 1529 first translation of the Bible from Latin into English to discuss the theology of the Lord’s Supper. They could here, where he also served as rector at Lutterworth not agree, leading to a split between the Lutherans and Church St. Marys. the Reformed.

Windsor Castle, England Philipps University of Marburg, Germany 35Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Cranmer and 45Founded in 1527 by Philip I, Landgrave others met here to discuss creating The Book of Common of Hesse—who greatly aided in expanding the Prayer in 1548. Reformation—the university was an early training ground for Lutheran pastors. Ribe Cathedral, Denmark 36Hans Tausen, “the Danish Luther,” served as the Braunschweig, Germany bishop of Ribe while advocating for reform. Today, a 46Known as the “Second Martin” within the statue of him commemorates his contributions to the Reformation, unity-seeking German reformer Martin Danish Reformation. Chemnitz served as the superintendent of churches here.

Västerås, Sweden Schmalkalden, Germany 37At the Diet of Västerås in 1527, Sweden was 47The Schmalkaldic League formed here in 1531 declared Lutheran, thanks largely to the efforts of as a defensive alliance formed by Protestant territory clergymen brothers Laurentius and Oluas Petri. representatives against the Holy Roman Empire’s efforts to stamp out Lutheranism. Geneva Academy, Switzerland 38In 1559, John Calvin founded this school, a Edinburgh, Scotland central part of Protestant education—specifically 48It’s believed that John Knox died at the site of within the Reformed church. what’s now called the John Knox House in 1572. The only surviving medieval building in Edinburgh, the Mainz, Germany historic house is now a Knox museum. 39The birthplace of Johann Gutenburg, who developed moveable type. Today Mainz is home to the Noyon, France Gutenburg Museum, housing original copies of the 49The John Calvin Museum is on the original site Gutenburg Bible, the first major book printed with of Calvin’s birth house. Today it houses Reformation moveable type. propaganda and early editions of Calvin’s works.

Marienthron Convent, Nimbschen, Germany Trent, Italy 40Katharina von Bora, who would become Luther’s 50The Council of Trent, held here between wife, escaped from this convent in 1523 to join the 1545 and 1563, was a Counter-Reformation-focused Reformation movement. ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church that resulted in decrees on self-reform and dogmatic University of Ingolstadt, Germany clarifications. 41In a display of public campaigning for the Reformation, in 1523 theologian Argula von Grumbach Nos. 16 through 25 were compiled by Rick Steves, challenged the university’s faculty over the punishment a travel writer and TV host and member of Trinity of a Lutheran student. Lutheran Church, Lynnwood, Wash.

10 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 REFORMATION 500

50 Reformation figures

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Living Lutheran is exploring 500 of its unique aspects, continuing the series this month with 50 Reformation figures.

2 9 10 12

John Wycliffe (c. 1329 -1384) Jerome of Prague (c. 1379 -1416) Wessel Gansfort (1419-1489) 1Often referred to as the “Morning 3One of Hus’ central followers, 5Called “a reformer before the Star of the Reformation,” Wycliffe Jerome was a Czech theologian who Reformation,” Gansfort was a Dutch was an English theologian best sought radical, sweeping church theologian and early humanist known for being the first to reform. He was burned at the whose works would inspire Martin translate the Bible into English. stake for heresy at the Council of Luther and Huldrych Zwingli. He He rejected papal authority and is Constance. was a proponent of many positions considered the primary precursor of that took root in the Reformation. the Reformation. Johannes Gutenberg (c. 41398-1468) Girolamo Savonarola Jan Hus (c. 1369 -1415) The inventor of movable type 6(1452-1498) 2Influenced by Wycliffe, Hus was printing in Europe, Gutenberg An Italian Dominican friar, a Czech priest who advocated for started the Printing Revolution, Savonarola denounced clerical church reform. He was burned at which played a key role in the corruption. When the Medici were the stake after being convicted of Reformation, spreading printed overthrown in 1494, Savonarola heresy, initiating the Hussite Wars, works on Reformation ideas became the leader of Florence, in which his followers rebelled throughout Europe. encouraging the development of a against Roman Catholic rulers. republic. He was excommunicated and executed for heresy, but his writing would influence Luther and other later reformers. 11 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Martin Luther (1483-1546) Johann Oecolampadius Martin Bucer (1491-1551) 7Luther sought many of the same 11(1482-1531) 15 This Reformation leader reforms that others—including one German humanist and preacher of Strasbourg, Germany, of his heroes, Hus—had advocated Oecolampadius worked with Zwingli continuously worked to reconcile for earlier. But it was the German and Erasmus to spread Reformation differences among groups within monk who set in motion a series of efforts in Basel, Switzerland. His the Reformation. He influenced events that would reshape Western theology would later particularly Lutheranism, Calvinism and the civilization. influence John Calvin. development of Anglicanism.

Johann von Staupitz Andreas Karlstadt (1486-1541) Wolfgang Capito 8(c. 1460-1524) 12This German theologian and 16(c. 1478-1541) The vicar of the Augustinian order professor was an early supporter of Capito was a German priest who at the University of Wittenberg, Luther. Karlstadt eventually broke became a central reformer at von Staupitz supervised the young with him over a desire to push for Strasbourg. Like Bucer, he sought Luther during a difficult spiritual more radical reform. to unify various groups within the season. While von Staupitz was not Reformation movement. himself a Reformer, his emphasis on God’s grace would heavily influence Luther.

13 15 19 26

 Huldrych Zwingli (1484-1531) Thomas Cranmer (1486-1541) Caspar Hedio (1494-1552) 9The central founding figure 13 A leader of the English 17 A German theologian and of the Swiss Reformation, Zwingli Reformation, Cranmer was the first historian, Hedio worked with Bucer was a priest who led an alliance Protestant archbishop of Canterbury and Capito on Reformation efforts of reformed Swiss Confederation and the author of The Book of in Strasbourg. He sought to expand cantons against Roman Catholic Common Prayer. He was burned at the Reformation to unreached cantons. Zwingli was killed in the stake for heresy, but the reforms territories. battle, but Zurich would remain a he advocated led to the formation of

Protestant city. the Church of England. Katharina Schütz Zell 18 (c. 1497-1562) Desiderius Erasmus Thomas Müntzer Zell was a Strasbourg reformer 10(1469-1536) 14 (c. 1489-1525) who campaigned for and wrote A Dutch humanist and priest, A major German radical preacher, pamphlets on the right of clergy to Erasmus’ Greek translation of the theologian and Reformer, Müntzer marry and the need for women to New Testament helped bring about was a leader of the Peasants’ Revolt proclaim the gospel. She was one of the Reformation. Although he of 1525, during which he was the first Protestant women to marry was critical of the papacy, he also captured, then tried and executed. a member of the clergy. rejected many of Luther’s ideas.

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37 41 49

Philipp Melanchthon Nikolaus von Amsdorf William Tyndale (c. 19(1497-1560) 22(1483-1565) 25 1494-1536) Widely viewed as the intellectual and German professor von Amsdorf An English scholar and theologian, educational leader of the Lutheran was a close friend and major Tyndale produced one of the first Reformation, Melanchthon supporter of Luther. He was known English translations of the Bible. published the first Protestant for his strict adherence to Luther’s He was convicted of heresy and systematic theology text, “Loci theology, leading to disputes with executed. His last words were Communes. He succeeded Luther as Melanchthon and Bucer, whom reportedly: “Lord! Open the king of de facto Reformation leader. he saw as compromising Luther’s England’s eyes!” beliefs. Katharina von Bora Marguerite de Navarre 20(c. 1499-1552) Johannes Bugenhagen 26(1492-1549) After becoming interested in the 23(1485-1558) The princess of France and queen Reformation movement, von Bora Known as “the Second Apostle to the of Navarre, de Navarre supported fled her life as a nun in secrecy with North,” Bugenhagen was a reformer the Reformation by financially the help of Luther. In 1525, she who helped organize Lutheran sponsoring reformers’ work and and Luther wed. Von Bora ran the churches in northern Germany giving them refuge as they fled family’s finances, including dealing and Scandinavia. He served as persecution. with Luther’s publishers. Luther’s pastor in Wittenberg and was respected for his organizational Jeanne d’Albret (1528-1572) Argula von Grumbach skills. 27The daughter of Marguerite 21(c. 1492-1554) de Navarre, d’Albret was the queen The Reformation’s first female Henry VIII (1491-1547) regnant of Navarre from 1555 to theologian and author, von 24The king of England from 1572. More open in her support for Grumbach was a Bavarian 1509 to 1547, Henry VIII initiated the Reformation than her mother, noblewoman who publicly the English Reformation through d’Albret publicly converted to campaigned for the Reformation. his disagreement with the pope over Protestantism and became a central She famously challenged the seeking to annul his first marriage. political leader of the Huguenots. University of Ingolstadt faculty He became supreme head of the over the punishment of a Lutheran Church in England after Parliament student. passed legislation curbing papal power.

13 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Marie Dentière (c. Peter Martyr Vermigli William Farel (1489-1565) 281495-1561) 34(1499-1562) 39Known within the A Belgian abbess who left her An Italian abbot who became a Reformation as “the Elijah of the convent after becoming involved Reformation leader, Vermigli fled Alps,” Farel was a French evangelist in the Reformation, Dentière to Protestant northern Europe, who founded the Reformed Church was the first female theologian of where he became a professor. He in the French-speaking cantons the Genevan Reformation. She broke with Luther over views on of Switzerland. He famously emphasized the need for women to the eucharist, influencing the convinced Calvin to lead the take a larger role in the church. Reformed tradition. Reformation effort in Geneva.

Joachim Vadian (1484-1551) Conrad Grebel (1498-1526) Michael Servetus 29An ally of Zwingli, Swiss 35Co-founder of the Swiss 40(c. 1511-1553) humanist Vadian became mayor of Brethren movement, Grebel was A Spanish physician and St. Gallen, Switzerland, in 1526 and a follower of Zwingli who broke in theologian, Servetus participated converted the city to Protestantism. favor of more radical positions. He in the Reformation but ultimately performed the first adult baptism of developed a theology of non- Hans Tausen (1494-1561) the Reformation. Trinitarian Christianity, leading to 30Known as “the Danish condemnation by both Protestants Luther,” Tausen was a monk Heinrich Bullinger and Catholics. He was burnt at the who studied under Luther 36(1504-1575) stake for heresy by Calvinists in before leading the Reformation Succeeding Zwingli, Buillinger was Geneva. in Denmark. Following the elected head of the Zurich church. Reformation’s success, he was Where Bullinger and Luther failed John Knox (c. 1513-1572) appointed bishop of Ribe. to unite over differences related 41The leader of the Scottish to the Lord’s Supper, he and Reformation, Knox was a priest Laurentius Petri (1499-1573) John Calvin reached agreement, who drew on Calvin’s principles. 31Along with his brother launching the Reformed tradition. He oversaw the production of Olaus, Petri was a leader of the the Scottish Reformed church’s Reformation in Sweden. He served John Calvin (1509-1564) constitution and liturgy, leading as the first evangelical Lutheran 37 The most prominent figure to the creation of the Presbyterian archbishop of Sweden and was of the Reformation’s second Church of Scotland. primarily responsible for the first generation, French theologian Swedish Bible translation. Calvin worked to reform the George Wishart (1513-1546) church in Geneva, Switzerland. 42Wishart was a Scottish priest Jan Łaski (1499-1560) His “Institutes of the Christian who popularized Reformation 32 A Polish priest-turned- Religion” helped form the basis teachings—particularly Calvin’s reformer, Łanski was heavily for Calvinism, or the Reformed and Zwingli—in Scotland. influenced by Zwingli and became a tradition. Although Wishart was burned at leader in the Calvinist Reformation. the stake for heresy, his martyrdom Pierre Viret (1511-1571) encouraged Knox and others to Menno Simons (1496-1561) 38One of Calvin’s closest spread the movement. 33A Dutch priest who became friends, Viret was a pastor in a central leader of the Anabaptists Lausanne, Switzerland, where Aonio Paleario (1500-1570) and an advocate of ethical he founded the first Reformed 43Influenced by Erasmus, this Christianity, Simons was a pacifist academy in the city. Largely Italian humanist advocated for the reformer whose followers formed through Viret’s efforts, Lausanne primacy of Scripture over tradition. the Mennonite church. became a second training ground The author of “The Benefit of for Reformed preachers, following Christ’s Death,” Paleario was tried Geneva. and executed for heresy in Rome.

14 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Lucas Cranach the Elder unify the Lutheran church, was Theodore Beza (1519-1605) 44(1472-1553) known as “the Second Martin.” He 49French theologian Beza One of the most influential 16th- served as superintendent of the was Calvin’s successor as leader of century German artists, Cranach churches of Braunschweig. the Reformation in Geneva. With was a friend of Luther’s and painted Calvin, he co-founded the Geneva altarpieces, court portraits and Matthias Flacius Illyricus academy, a Calvinist training portraits of the Reformers. He 47(1520-1575) ground. sought to spread Lutheran ideas A pioneer in hermeneutics and through his work. church history, Croatian theologian J i ˘r í T ˘r a n o v s k ý (1592-1637) Illyricus caused a rift within 50As “the Luther of the Slavs,” Justus Jonas (1493-1555) Lutheranism by taking a more T˘ranovský was a Lutheran priest, 45A theologian, professor conservative view on adiaphora hymn writer and professor from and hymn writer, Jonas was a (theological nonessentials) than Cieszyn Silesia who became the colleague of Luther and co- Melanchthon. founding figure of Slovak hymnody. wrote the Augsburg Confession. He translated Luther’s and Primož Trubar (1508-1586) Melanchthon’s Latin works into 48The author of the first Compiled by John Potter, a content editor of Living Lutheran. German. printed book in the Slovenian language, Trubar was the founder Martin Chemnitz of the Slovenian literary language 46(1522-1586) as well as the founder and first Chemnitz, a second-generation superintendent of the Protestant German reformer who sought to Church of the Duchy of Carniola.

15 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 REFORMATION 500

50 Reformation artworks

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the This list is not meant as an all-encompassing compendium Reformation, Living Lutheran is exploring 500 of its unique of everything essential to the Reformation and its theology, aspects, continuing the series this month with 50 Reformation but rather as a glimpse of the variety of ways the movement works of art. The first 25 are included here, and the remaining that Martin Luther sparked in 1517 would influence the 25 can be found at LivingLutheran.org. history of the world.

Daniel Hopfer, Illustrations

3 to Proverbs 2: The Hoarders of Grain (1534) This etching recounts the Proverbs passage on the virtues of sharing grain, rather than hoarding it. It wasn’t difficult to see the image as an analogy for the ruling class and the church ignoring the needs of common people.

Erhard Schön, The Devil Playing

4 the Bagpipe (c. 1530) The advent of the printing press allowed for the spread of Reformation ideas in the form of pamphlets and propaganda art. Regardless of one’s literacy, this irreverent print (below) would have gotten its point across.  Albrecht Dürer, The Last Supper (1523)

1 Motivated by the belief that emphasizing religious imagery was idolatrous, the Reformation caused a significant reduction in religious art produced in Protestant countries. But certain art forms, such as printmaking, were accepted due to their more modest, private nature. Dürer’s woodcut (above) expresses a Protestant outlook by depicting Jesus giving his new commandment, after Judas had fled the scene.  Heinrich Aldegrever, Death and the Bishop (1541)

2 Luther was the most open of the reformers to religious imagery, if it was limited to personal engagement with symbolic spiritual imagery. A pupil of Dürer’s, Aldegrever was an engraver whose small prints depicted a Lutheran theology. Death and the Bishop, from his Power of Death cycle, criticizes clerical corruption.

16 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017   Matthias Gerung, Satire on the Sale of Indulgences Lucas Cranach the Elder, Wittenberg Altarpiece, 5 (before 1536) 9 Predella (1547) Broadsides were large sheets of popular woodcuts Part of Cranach’s altarpiece for the Church of St. Mary printed on one side of a sheet of paper, often the in Wittenberg, this piece depicts Luther preaching in the least expensive and most shared prints available. This pulpit, with a crucified Jesus in the center to represent the broadside satirizes the sale of indulgences without the need for Christ to be at the center of a sermon. necessity of including any text. Lucas Cranach the Younger, The Last Supper  Lucas Cranach the Elder, 10(1565) 6 Martin Luther (1528) Cranach and his son worked together on multiple Perhaps the most altarpieces depicting the Last Supper. After Luther’s prominent artist of the death, Cranach the Younger depicted the reformers as Reformation, Cranach apostles in this piece. was Luther’s friend and  particularly known for Heinrich Füllmaurer, Gotha Altar (1539-1541)

painting many portraits of 11This extensive piece includes 160 panels offering a the reformers, including Protestant presentation of the Gospels, incorporating this iconic Luther portrait contemporary clothing, a lack of halos (typical in (left). Catholic art) and criticism of the papacy.

 Hans Holbein the Younger, An Allegory of the Old 7 and New Testaments (c. 1530-1535) Inspired by Cranach’s painting The Law and the Gospel, Holbein depicted (above) in the left panel an Old Testament characterized by decay, and in the right panel a New Testament vision of hope, in keeping with the reformers’ theology.

Lucas van Leyden, Worshiping of the Golden Calf  (c. 1530) Albrecht Dürer, The Four Apostles (1526) 8 This triptych depicts the Israelites disobeying God by 12This panel painting depicts John, Peter, Paul worshiping a golden calf statue. Some have interpreted and Mark, and emphasizes the importance of this work as being analogous to the idolatry the reformers Scripture (above). saw in the Roman Catholic Church’s relationship with religious imagery.

17 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017   Lucas Cranach the Younger, Adam and Eve (1537) Jan Vermeer, The Milkmaid (c. 1632-1675)

13While depictions of central biblical stories were 18 Similarly, Vermeer’s Milkmaid (below) highlights rarely and carefully handled in Protestant art, exceptions the virtues of work and the pious people who perform were sometimes made for humble presentations that such work. Protestant art’s focus on individuals is in focused on the biblical figures’ humanity. keeping with the Reformation’s focus on personal relationships with God.

Hans Holbein the Younger, Noli Me Tangere

14 (c. 1524) Although depictions of Jesus were generally uncommon in Protestant art, Holbein’s small painting presented the resurrected Christ and Mary in an intimate and naturalistic style, in contrast to the iconic style of Counter-Reformation art.

Rembrandt van Rijn, Return of the Prodigal Son

15 (c. 1661-1669) More than a century later, Rembrandt—considered one of the greatest painters of all time—continued this theme by telling Jesus’ parable in a way that evokes human sympathy modestly but powerfully.

Pieter Bruegel the Elder, The Peasant Wedding 16 (1566-1569) Rather than focus on explicitly religious subject matter, Protestant art often depicted the everyday lives of common people. The Peasant Wedding (below) depicts a celebration, but one that is humble and simple.

Adriaen van Ostade,

19 The Fishwife (1673) Genre art also represented everyday scenes of ordinary people engaging in common activity and working. Market settings, as pictured in The Fishwife, were common.

Monogrammist W.S., 20 Luther as St. Jerome in His Study (c. 1580) This engraving, based on Dürer’s St. Jerome in His Study (1514), recasts the fourth-century saint—who translated the Bible into Latin—as the recently deceased Luther translating the Bible into German.   Pieter Bruegel the Elder, The Hunters in the Snow Lucas Cranach the Elder, Martin Luther 17(1565) 21 on His Deathbed (c. 1600) One of the most famous Protestant paintings, the Cranach’s depiction of a dying Luther aimed to piece depicts the daily routines—both difficult and convey the reformer facing death with serenity enjoyable—of people in the winter. The mundane and and calmness. the beautiful are presented side-by-side.

18 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017  Pieter Jansz Saenredam, Interior of the Church of St. Bavo Lucas Cranach the Elder, 22 in Haarlem (1635) 29Against the Papacy at Rome, Following the 16th-century iconoclastic destruction of Catholic art Founded by the Devil (1545) throughout Europe, 17th-century artists depicted the whitewashed This significant piece of propaganda interiors that became common in Protestant churches. art illustrated a Luther pamphlet that took one of his fiercest stands against

Emanuel de Witte, the papacy. 23 Interior of a Church (c. 1660) Lucas Cranach the Younger, De Witte depicts a typical 30Contrasting Protestant and post-iconoclasm Protestant Catholic Christianity (c. 1545) church in Europe (left): Here, more extreme symbolism whitewashed, with the juxtaposes Luther preaching (with pulpit as the central point baptism and communion depicted) of focus, rather than a and the pope preaching (with decorated altar. indulgences and money-counting on display). Harmen Steenwyck, 24 An Allegory of the Hans Weiditz the Younger, Cat Vanities of Human Life (1645) 31Before the Mouse King (c. 1522) In contrast to the This woodcut uses allegorical grandiosity of Catholic characters to celebrate the disruption Counter-Reformation of power and class that Reformation art, still-life paintings advocates sought. flourished in 17th-century Reformation art. In Pieter Bruegel the Elder, The particular, vanitas art—as typified by Steenwyck—depicted still-life scenes 32Blind Leading the Blind (1568) with symbolic biblical values about the transience of earthly life. In keeping with Reformation art’s tendency to stay away from direct

Jan Davidsz. de depictions of biblical figures, Bruegel

25 Heem, Flower Still-life here illustrates Jesus’ parable of the with Crucifix and Skull (1630s) blind leading the blind. This vanitas piece (right) depicts an array Lucas Cranach the Younger, of symbolic objects, 33Christ and the Adulteress emphasizing both life (c. 1545-50) and death, and the Cranach may literally depict Christ importance of using our in this painting, but its depiction time on earth well. was personal, rather than overly grandiose, here highlighting a Albrecht Dürer, The Lutheran theology of grace. 26Four Horsemen (1498) The most well-known entry Rembrandt van Rijn, Raising of in Dürer’s Apocalypse series, 34the Cross (1633) this woodcut dramatically While Reformation art didn’t conveys the four horsemen typically depict the crucified Christ, from the book of Revelation. Rembrandt here inserts himself into a depiction of raising Christ on the Hans Baldung Grien, Martin Luther with a Dove (1521) cross, thus reinforcing the Protestant 27Grien’s woodcut portrait of Luther depicts him as a saint, with the notion of personal interaction with dove of the Holy Spirit in a halo above Luther’s head. The image became God’s story. popular during the Diet of Worms.

Melchior Lorck, Satire on the Papacy (1555) 28Another example of an unsubtle propaganda etching, Lorck’s Satire depicts the pope with three symbolic heads.

19 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Anonymous German painter, Christ Blessing, Lucas Cranach the Elder, 35Surrounded by a Donor Family (c. 1573-82) 43Johannes Bugenhagen (1537) Similarly, Lutheran donor families eventually often As pastor of the city church in Wittenberg during the commissioned works that inserted themselves into Reformation’s spread, Bugenhagen was also a key scenes alongside Jesus, emphasizing the idea of God’s reformer and thus was a portrait subject of Cranach’s. direct engagement with Christians. Hans Holbein the Younger, Portrait of Henry VIII Johannes Vermeer, Woman Holding a Balance 44of England (c. 1537) 36(c. 1664) One of the 16th century’s most prominent portraitists, Although not unlike other Vermeer works depicting Holbein here regally depicts King Henry VIII, not the mundane-seeming tasks of everyday people, long after he became supreme head of the Church of Woman Holding a Balance is rich with details of religious England. symbolism not necessarily found in pieces like The Milkmaid. Lucas Cranach the Elder, Wittenberg (1536) 45Cranach’s painting (and other similar Lucas van Leyde, The Milkmaid (1510) woodcuts of his) displays the town that Luther and the 37Long before Vermeer’s depiction of a milkmaid, Reformation were closely connected to. van Leyden captured scenes of typical peasant work in engravings such as this one. Pieter Bruegel the Elder, The Procession to 46 Calvary (1564) Daniel Hisgen, Selling of Joseph (1765) Bruegel presents Christ carrying the cross as one 38One of 48 paintings Hisgen commissioned for among many people in the scene and depicts the a church in Bobenhausen II, Joseph was typical of Roman soldiers escorting Christ as Spanish Catholics the parapet cycle works Hisgen created for Protestant oppressing Flemish Protestants. churches with upper galleries. Pieter Jansz Saenredam, Interior of the Buurkerk, Lucas Cranach the Elder, Judith Dining with 47Utrecht (1645) 39Holofernes (1531) Another of Saenredam’s influential architecture Cranach depicts the Old Testament story of Judith, portraits of Protestant church interiors, Buurkerk is whose modest nature and actions made her a celebrated well-known as an example of the artist’s perspectival figure for Lutheran reformers. achievements.

Lucas Cranach the Elder, H. Bruel, Life of Martin Luther and the Heroes of 40 Katharina von Bora (c. 1530) 48the Reformation (c. 1874) Along with his iconic portrait of Luther, Cranach’s Long after the Reformation, artists like Bruel depicted other well-known portraits depicted many other key Luther and the reformers as heroes, with vignettes from figures in the Reformation, including Luther’s wife, Luther’s life. Katharina. Anton von Werner, Martin Luther at the Diet of Lucas Cranach the Elder, Portrait of Elector 49Worms (1877) 41Frederick the Wise in His Old Age (1525) Other 19th-century artists like von Werner, who here Cranach served as the court painter for Frederick III presents Luther before the Diet of Worms, portrayed and painted several portraits of the Elector of Saxony him dramatically and heroically. (and defender of Luther), including this one, likely made shortly after his death. William Frederick Yeames, The Dawn of the 50Reformation (1867) Albrecht Dürer, Philipp Melanchthon (1526) Yeames here traces the Reformation’s events back to 42This engraved portrait of key Reformation John Wycliffe distributing early editions of his English figure Melanchthon was one of the last of Dürer’s translation of the Bible. portrait prints. Compiled by John Potter, a content editor of Living Lutheran.

20 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 REFORMATION 500

50 Reformation publications

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the This list is not meant as an all-encompassing Reformation, Living Lutheran is exploring 500 of its compendium of everything essential to the unique aspects, continuing the series this month Reformation and its theology, but rather as a glimpse with 50 Reformation publications. The first 25 are of the variety of ways the movement that Martin included here, and the remaining 25 can be found at Luther sparked in 1517 would influence the history livinglutheran.org. of the world.

Novum Instrumentum omne A Brief Instruction on What to Look for and Expect 1 (Desiderius Erasmus, 1516) 4 in the Gospels (Martin Luther, 1521) The humanist scholar Erasmus’ critical edition Luther offered this advice to preachers: “The gospel of the New Testament texts in Greek was the basis itself is our guide and instructor in the Scriptures,” for Martin Luther’s translation of those books and Jesus Christ should be preached “as a gift, a into German. present that God has given you and that is your own.”

95 Theses (Martin Etlich Cristlich lider, or 2Luther, 1517) 5 Achtliederbuch (1524) Luther opposed the The first Lutheran hymnal, sale of indulgences, containing eight hymns, four of claiming instead which were written by Luther. that grace is a free gift from God. The posting of the 95 Theses on Oct. 31, 1517, is considered to mark the beginning of the Reformation.

On the Freedom 3 of a Christian (Martin Luther, 1520) Luther described two dimensions of Christian life: faith unites us with Christ and leads to loving service of

our neighbors. Small Catechism (Martin Luther, 1529) Luther’s classic explanation of what 6 the basic elements of the Christian faith really mean in the lives of Christians.

21 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017  The Luther Bible (1534) Luther and his colleagues translated the Bible from the original Hebrew 7 and Greek into German, the language of the people.

The Augsburg Confession (1530) Printing, Propaganda, and Martin 8 The basic statement of the beliefs 12Luther (Mark Edwards, 2004) of the Lutheran reformers—written Edwards examines the Reformation as primarily by Philipp Melanchthon— a media event made possible through still authoritative for the Lutheran the new technology of the movable- church today. type printing press.

The Book of Luther’s Liturgical Music: 9 Concord (1580) 13Principles and Implications The definitive (Robin A. Leaver, 2007) Leaver collection of creeds explores Luther’s use of music, and 16th-century especially congregational faith statements of the singing, to teach the faith and Lutheran church. to reform worship life.

Loci Communes, 10 or Common Places in Theology (Philipp Melanchthon, 1521) The first Protestant theology The Serpent and the textbook. Luther said, 14Lamb: Cranach, “Next to Holy Scripture, Luther, and the Making of there is no better book.” the Reformation (Steven Ozment, 2011) Ozment highlights the

Women and the Reformation (Kirsi Stjerna, work of artist Lucas 11 2008) An important discussion of women’s Cranach the Elder, his roles and opportunities in the 16th century, as friendship with Martin well as the lives of eight women who played Luther and his influence significant roles in the Reformation. on the Reformation.

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Luther and the Hungry Poor: Gathered Fragments

15(Samuel Torvend, 2008) Torvend focuses on Luther’s October 31, 1517: Martin Luther concern for the poor and his emphasis on social ministry as 21and the Day that Changed the an essential part of congregational life. World (Martin E. Marty, 2016) Less a history than a reflection on how the Reformation theme of repentance shapes ecumenical relationships

Law and Protestantism: The among Christians today. 16Legal Teachings of the Lutheran Reformation (John Witte Jr., 2002) An in-depth study of how the Reformation shaped civil society through the reform of social structures and of laws concerning marriage and education.

A History of Lutheranism

17 (Eric W. Gritsch, second edition, 2010) A history of the 16th-century Lutheran reform movement, the tensions between orthodoxy and pietism in the following centuries and the spread of Lutheranism

to North America and other The European Reformations

parts of the world. 22 (Carter Lindberg, second edition, 2009) Lindberg looks at many different reform movements included under the Theology and the Black Experience: The broad heading of “the Reformation.” 18Lutheran Heritage Interpreted by African and He includes a range of theological African-American Theologians (Albert Pero and approaches, different geographical Ambrose Moyo, editors, 1988) Challenging essays locations and the impact on various from the first Conference of International Black aspects of society. Lutherans, held in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 1986.

Luther and Liberation: A Latin American Perspective Book of Harmony: 19(Walter Altmann, second edition, 2016) 23Spirit and Service in Brazilian theologian Altmann explores revolutionary the Lutheran Confessions aspects of Luther’s theology from and for a Latin (Martin Lohrmann, 2016) American context. A pastoral interpretation of the history and theology of

Abundant Harvest: Stories of Asian Lutherans the Lutheran confessional 20(Edmond Yee and J. Paul Rajashekar, editors, writings contained in the 2013) This collection tells the stories of indigenous Book of Concord. Lutheran leaders in Asia, both lay and clergy.

23 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Martin Luther: William Tyndale: A 28Visionary Reformer 33Biography (David (Scott Hendrix, 2015) Daniell, 2001) A balanced treatment of Luther’s An account of the man who first early and later life, drawing on the translated the Bible from the most recent scholarship. It offers original Greek and Hebrew into a theologically informed history, English—and was burnt at the accessible to the non-specialist. stake as a heretic for doing so.

Resilient Reformer: The Thomas Cranmer: 29Life and Thought of 34A Life (Diarmaid Martin Luther (Timothy Lull MacCulloch, 2017) and Derek Nelson, 2015) A new biography of the first Another well-researched new Anglican archbishop of biography, with a focus on how Canterbury, who composed The Luther’s personal resilience Book of Common Prayer, guided the allowed him to respond to the reformation within the Church of many challenges and opportunities England, and was executed when of the Reformation both Henry VIII’s Catholic daughter, energetically and constructively. Queen Mary, tried to reintroduce Catholicism to England. Katherine von Bora: Together by Grace: 30Luther’s Wife (Martin John Calvin: A Pilgrim’s 24Introducing the Lutherans Treu, English edition, 2003) 35Life (Herman (Kathryn Kleinhans, editor, A thoroughly researched biography Selderhuis, 2009) 2016) A brief introduction to of the woman who became An engaging biography of John Lutheran theology, history, Martin Luther’s wife. Available in Calvin, founder of the Reformed worship and service, including Germany. (Most English-language tradition, providing insight stories from the global books about von Bora rely heavily not only into his theological Lutheran family. on historical fiction to fill in the accomplishments but on his life as gaps of her life.) a person of faith.

The Joint Declaration on the A Reformation Life: The A Reformation Reader 25Doctrine of Justification (The 31European Reformation 36(Denis R. Janz, 1999) Lutheran World Federation and the through the Eyes of Philipp of A collection of primary texts Roman Catholic Church, 1999) Hesse (David Whitford, 2015) from the Late Middle Ages, An ecumenical agreement articulating An interesting recounting Luther, Zwingli, the Radical how far Lutherans and Catholics of Reformation history told Reformation, Calvin, the English have come in reaching a shared through the life of one of its Reformation and the Catholic understanding of the doctrine that most prominent political leaders, Reformation (sometimes called the divided them in the 16th century. Philipp of Hesse. Counter-Reformation).

Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Argula von Grumbach: A The Annotated Luther, 26Luther (Roland Bainton, 32Woman Before Her Time 37Volume 1: Roots of 1950) Long considered the (Peter Matheson, 2013) Reform (Timothy Wengert, definitive Luther biography. A biography of the first female editor, 2015) writer of the Reformation, who A collection of a dozen early Luther the Reformer: The defended Lutheran teachings in (1517-1520) Luther texts of 27Story of the Man and His the face of personal and public various genres (academic theses, Career (James Kittelson and Hans opposition. sermons, letters and treatises), with Wiersma, second edition, 2016) helpful historical and theological Kittelson’s biography has been a commentary. The other five standard classroom text in colleges and volumes in this series are also more seminaries since the first edition was than worth exploring. published in 1986.

24 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Church Mother: The The Institutes of the Trent: What Happened 38Writings of a Protestant 42Christian Religion (John 47at the Council (John Reformer in Sixteenth-Century Calvin, 1536) O’Malley, 2013) Germany (Katharina Schütz A comprehensive statement of the O’Malley explores the history, Zell, edited and translated by theology of the Reformed branch theology and politics of the Catholic Elsie McKee, 2006) of the Reformation. Other editions Church’s formal response to the Zell, the wife of a pastor in appeared in 1541, 1559 and 1560. challenges of the Reformation. Strasbourg, was a theologian, an ecumenist and a reformer in her The Spiritual Exercises Atlas of the European own right. This volume collects her 43(Ignatius of Loyola, 48Reformations (Tim writings with a helpful biographical 1522-1524) Dowley, 2015) introduction by historian McKee. A series of meditations and prayers This Reformation atlas includes written by the Spanish priest who maps, timelines and brief The Book of Common founded the Jesuits. Intended to explanations of key themes from 39Prayer (Thomas help Christians discern the will of 1300 to 1700. Cranmer, 1549) God in their lives, it is still widely Composed by Archbishop of used in retreat settings and for Dictionary of Luther and Canterbury Thomas Cranmer and personal devotions by Catholics and 49the Lutheran Traditions initially published for the worship other Christians. (Timothy Wengert, general life of the Church of England. editor, August 2017) Revised periodically and adapted for Protestants: The Birth This dictionary includes nearly different cultures, this remains the 44 of a Revolution (Steven 600 articles addressing Luther, the standard worship book throughout Ozment, 1993) Reformation begun in Wittenberg, the Anglican Communion. Ozment explores the ways in which and later developments. the Reformation shaped—and The Book of Common was shaped by—everyday men and Encyclopedia of 40Prayer: A Biography women. 50Martin Luther and the (Alan Jacobs, 2013) Reformation (Mark Lamport, Jacobs examines the history and The Imaginative World of editor, August 2017) influence of The Book of Common 45the Reformation (Peter A comprehensive study Prayer, including its use as an Matheson, 2001) of Luther’s life and the instrument of social control early Instead of focusing on doctrines Reformation movements. Ask in the English Reformation and its and structures, Matheson explores your local library to invest in tremendous impact on the English spiritual and creative aspects of this 1,000-page reference work. language. the Reformation by focusing on images, both positive and troubling. In the Beginning: The Story Illustrated with woodcuts. 41of the King James Bible Compiled by Kathryn A. Kleinhans, an ELCA pastor and the McCoy Family and How It Changed a Nation, a 4 The Anabaptist Story Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Language, and a Culture (Alister 6(William Estep, third Heritage and Mission, Wartburg McGrath, 2001) edition, 1996) College, Waverly, Iowa. McGrath examines the controversy A history of the Reformation over translating the Bible into the movement that rejected infant vernacular, the efforts leading up to baptism in favor of believer’s the translation and printing of the baptism. Anabaptists were widely King James Bible, and its ongoing persecuted by other Christians, both influence. Protestant and Catholic, in the 16th century.

25 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 REFORMATION 500

50 things you may not know about Luther

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the This list is not meant as an all-encompassing Reformation, Living Lutheran is exploring 500 of its compendium of everything essential to the unique aspects, continuing the series this month Reformation and its theology, but rather as a glimpse with 50 things you may not know about Martin of the variety of ways the movement that Luther Luther. The first 25 are included here, and the sparked in 1517 would influence the history of the remaining 25 can be found at livinglutheran.org. world.

By Timothy J. Wengert

Martin Luther didn’t think of himself as Oct. 31, 1517—but they were posted in the 1 a reformer of the church. He felt that job mail to the archbishop of Mainz, Albrecht von belonged only to Jesus Christ—Luther was merely Brandenburg. a John the Baptist, pointing to the Lamb of God. Luther’s chief complaint in the 95 Theses was 4 bad preaching and how it undermined the listeners’ faith in God.

In the 16th century, Luther would have 5 posted a university notice like the 95 Theses with wax or paste, not hammer and nails. The depiction of Luther hammering the theses first appeared in 1717.

During Luther’s 6lifetime, the 95 Theses were only available Hans and Margarethe Luther by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1527. in three Latin printings. Only with Luther wasn’t exactly from peasant stock. His the publication of 2 father, Hans—whose father was a farmer— the German Sermon ended up a well-to-do mine owner. His mother’s on Indulgences and family, the Lindemanns, included a mayor of Grace did he become Eisenach, Thuringia, in Germany. the world’s first living best-selling 3 The 95 Theses may or may not have been author. posted on the University of Wittenberg’s Wittenberg printing of “bulletin board” (the Castle Church door) on the German Sermon on Indulgences and Grace.

26 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017

In his defense of the 95 Theses, called the Luther’s “theology of the cross” 7 Explanations, Luther first insisted that God’s 14 was not a theory about only the cross but the word, not our decisions or works, creates faith in us belief that God always reveals himself in the last and makes us Christians. place human beings would reasonably look: with the Israelites, not the Egyptians; in a manger; on When Luther insisted that Christians are the cross; among mortal sinners in the church. righteous and sinner at the same time (“simul 8 iustus et peccator”), he wasn’t giving believers an When Luther and other reformers excuse to sin but was providing a way to be honest 15distinguished between “law” and “gospel,” about themselves (as sinners) and about God’s they weren’t differentiating between the Old and mercy (as righteous). New Testaments but between two ways that God’s word works: to reveal sin and mortify the “old

Luther rarely used the phrase sola scriptura creature” (law), and to reveal God’s mercy and 9 (“Scripture alone”) because he also recognized make the new creature of faith alive. other, lesser authorities in the church and because he preferred to use phrases like “God’s word Although Johann Eck numbered among his alone,” which implied proclamation of Scripture’s 16most formidable opponents, prior to the commands and promises. Reformation, Luther had hoped to become friends with him.

With the phrase “faith alone,” Luther

10 excluded all human preconditions for Philipp receiving God’s mercy, so that faith itself can never 17Melanchthon, be a “work” we do for God but a relationship God Luther’s associate establishes with us through word and sacrament. at the University That is why his explanation of the third article of of Wittenberg and the Apostles’ Creed in the Small Catechism begins: one of Europe’s “I believe that … I cannot believe.” foremost Greek scholars, was less

In 1520, Luther became convinced that the than 5 feet tall, 11 word in the Greek New Testament translated as prompting Luther “grace” (charis) did not designate a power dwelling to nickname him in us but God’s undeserved mercy. “our little Greek.” 12Despite some movie depictions to the contrary, Luther never met privately with his Philipp Melanchthon prince and protector, Elector Frederick the Wise. by Lucas Cranach the Elder. Luther wasn’t a 13monk but a friar. Although Friars (Dominicans, 18he began Franciscans and preaching at Augustinians) lived in Wittenberg’s city community in cities and church in 1514, often had responsibilities Luther was never as university professors its head pastor, of theology or preachers. but always an Monks often lived assistant. From in isolated areas and the early 1520s, focused their lives on Wittenberg’s chief work and prayer. pastor and preacher was Johannes Bugenhagen. A posthumous portrait of Luther as an Augustinian friar from the Johannes Bugenhagen workshop of Lucas Cranach the by Lucas Cranach Elder after 1546. the Elder.

27 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Luther understood the common priest­ his marriage in 1525, thinking of himself as a “Daniel 19hood that believers share with Christ in the lion’s den” of monastic practices. through baptism not as a way to divide the clergy and laity but as a way to unite them in Even though Luther did not always mind that the single body of Christ. He felt that within 24people called his followers “Lutherans,” he that body, or common priesthood, different preferred to think of all believers as “Christians.” members have different “offices,” but all are In German-speaking areas, the usual designation spiritually equal in God’s grace. is “evangelisch”—that is, people oriented toward the gospel.

Luther probably never said “Here I

20stand” when appearing at his trial before Luther had deep respect for the role of Emperor Charles V in the city of Worms. Instead 25government in keeping good order and just he or a compatriot wrote it (in German) in a Latin laws in a society, but he also thought that a Christian description of the events of 1521 to emphasize prince “would be a rare bird in heaven.” Luther’s refusal to recant what he had written.

Above: Luther at the Diet of Worms, by Anton von Werner, 1877. Below: Luther Bible, 1534.

However, Luther did say this at the Diet 21(parliament) held in the imperial city of Worms: “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason … I am bound by the Scriptures that I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience.”

Luther’s translation of the New Testament 22(which he completed in just a few weeks while in hiding at Wartburg Castle) was not the first printed German translation. All previous translations were based upon the Latin “Vulgate”; Luther was the first to use the original Greek text.

Although his superior had released him 23from his vows as an Augustinian friar, Luther maintained a monastic lifestyle until shortly before

28 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Luther’s chief concern for the church was how In 1529, when asked in a debate over the Lord’s 26 bad the preaching was. Not only did he publish 33 Supper to explain how Christ could be truly “sermon helps” (postil in German) for the epistle and present at God’s right hand in heaven and in the bread gospel readings appointed for the church year, but his and wine, Luther responded that people should not 1520 tract, Freedom of a Christian, outlined the content of argue about mathematical concepts concerning “place” true evangelical preaching. but simply believe Christ’s promise to be truly present in his Supper. By defining “church” as the assembly of 27believers where the gospel is proclaimed and the According to an eyewitness, when Luther sacraments rightly administered, Luther (sometimes) 34received news of his father’s death in 1530, while included Anabaptist preachers among those sharing at the Castle Coburg awaiting news regarding the Diet the gospel, and Roman Catholics as also having the of Augsburg, he locked himself in his room with his markings of the true church. Psalter and was heard praying and crying.

The Peasants’ War (1524-1525) ravaged central The chief Lutheran confession of faith, the 28Europe. Luther and several other important 35Augsburg Confession, was presented on June leaders of the Reformation wrote against the uprising— 25, 1530, to Emperor Charles V. Luther compliments not only as a breach of fealty by those in revolt but also its main drafter, Melanchthon, by insisting that Luther as a misuse of God’s word for selfish ends. Luther was could not have treaded so lightly. He also saw it as a one of the few who, at least initially, also blamed the fulfillment of Psalm 119:46: “I will also speak of your rulers for exploiting their subjects. decrees before kings, and shall not be put to shame.”

Katharina von Bora, Luther’s wife, was 16 years The Luther Bible, completed in 1534, always 29younger than Luther. She bore six children (and 36included the Old and New Testaments and the suffered at least one miscarriage), ran the household— Apocrypha (books written after books of the Hebrew which included not only immediate family members Scriptures but before the New Testament). and servants but also students, refugees and other relatives—purchased land for growing crops to provide That Luther’s translation of the Bible was the for them and brewed her own beer. 37product of a team of scholars from Wittenberg made it unique—in addition to the fact that it included Luther often showed his emotions. He wept when marginal notes and extensive introductions to many 30his infant daughter, Elizabeth, died in 1528 and books and to each Testament, as well as illustrations when his 13-year-old daughter, Magdalena, died in his of many of the stories in the Old Testament and of the arms. visions in Revelation but virtually none of the Gospels or Acts. Medieval tradition believed that the parents of 31the Antichrist would be a monk and a nun, but Luther lectured at the University of Wittenberg Luther’s adult children disproved that myth. Only one 38on one book of the Bible (Genesis) for 10 years of Luther’s sons, Martin (1531-1565), studied theology; (1535-1545). The resulting commentary takes up the none became a professor. His son Hans (1526-1575) first eight volumes in the “American Edition” of became a lawyer; his son Paul (1533-1593) was a Luther’s Works. physician; and his daughter, Margarete (1534-1570) married a nobleman, Georg von Kunheim, and died in In the 16th century, Lutherans accorded special East Prussia. 39authority to three of Luther’s writings (Small and Large Catechisms and the Smalcald Articles) and Luther and his colleagues, especially Philipp placed them in their collection of confessions of faith, 32Melanchthon, often collaborated on projects. The Book of Concord, because these writings especially In the preface to the 1529 German translation of witnessed to the Christian faith. Melanchthon’s commentary on Colossians, Luther described himself as the rough woodsman, clearing the One of Luther’s chief contributions to German forest so that Melanchthon could follow as the happy 40society in the 16th century was his consistent farmer, planting crops. concern for the poor. He refused to glorify self-chosen poverty and thought it was a citizen’s duty to help those who were living in poverty, especially through the establishment of the “Community Chest.”

29 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 In Wittenberg, the local “Community Chest,” Luther died in his 63rd year in Eisleben, his 41which received money from individual 46birthplace, where he had been invited to resolve contributions and other sources, provided welfare a territorial dispute between brothers, the princes of for the poor, zero-interest loans to get impoverished Mansfeld. artisans back on their feet, and funds for teachers, church workers and even a physician to care for those Before his death, Luther’s wife Katharina sent a unable to afford medical care. 47letter to him, worrying about his health. Luther responded by counseling her to read the Gospel of John In Luther’s last great tract, On the Councils and the and the Small Catechism, “about which you once said, 42Churches (1539), he listed seven visible markings ‘everything in this book has been said about me.’ ” of the true church: preaching and professing the gospel; baptism; the Lord’s Supper; public absolution; The pulpit where Luther preached his last the call and consecration of public ministers; public 48sermon (in Eisleben) is now in Wittenberg’s prayer, praise and the catechism; and the cross Luther House. (misfortune and persecution). Luther’s last written words were a mixture of In 1540, when Melanchthon got sick in Weimar 49German and Latin: “Wir sind bettler; hoc est verum” 43on his way to meetings in Alsace, Luther traveled (“We are beggars; this is true”). Among his last spoken to be at his bedside. When prayers for his stricken words were Psalm 31:5: “Into your hand I commit my colleague were answered, he reported to his wife that he spirit.” was “eating like a Bohemian and swilling like a German (yet not too much)” in part to celebrate Melanchthon’s After his death, four different people gave recovery. (Luther’s Works, vol. 50:218f.) 50funeral sermons or orations. In Eisleben, Justus Jonas (Luther’s former teaching colleague, then the None of Luther’s hymns were based upon pastor in Halle) and Michael Coelius (the princes’ court 44barroom songs (but rather upon the “bar form” preacher) did so; in Wittenberg, where he was buried, of A-B, A-B, C-B [“A Mighty Fortress”]) but came instead Johannes Bugenhagen (Wittenberg’s pastor) preached from a variety of sources, including medieval chants and and Philipp Melanchthon delivered a Latin oration. hymns (“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast”); ballad forms and other folk tunes (“Dear Christians” and “From Heaven Above”); ancient Latin poetry and the Psalms (“Savior Timothy Wengert, an ELCA pastor, is professor emeritus of the Nations” and “Out of the Depths”). of Reformation history at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. Author and editor of more than In 1543 Luther wrote a series of hateful tracts 20 books, including Martin Luther’s Catechisms: Forming 45against the Jews. Although not all of his the Faith (Fortress, 2009), his translation of the Small colleagues approved of them even at that time and Catechism is used extensively throughout the ELCA. sometimes preferred his more balanced comments about the Jewish people from 1523, Luther’s comments were for the most part ignored by later Lutherans until the Nazis reprinted them in the 1930s (accusing the Lutheran churches of suppressing them). Only after the Holocaust have many Lutheran churches around the world (including the ELCA) explicitly condemned Luther’s statements.

30 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 REFORMATION 500

50 things you may not know about the Reformation

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the This list is not meant as an all-encompassing Reformation, Living Lutheran is exploring 500 compendium of everything essential to the of its unique aspects, continuing the series this Reformation and its theology, but rather as a glimpse month with 50 things you may not know about the of the variety of ways the movement that Martin Reformation. The first 25 are included here, and the Luther sparked in 1517 would influence the history remaining 25 can be found at livinglutheran.org. of the world.

The word “Protestant” was first used formally around 1529. While reformers rejected 1 “Protestant” originates from the Latin word protestari, meaning 3 marriage as a sacrament of the “declare publicly, testify, protest.” church, they expanded the role of the church in marriage. Couples The name “Lutheran” originated as a derogatory term used took an oath before God and the 2 against Martin Luther by German scholastic theologian ceremony was moved from outside the Johann Maier von Eck during the Leipzig Debate in 1519. church on the doorstep—a medieval practice—to inside the sanctuary in front of the altar.

The Reformation created a 4 demand for all kinds of religious writings. Readership was so great that the number of books printed in Germany increased from about 150 in 1518 to nearly 1,000 six years later.

By the time Luther died, 30 5 editions of the Small Catechism had been published. By the end of the 16th century, there were an additional 125 editions in circulation and approx­ i­mately 100,000 copies in print.

The Leipzig Disputation 1519. Lithograph by Max Seliger.

31 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 An estimated 6,001,500,000 Bibles have been Whether or not to use pipe organs and other 6 printed since the first one came off the press in 13 musical instruments during worship became the Middle Ages. The first Bible published in North a hotly debated issue for many churches involved America was printed in 1663. in the Reformation movement. Some went as far as banning the use of organs and instruments. The Luther rose (or 7 Luther seal) was created Prior to the Reformation, congregational at the request of printers 14 singing—and even talking—during church to have a personal symbol services wasn’t standard practice in Germany. representing the reformer’s faith that could serve as a Luther composed more than 40 hymns in his mark indicating something 15 lifetime, and in 1529 wrote and composed was an authorized publication the tune for what became known as “The Battle of Luther’s. It became widely Hymn of the Reformation”—today called “A Mighty recognized as the symbol for Fortress Is Our God.” Lutheranism, and still is today. Luther desired hymns to be modest and text- With the invention of the printing press and the 16 driven—derived from Scripture, expressing 8 introduction of pamphlets and booklets to the Christian values, illuminating faith and the gospel public, women in the 16th century found increasing message and lending themselves to congregational access to information they had been previously singing. restricted from reading, studying, discussing or even listening to in public settings. The area of Germany where Luther’s 17 story unfolded is now referred to as The Reformation paved the way for what we still “LutherCountry.” This region of Reformation sites 9 refer to as a “Protestant work ethic.” Luther’s and history was part of East Germany for 40 years teachings about the “priesthood of all believers” until the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. helped dissolve the wall between “temporal” and “spiritual” realms. In doing so, everyday work and labor was affirmed and seen as pleasing to God; it was no longer considered an inferior life to that of a monastic life or the priesthood.

Education was set on a far-reaching course 10 of reforming thanks in part to Luther’s advocacy and ideas that a proper, well-organized and broad education for all children—not just Magdeburg those of the wealthy elite—would benefit the Lutherstadt Wittenberg Dessau state as well as the church. Mansfeld-Lutherstadt Lutherstadt Eisleben Muehlhausen Halle (Salle) The legacy of Luther’s ideas about Erfurt 11 Eisenach Weimar education can be seen today in the Gotha Lutheran church’s concern for Christian Schmalkalden education, early childhood education and schools, colleges and universities, lay schools for ministry and seminaries. GERMANY An emphasis on the involvement of 12 laypeople during worship revolutionized the way space inside the parish church was used during the Reformation. Many of the physical barriers between priest and congregation were removed. Consequently, the interiors of local churches took on the appearance that many still have today. Germany’s “LutherCountry.”

32 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Today the United States has more Protestants 22 than any other country, about 160 million. Nigeria is second, with nearly 60 million Protestants. China has the third-largest Protestant population, approximately 58 million.

About half of all Christians worldwide today 23 are Catholic (50 percent), while more than one-third are Protestant (37 percent).

Recent research and surveys reveal 24 that about one-third of mainstream Protestants believe eternal life depends on our actions and living a good life, despite the biblical understanding and teachings of the reformers that salvation is a gift from God received through faith in Christ, through no effort of our own.

Reformation Day is a national holiday in 25 Chile, and is officially called Día Nacional de las Iglesias Evangélicas y Protestantes—National Day of the Evangelical and Protestant Churches.

First page of the Peace of Augsburg.

The Peace of Augsburg was signed in 1555, 18 despite its dissenters and many loopholes. This settlement represented a victory for state princes and granted recognition to both Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism in Germany, allowing each ruler to decide the religion to be practiced within his state, and permitting residents to migrate to a territory where their denomination was recognized.

The first European colonists who came to 19 North America were attempting to escape post-Reformation conflicts and persecution. They were 98 percent Protestant and a diverse mix of denominations, but their newfound freedom wasn’t without intense conflict and intolerance between denominations and religions.

In the late 1800s, some North American reli- Ceremony in Chile’s Palace of the Moneda for the National Day of 20 gious leaders voiced concern over what they the Evangelical and Protestant Churches in 2014. feared was hero-worship of Reformation leaders. They encouraged refocusing on theological issues and teachings, the accomplishments and failings of reformers like Luther and Huldrych Zwingli, and contributions of reformers prior to the 16th century.

While the Reformation gave birth to 21 Protestantism, today only two of the 10 countries with the largest Protestant populations are European.

33 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 If Luther could have had his way, he would have The idea put forth during the Reformation that 26probably deleted the books of Esther, Hebrews, 33God sees all believers as spiritually equal had James, Jude and Revelation from the Bible. They were profound repercussions in the church—especially when among his least favorite books of the Bible. the idea was applied to women.

There were reformers well before Luther and Luther’s exhortation to read and interpret the 27what became known as the Reformation, but 34Bible on one’s own and the impact of the print- Luther and other reformers of his time became the first ing press opened new doors for laypeople that changed to skillfully use the power of the printing press to give the church’s approach to faith formation and Christian their ideas a wide audience. education forever.

During the religious wars that followed the One of the far-reaching impacts of the 28Reformation, even family members were 35Reformation was the promotion of applying the often pitted against one another. Both Catholics and word of God to every area and endeavor of life, in the Protestants were often convinced that the other was church and in society. doing “the devil’s work.” The early movement of Lutheranism quickly The Counter-Reformation—or Catholic 36gained followers in the German states, the 29Reformation—initiated vigorous efforts to Netherlands, Scandinavia, Scotland and portions of condemn the teachings and influence of Protestant France. reformers, restore obedience and loyalty, reconvert the converted, and establish new missions and influence While we associate the Reformation with globally in regions including Africa, Asia and South 37Germany, broader reformation movements America. spread across Northern and Western Europe, including England and Switzerland. The Catholic Society of Jesus, whose mem- 30bers are called Jesuits, was founded in 1534 England went through its own religious and and participated in the Counter-Reformation to stop 38political reformation in the late 1500s through Protestantism from spreading. Today they represent the early 1600s. It was influenced by Luther and other largest single religious order of priests and brothers in reformers, but it was more deeply intertwined with the Catholic Church. the power, personal beliefs and political motives of England’s kings, queens and political leaders of The Council of Trent (1562) decreed that all the time. 31bishops must “banish from churches all those kinds of music in which, whether by organ or in the In the 17th century, Lutherans from Germany, singing, there is mixed up anything lascivious or 39Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Denmark impure, as also all secular actions; vain and therefore began to migrate to the United States, bringing their profane conversations, all walking about, noise, and language, culture and Lutheran faith with them. clamor, that so the House of God may be seen to be, and may be called, truly, a house of prayer.” The first Lutheran worship service in North 40America is believed to have taken place in what is On April 18, 1994, the Church Council of the now Manitoba, Canada, on Jan. 23, 1620. 32ELCA officially repudiated and apologized for Luther’s words and teachings that have been appro- Today, more than 200 denominations and priated by anti-Semites for the teaching of hatred and 41churches in North America have histories violence toward Judaism or toward the Jewish people. connected to the Reformation. The ELCA also pledged to oppose such bigotry within the church and in society and to pray for the increasing Worldwide, the number of Christians has more cooperation and understanding between Lutheran 42than tripled in the last 100 years. But the world’s Christians and the Jewish community. overall population also has risen rapidly, so Christians make up about the same portion of the world’s popu- lation today (32 percent) as they did a century ago (35 percent).

34 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Luther didn’t lay a personal, unique claim to his An abundance of festivals, exhibits, concerts and 47beliefs and teachings. He declared in a sermon, 43tours are taking place across Germany through- “It is not my doctrine, not my creation, but God’s gift out 2017 in recognition of the 500th anniversary of the … . Dear Lord God, it was not spun out of my head, nor Reformation. grown in my garden. Nor did it flow out of my spring, nor was it born of me. It is God’s gift, not a human Christian education was a passion of Luther’s. discovery.” 44He encouraged a partnership between the home and the church in which parents would take the lead Researchers and archaeologists have recently and the church would assist. 48corroborated the assertion that Luther was a well-educated thinker and prolific writer, producing an The reformers taught God’s dominion over the average of 1,800 pages a year. 45world, creation and all things and helped revive an interest in the world that was increasingly receptive Recently discovered archive documents have to an encouraging of exploration, study and rediscovery 49revealed that an arranged marriage of Luther by of nature and the universe—without losing sight of faith his father may have been imminent for the young man and spirituality. and most likely played a major role in his leaving his study of law and joining the order of the Augustinian Stirring changes and new thinking about the Hermits at the monastery in Erfurt. 46church, religion, politics, law, economics, educa- tion and society, the Reformation influenced the tran- During and after the Reformation, there was a sition from the Middle Ages to the modern period and 50sharp decline in the commissioning of large- Age of Discovery. scale works of biblical art by Protestant churches.

This list was compiled by Rod Boriack, a writer and editor living in Des Plaines, Ill.

35 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 REFORMATION 500

50 things Luther taught that you may not know

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the This list is not meant as an all-encompassing Reformation, Living Lutheran is exploring 500 of its compendium of everything essential to the unique aspects, continuing the series this month Reformation and its theology, but rather as a glimpse with 50 things Martin Luther taught that you may of the variety of ways the movement that Luther not know. The first 25 are included here, and the sparked in 1517 would influence the history of remaining 25 can be found at livinglutheran.org. the world. By Mark Ellingsen

We know that Martin Luther considered Luther said (LW, 12:262). In fact, when it comes 1 justification by grace through faith the most to salvation, we’re passive—getters, not givers important teaching of Christian faith—the one (LW, Vol. 52). by which everything else we say and believe is judged (Luther’s Works, Vol. 21). But what we need to The reformer also taught that we can’t even

remember is that salvation is not something yet to 6 believe on our own—it takes the Spirit, who come; justification is already complete (LW, Vol. 34). gives us faith (The Small Catechism, II.III.6). Lutherans are, in fact, big on the Spirit, believing  Every baptized Lutheran is a “born-again that the Spirit is active in every aspect of our lives. 2Christian.” And since that’s who we are, Luther Every good idea we have is a work of the Spirit, who said we are to start living that way—living our sets us on fire, Luther said (LW, Vol. 24; Complete baptisms (Book of Concord). Sermons, Vol. 3/1).

The righteousness of God is not something God But grace isn’t cheap for Luther! Christ’s love

3is, but what he does to us—he makes us righteous 7 starts moving us to do good like a spouse’s love (LW, Vol. 34). Luther tells us that this insight is the moves us to faithfulness to our marriage vows essence of the spiritual experience that changed his (LW, Vol. 44). We’re so filled up with the goodness life, the famed “Tower Experience.” God pours into us that we can’t help but spill out to others (LW, Vol. 31).

Luther often said justification involves a

4 pronouncement by God, declaring us sinners Indeed, Luther said we’re so filled up with

righteous (LW, Vol. 25). But more frequently he 8 God’s goodness that it’s as if we were intoxicated compares justification to a marriage. We receive with him, doing the bidding of God and the Spirit all that Christ has in the marriage, and having his without being in control of ourselves (LW, Vol. 31). love and righteousness qualifies us for salvation and

makes us more loving in faith (LW, Vol. 44). Good works transpire without our willing

9 them, like a good tree can’t help but produce

Luther wanted us to be sure that Christ’s work is good fruit (LW, Vol. 34). Faith is such a busy thing,

5 “for us” (LW, Vol. 34). But the strength of one’s Luther added, that it’s impossible for the faithful faith is not his hang-up. Even a weak faith saves, not to be doing good works (LW, Vol. 35).

36 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Philipp Melanchthon performs a baptism assisted by Martin Luther. This is a Reformation altarpiece, triptych left panel, from the Church of St. Marien, Wittenberg, Germany.

Attributed to Lucas Cranach the Younger

37 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017

Luther taught that the Christian life is While the reformer read the Bible critically

10“hidden,” that one can’t judge Christians by 17 (LW, Vol. 34), at times he referred to their lifestyles, and that sometimes non-Christians Scripture as “inerrant” (Weimar Ausgabe, Vol. 40 III). will do more external good deeds than the faithful He suggested there are two kinds of word of God in (LW, Vol. 26). God himself acts in hidden and Scripture—the word that has to do with us and our surprising ways, as he did with Jesus on the cross context and the word that does not (LW, Vol. 35). (LW, Vol. 31).

The reformer spoke of the three persons of

God is so in control that the good we do is 1 the Trinity as speaker, sermon and hearer 8 11really God’s work (LW, Vol. 34). We’re (LW, Vol. 24), or as the mind, intellect and will of nothing but the hands of Christ, Luther asserted God (LW, Vol. 1). (LW, Vol. 24). In the good we do, we are just “little

Christs” to each other (LW, Vol. 31). Church and state weren’t separate for

19 Luther in the sense that he didn’t see the

Living as “little Christs” entails life having a state as secular, for it is still ruled by God. However,

12free, easy quality, filled with happiness (even Christian values on Luther’s grounds aren’t when plagued with the suffering that comes from imposed on the state. Political judgments are to be being Christian) (LW, Vol. 24; Complete Sermons, made on the basis of reason (LW, Vol. 45). Vol. 3/2). That’s why Luther wants us to look at

our jobs as good things—a chance (or “mask”) to Although the majority of the time Luther

serve God and other people (LW, Vol. 35). 20 spoke of God as male, he did refer at times to God as “mother” (LW, Vol. 17).

Luther knows that sometimes we can be

13our own worst enemy. That’s why he said He called the church “a hospital for sinners”

Christ takes us away from ourselves, making 21 (LW, Vol. 25)—the church is only for sick us dependent on what is outside ourselves people like us. (LW, Vol. 26). The righteousness of God given to

us is external or alien, not something that is in us The reformer focused on the authority

or belongs to us (LW, Vol. 31). 22 of Scripture, but not without tradition. Tradition mandated for him the desirability of

The reformer didn’t teach universal maintaining liturgical worship, and was the basis

14salvation, insisting that we must have faith. for the validity of infant baptism—do it because But he expressed an openness to hoping for the God has always had the church do it (LW, Vol. 40). salvation of all, that God might give the gift of

salvation to all, even in death (LW, Vol. 43). The reformer preferred immersion in

23 baptism (LW, Vol. 35). He also embraced

We sin in everything we do because every- the ancient African Christian practice of kissing 15thing we do is inspired by selfishness (Luther infants before they are to be baptized to honor the calls this “concupiscence”). The best we can do is hands of God that the baptized child will become sin bravely—confess we are sinning in all we do and (LW, Vol. 45). yet seek to do God’s will anyway (LW, Vol. 48).

Luther was open to maintaining a papacy

Even when we do good, we act in selfish 24 if the pope would acknowledge that sinners

16 ways (LW, Vol. 33). We are free: The law and have free forgiveness and submit to Scripture failure to do works can’t condemn us (LW, Vol. 31). (LW, Vol. 26 and 39). But we are also free from the law in the sense that

we may break the law to do good (Complete Sermons, Contrary to any notion that he may not

Vol. 3/1). 25 have been strong on evangelism, Luther taught that the only reason God lets us live is so we can bring others to him (LW, Vol. 30).

38 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Although different from Calvinist doctrine, The reformer advocated generous safety nets for 26Luther gave God so much credit for all that 35the poor (LW, Vol. 45, pages 169-194). Luther we have that he even sometimes arguably supported believed that God has a bias toward the poor and weak, predestination (LW, Vol. 33, page 190). as he claimed that it is God’s nature to feed the hungry and comfort the miserable (LW, Vol. 26, page 314). Sometimes Luther taught that works did not 27cause salvation, but that they were necessary for Critical as he was of the free market (Book of salvation and outward righteousness (LW, Vol. 25, 36Concord, pages 416, 419), the reformer opted page 186). for government to set interest rates and manage the economy (LW, Vol. 45, page 249). Other times, he even said we become divine in

28faith (Complete Sermons, Vol. 2/1, page 216). The reformer also said that God doesn’t tell 37time like we do—that from his perspective, all Luther believed that we are all religious to some time is one (LW, Vol. 30, page 196). This affirmation, 29extent. He taught that what you trust and believe suggestive of Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity, with your whole heart is your god (Book of Concord, entails that, in God’s sight, your mother is caring for page 386). He urged us to be sure that we have the true you in your infancy at the same time that your great- God, not an idol. grandchildren are being born. In God’s time you are never alone, bereft of your loved ones. Although he was referring to Europeans enslaved 30by feudalism, not the enslavement of Africans, Although Luther predates the development of Luther seemingly opposed slavery. He advocated that 38the theory of evolution, his view of God’s way of slaves run away and that a just government would telling time entails that God’s six days of creation are guarantee the life and livelihood of the freedmen not completed, for God is still creating (LW, Vol. 4, (LW, Vol. 9, page 232). page 136).

Luther defended the virtues of African culture Luther envisioned God in a way compatible with 31(LW, Vol. 2, page 305) against detractors. In fact, 39the Higgs boson particle (the idea that there is a he taught that the Greek philosophers got their ideas field that holds all the subatomic particles together and from Africa (LW, Vol. 1, page 4). makes matter possible)—as being in every single thing individually, present at the same time in many ways The reformer praised the ancient African (LW, Vol. 37, page 60). 32churches—especially the Coptic church in Egypt. He said they were valid churches without As a result, the reformer recognized that acknowledging the pope’s authority, so the 40God is always “meddling” in our affairs—that Reformation movement had much in common everything that we have, even our homes, families and with them (LW, Vol. 31, page 281). the food on our tables, is God’s work (Book of Concord, page 354). While Luther said some notoriously vicious things 33in anger against the Jewish community, earlier Luther believed that the universe is a body never in his life he demanded equal rights for Jewish citizens 41in one place, a bit like how the Big Bang theory (LW, Vol. 45, pages 199-229). posits that the universe is ever expanding (LW, Vol. 38, page 60). The first reformer admired Islamic society. He 34may have criticized the Quran and feared Islamic Luther also said the church was our mother—“the invasions in Europe (LW, Vol. 46, page 177, 183), but he 42mother of all Christians” (LW, Vol. 51, page 166). praised Islamic morality and Muslim culture (Weimar In fact, he said the church can get along fine without us Ausgasbe, Vol. 30II, pages 189, 206). (LW, Vol. 47, page 118)—but we need our mom.

39 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Luther didn’t always teach only two sacraments. Luther called Mary “the Mother of God” 43 Sometimes he claimed that there were three— 47(LW, Vol. 21, page 308) because he believed and once even said there are seven (LW, Vol. 41, page everything said of Christ’s divinity must be said of his 166). humanity (LW, Vol. 22, page 346). The reformer even remained open to believing the perpetual virginity of In communion, at least at one point, Luther Mary and her immaculate conception (LW, Vol. 45, page 44believed we actually swallow Jesus—that he 205; LW, Vol. 21, 327.) enters our bodies (LW, Vol. 37, page 100). Inasmuch as all that happens to Christ’s Since we all receive Christ’s body in the Lord’s 48humanity happens to his divinity, Luther said it 45Supper, Luther said we receive all the members follows that God himself suffered on the cross and still of his body. You can lean on them and support all others suffers with us (LW, Vol. 30, page 223). who receive the sacrament, so their problems and joys are now yours too (LW, Vol. 35, pages 50ff). Luther The reformer believed that we are already in seems to have been open to the communion of infants 49the “end-times”: the kingdom is already present as well (LW, Vol. 35, page 110). when the Spirit works faith in us or compels us to do good (Book of Concord, page 356). Luther taught that we should regard the 46 possessions we have as a traveler does the items Luther believed that the dead “sleep in God’s in a hotel room: they are yours for a while, but they are 50bosom,” not that their souls go directly to heaven the owner’s. This makes it easy to leave behind to others (LW, Vol. 4, page 313). what we think of as ours—they’re just on loan (LW, Vol. 21, page 13). Mark Ellingsen, an ELCA pastor, serves on the faculty of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. His latest book is Martin Luther’s Legacy: Reforming Reformation Theology for the 21st Century (Palgrave Macmillan).

40 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 REFORMATION 500

50 Reformation hymns

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Martin Luther instinctively understood the power of Reformation, Living Lutheran is exploring 500 music to nurture and teach. This list is not meant to of its unique aspects, continuing the series this be a compilation of “Lutheran favorites”; rather, they month with 50 Reformation hymns. The first 25 are sing of central aspects of the Reformation—the cross, included here, and the remaining 25 can be found at baptism, eucharist and Christian vocation—and its livinglutheran.org. impact over the last 500 years.

“The Church of Christ, in Every Age” (ELW, 2729; LBW, 433). Fred Pratt Green’s text reminds us that the Reformation wasn’t just confined to 1517: “The church of Christ, in every age beset by change, but Spirit-led, must claim and test its heritage and keep on rising from the dead.”

“Hope of the World” (LBW, 493). Ongoing 3debates from the Reformation—creed, language and style, among others—continue to pit people of faith against one another. In this hymn, Georgia Harkness asks Christ to save us from our “own false hopes and aims” and reminds us that Christ alone is our Savior.

“I’m Going on a Journey” (ELW, 446; TFF, 115). A rare early print of “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” 4In the Large Catechism, Martin Luther wrote that it is baptism “by which we are first received “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”(Evangelical into the Christian community.” This hymn reminds 1 Lutheran Worship [ELW], 503–505; Lutheran Book us that whatever “roads [we] trod,” our heads are of Worship [LBW], 228–229; This Far by Faith [TFF] dripping wet with the mark of Christ and sign of 133). Written in the late 1520s and first circulated God’s love. as an inexpensive single-sheet broadside, Martin Luther’s metrical commentary on Psalm 46 has “O Blessed Spring” (ELW, 447). Baptism probably been translated more frequently than 5grafts us to Christ, the “holy Vine” and “living any other hymn in church history. Luther and his Tree.” Susan Palo Cherwien’s text also calls to contemporaries viewed this text as one of “comfort” mind the original meaning of the Lenten season, in the face of adversity, confessing Christ as “the a time of preparation for those being baptized at Lord of hosts by name” and reminding us that “no the Easter Vigil. other God we claim.”

41 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 “God Alone Be Praised.” This collaboration The Magnificat (ELW, 234, 251, 573, 723, 6between Susan Briehl and Zebulon Highben 13882; LBW, 180; TFF, 168). Luther saw Mary was commissioned to mark both the 500th as a teacher, extolling her faith and trust in God’s anniversary of the Reformation and the 30th promises as well as her love and service to others. anniversary of the Association of Lutheran Church The Magnificat was an important text for Lutheran Musicians. Like “A Mighty Fortress,” Briehl’s composers in the following centuries, especially as stanzas use Psalm 46 as a point of departure. the gospel canticle for evening prayer.

“Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice” “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You” (ELW, 241; 7(ELW, 594; LBW, 299). Although “A Mighty 14LBW, 23). In these stanzas, Paul Gerhardt uses Fortress” is sometimes called the “battle hymn” images of light to remind us of God’s love: “Love of the Reformation, a better summary of Luther’s caused your incarnation; love brought you down to reforms could arguably be found in this text. me.” His collaboration with cantor Johann Crüger Originally 10 stanzas, it describes his realization of is one of many examples of pastor-cantor teams that being “bound in Satan’s chains,” where his works continue to bless the church’s treasury of song. couldn’t save him; only God’s unconditional love in sending Jesus can free us. “Unexpected and Mysterious” (ELW, 258). 15Author Jeannette Lindholm wrote this text in “Holy God, Holy and Glorious” (ELW, 637). 1996 for Advent at St. Mary’s Episcopal in Rockport, 8 For hymn writer Briehl, these stanzas sing Mass. For Lindholm, these words emphasize Luther’s theology of the cross. “God’s glory and “God’s love, compassion, and grace made known majesty are hidden under their opposites,” she in incarnation” as well as “our own call to embody wrote: power is emptied, beauty is despised and God’s compassion and healing.” rejected, living is shown in dying. “Day of Arising” (ELW, 374). Ecumenical

“Oh, Praise the Gracious Power” (ELW, 651) . 16relationships have enriched many of the 9The cross also stands at the center of this hymn, texts we speak and sing in worship. Based on the a collaboration between author Thomas Troeger appearance of the risen Christ on the road to and composer Carol Doran based on Ephesians Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), this hymn reminds us that 2:14b–16a. Division is reconciled through the Christ is our companion and “hope for the journey.” cross: the living Christ is power, truth, love,

faith and grace. “We Are All One in Christ (Somos uno en 17Cristo)” (ELW, 643). Both the text and tune of “God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending” this Latin American hymn are anonymous; Gerhard 10(ELW, 678; LBW, 408). These stanzas also Cartford first provided this translation for Libro de reflect themes from Luther’s writings, among Liturgia y Cántico (Augsburg Fortress, 1998). The them the power of the cross (“costly cross, grave’s hymn reminds us of our oneness in Christ: one God, shattered door”) and Christian vocation (“direct one Lord, one Spirit, one faith, one love, one baptism. our daily labor”). Highben wrote a stirring new tune for this text called “NOKOMIS.” “O God of Light” (ELW, 507; LBW, 237). This 18hymn was written to mark the publication “Come to Us, Creative Spirit” (ELW, 687). of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible in 11David Mowbray’s stanzas speak directly to our 1952. In it, God speaks “through saints, apostles, use of God’s gifts—“every human talent hallow”— prophets, sages, who wrote with eager or reluctant and that the use of these gifts is rooted in the pen.” Our song today joins “myriad tongues, in one “Word from God eternal springing.” great anthem blending” that “praise and celebrate” God’s “gift of grace.” “All Earth Is Hopeful (Toda la tierra)” 12(ELW, 266). This text and tune were both “Now the Silence” (ELW, 460; LBW, 205). penned by the Catalonian-born priest Alberto 19 Author Jaroslav Vajda envisioned this text Taulé. In these stanzas, we can glimpse Luther’s as an entrance hymn, “a list of the awesome and understanding of vocation—a “horizontal” exciting things that one should expect in worship, orientation that calls us to care for neighbors near culminating in the eucharist and benediction.” and far: “in neighbors we see our Jesus is with us, The tune by Carl Schalk inaugurated a long and ever sets us free.” collaboration between the two.

42 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 “The Word of God Is Source and Seed” “Out of the Depths I Cry to You” (ELW, 600; 20(ELW, 506). Sister Delores Dufner, Order of St. 26LBW, 295). This was an early hymn of Luther’s, Benedict, used images from Ezekiel 37, Mark 4 and a psalm paraphrase of the type he encouraged others John 1 to craft these stanzas that teach about God’s word. to write. In one letter he urged, “I intend to make vernacular psalms for the people, that is, spiritual “Rise, O Church, Like Christ Arisen” songs so that the Word of God even by means of song 21(ELW, 548). Cherwien’s stirring imperative— may live among the people … since you are skillful and “Rise, O Church”—compels us toward service in eloquent in German, I would ask you to work with us Christ’s name. The striding melody by Timothy Strand in this and turn a psalm into a hymn as in the enclosed gradually builds toward its highest note, a Trinitarian sample of my work.” Here, Luther’s catechism chorale apex: “God,” then “Christ,” then “Spirit.” The final about confession is heard in a setting by 17th-century stanza returns to the opening imperative: “Rise, O composer Arnold von Bruck. church, a living faith.” “These are the Holy Ten Commands.” In 1523 “Rise, Shine, You People!” (ELW, 665; LBW, 393). 27or 1524, Luther arranged verses from Exodus 20 22“Christ the Lord has entered our human story; in hymn form. Soon after, he wrote a slightly shorter God in him is centered.” One might have to look at the version, yet both were sung during catechism services, hymnal credits to see that this is not by Luther, but a especially during Lent. In this setting by Johann 20th-century writer. The hymn was inspired by the Hermann Schein, one can hear the influence of Italian author’s experience at an Easter Vigil that, for him, vocal styles that became fashionable at the outset of recalled the story of Luther hurling an inkpot at the devil. the Baroque. Note especially the text painting at “hoch auf dem Berg,” the repeated, rising lines that suggest the “Voices Raised to You” (ELW, 845). This height of Mount Sinai where Moses was given the Ten 23 Trinitarian text was commissioned for the 10th Commandments. anniversary of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians and represents another close collaboration “Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior.” Luther’s between author and composer, Herman Stuempfle 28hymn about the sacrament of communion is an Jr. and Carolyn Jennings. Our hymns, hymnals and expansion of an early 15th-century Latin hymn sung by musical settings are God’s gifts to be used in God’s the followers of Jan Hus. In his German Mass of 1526, service, not merely our own aesthetic edification: “Art Luther suggested that it be sung during the distribution and music, gifts you lend us, we return to you today.” of communion. This setting is by the 17th-century cantor Thomas Selle, who spent most of his career in “Holy Woman, Graceful Giver.” Cherwien wrote Hamburg. 24this text for the 25th anniversary of the ordination of women in the ELCA. In her words, “it celebrates the “Our Father, God in Heaven Above” (ELW, hidden treasures in all God’s people—female and male, 29746 and 747). Luther probably wrote this in clergy and lay—with Christ at their center.” 1538 or 1539, and it is one of few hymns for which his manuscript still exists. His nine stanzas directly “Signs and Wonders”(ELW, 672). Recalling correspond to the sections of his explanation in the 25Luther’s “sin boldly,” this text calls us to boldness Small Catechism (ELW, pages 1163-1164). The chorale in other ways too: “boldly may we heed Christ’s call” is heard here in a setting by the late Renaissance and “let us boldly serve and bless.” So sing boldly and composer Johannes Eccard dance boldly to this familiar tune, a treasure from Jean Calvin’s Genevan Psalter. “To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord” (LBW, 3079). Completed in 1539, this was one of Luther’s last catechism hymns. The tune is by Johann Walther, though it was originally composed for a text Luther wrote in 1524. A famous organ setting of this chorale by J.S. Bach places the tune in the pedal, surrounded by the “flowing waters” of the left hand.

43 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 “Kyrie! God, Father” (ELW, 409; LBW, 168). “Lamb of God, Pure and Sinless” (ELW, 357; 31Throughout the medieval period, it was common 36LBW, 111). This versification of the Agnus Dei for liturgical chants to be “troped,” or adjusted to fit a is also the work of Nikolaus Decius (see “All Glory Be particular occasion. Somewhere between the 10th and to God on High” above). Perhaps the most famous use 12th centuries, a trope of the Kyrie known as Kyrie fons of this chorale is Bach’s opening of the St. Matthew bonitatis emerged, later translated in the 16th century Passion where it floats above the double choir. as Kyrie, Gott Vater in Ewigkeit. This four-voice setting by Heinrich Schütz uses the melody as a point of imitation, “I Shall Not Die But Live” (Non moriar sed each line blossoming across all four voices until a new 37vivam).” In addition to a few dozen hymn texts phrase begins. and melodies, Luther’s musical output also includes a short, four-voice motet that was first published in 1545. “All Glory Be to God on High” (ELW, 410; The text is Psalm 118:17, which Luther had once written 32LBW, 166). This versification of the “Gloria” was on the wall of his study: “I shall not die, but live, and penned by Nikolaus Decius, who, like Luther, was a declare the works of the Lord.” German monk who became a pastor. It was first sung on Easter Day, April 5, 1523, and was widely adopted during “Savior of the Nations, Come” (ELW, 263; LBW, the Reformation. It was translated into Swedish as early 3828). Throughout the 1520s, Luther adapted as 1567 and was one of the most frequently sung hymns several Latin plainsong hymns for the mass and church by Swedish Lutherans in the Delaware Valley around year and recast them as German hymns—not all were 1700. A vocal-instrumental arrangement by Michael direct translations, and others were subjected to some Praetorius was rendered by the Early Music Consort of melodic “retrofitting” to match German syntax. Thus, London. a fourth-century hymn by Ambrose of Milan, Veni redemptor gentium, became Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland. “We All Believe in One True God” (ELW, 33411; LBW, 374). Like some of his other hymns, “From Heaven Above” (ELW, 268; LBW, 51). Luther’s versification of the Nicene Creed was founded 39Luther originally wrote this hymn in 15 stanzas upon an earlier version that had been around for about and called it a “Children’s Hymn for Christmas a century. In his German Mass of 1526, Luther instructs Eve.” Like many early Reformation melodies, it is a that “after the Gospel the whole church sings the creed “contrafact,” meaning that original words—in this case, in German.” The hymn is sung here as it appears in “Good news from far abroad I bring”—were replaced ELW by the 2010 Lutheran Summer Music community with new ones. gathered for worship in the Center for Faith and Life at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. “O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright” (ELW, 40308; LBW, 76). Philipp Nicolai wrote this, the “Isaiah in a Vision Did of Old” (ELW, 868; LBW, “Queen of Chorales,” in either 1597 or 1599. His seven 34528). Rather than fashion a direct translation of original stanzas bore the subtitle: “A spiritual bridal the Sanctus, Luther placed the cry of “Holy, holy, holy” song of the believing soul concerning Jesus Christ, her in its biblical context, a metrical version of Isaiah 6:1- heavenly bridegroom, founded on the 45th psalm of 4. His melody is derived from an 11th-century Sanctus the prophet David.” Accordingly, it was used throughout sung during Advent and Lent. The hymn is heard here, Germany for weddings and other festivals outside the also as it appears in ELW, in the same service as Luther’s Epiphany season. versification of the Nicene Creed (above). “The Only Son from Heaven” (ELW, 309; “O Christ, Lamb of God” (ELW, 196; LBW, 103). 41LBW, 86). Elisabeth Cruciger was one of the 35The Agnus Dei was introduced to the liturgy Reformation’s earliest hymn writers. She and her sometime around the eighth century and is derived spouse, a pastor, were personal acquaintances of Luther from John the Baptist’s cry, “Behold, the Lamb of God, and Katharina von Bora. Both Elizabeth and Katharina who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). This were former nuns, and it was Elizabeth’s desire that her hymn first appeared in one of Johannes Bugenhagen’s text about Christ the Morning Star be paired with this church orders of 1528, though it may have existed as German folk melody. early as 1524 or 1525. Bach uses this chorale in the final movement of Cantata 23 and surrounds it with instrumental interludes.

44 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 “Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands” “If You But Trust in God to Guide You” (ELW, 42(ELW, 370; LBW, 134). Founded upon an earlier 48769; LBW, 453). Georg Neumark penned both plainsong sequence, Victimae paschali laudes (see ELW, text and music in the midst of the Thirty Years’ War. 371), Luther’s sturdy Easter hymn first appeared in When it was published in 1657, it was called “hymn of 1524 in seven-stanza form. For Bach, these stanzas were consolation, that in God’s own time God will sustain enough for his cantata Christ lag in Todesbanden—he did and keep each person.” Bach’s organ setting from the not surround the chorale with other poetry or dialogue so-called “Kirnberger” collection is an ornamented as in many other cantatas. chorale where the right hand sings an embellished version of the melody: “the Lord our restless hearts is “Now to the Holy Spirit Let Us Pray” (ELW, holding, in peace and quietness content.” 43743; LBW, 317). Before the Reformation, some German folk hymns ended with the text “Kyrie eleison,” “In Thee Is Gladness” (ELW, 867; LBW, 552). sometimes elided and shortened to “Kyrieleis.” These 49Author Johann Lindemann selected an Italian were called Leisen. This hymn began as a single-stanza balletto by Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi as a melody for Leise to which Luther added three more stanzas in this text, and it has proved a durable match. 1524. During the 16th century and after, it could be used variously as an entrance hymn during Advent or “Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart” (ELW, Pentecost, before or after the sermon, or at funerals. 50750; LBW, 325). Though a beloved hymn, it appears to be the only surviving one by Martin “Built on a Rock” (ELW, 652; LBW, 365). The Schalling, who was once a student of Melanchthon in 44first stanza of the original Danish begins “Kirken Wittenberg. The tune appeared in a 1577 collection of den er et gammelt Hus”—literally “the church, it is an music for organ or instruments; its composer remains old house.” God is the foundation and Christ “builds a unknown. house of living stones.” The imagery of a sturdy frame is matched by an equally sturdy tune. References

“Where True Charity and Love Abide” (ELW, Aufdemberge, C. T. Christian Worship: Handbook. 45653; LBW, 126; TFF, 84). “Let us be watchful that Milwaukee: Northwestern Publishing House, 1997. no strife still divide us.” These are appropriate words for this Reformation anniversary year and continued Leaver, Robin A. Luther’s Liturgical Music: Principles ecumenical dialogue. Fitting, too, that this should be and Implications. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. a ninth-century text sung by many assemblies in both Eerdmans, 2007. plainsong and Taizé versions. Perhaps the most famous setting is the choral arrangement by French composer ______. The Whole Church Sings: Congregational and teacher Maurice Duruflé. Singing in Luther’s Wittenberg. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans, 2017. “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word” (ELW, 46517; LBW, 230). Luther’s three stanzas were Stulken, Marilyn Kay. Hymnal Companion to the Lutheran likely written around 1541-1542, when the Turkish Book of Worship. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1981. army was defeating European forces both on land and at sea. This Trinitarian text pleads for protection and Wengert, Timothy J., ed. The Pastoral Luther: Essays on for steadfastness in times of adversity. Many German Martin Luther’s Practical Theology. Grand Rapids, Mich.: congregations added a fourth stanza (see ELW, 784 and William B. Eerdmans, 2009. LBW, 471) to Luther’s words, and Johann Walter wrote another stanza in 1566 that prayed for “peace and good Westermeyer, Paul. Hymnal Companion to Evangelical government.” An edition by Dieterich Buxtehude was Lutheran Worship. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2010. used in his setting for voices and instruments.

“Lord God, We All Praise You.” In 1554, Paul 47Eber wrote German stanzas based upon a Latin This list was compiled by Chad Fothergill, a church musician text by Philipp Melanchthon. By the early 17th century, and musicologist based in the Philadelphia area. Eber’s stanzas were sung to a Genevan psalm tune known today as Old Hundredth, often song as the doxology, “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” (ELW, 884, 885).

45 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 REFORMATION 500

50 ways the Reformation still impacts pastors

As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the This list is not meant as an all-encompassing Reformation, Living Lutheran is exploring 500 of its compendium of everything essential to the unique aspects, continuing the series this month with Reformation and its theology, but rather as a glimpse 50 ways the Reformation still impacts pastors. The of the variety of ways the movement that Martin first 25 are included here, and the remaining 25 can be Luther sparked in 1517 would influence the history of found at livinglutheran.org. the world.

Emily Trubey-Weller Context matters. Luther’s assertion that word Pastor, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Hicksville, N.Y. 2 and sacrament are what matters when it comes to worship, and the rest is adiaphora (theological nonessentials), is critical to becoming a more just and inclusive church. At St. Stephen, it allows us to continually reform worship, spreading the good news of God’s loving work further and wider.

I am so not in charge. As the pastor, I am 3 just one member of the priesthood of all believers. The people of my congregation are always ministering alongside me and teach me every day.

Be a sinner and sin boldly … Luther’s 4 frequent reminders of human sinfulness can seem like a downer. But in daily ministry, I see how the belief that we can be perfect and “do it all” leads to despair. We can’t do it. Accept it. Theology for the people. Martin Luther’s 1 theology flowed from the pastoral concerns he … but trust more boldly in the grace of God. had for his people. As a pastor, it’s important that 5 God never stops speaking love, mercy and my theological understanding grows from the grace to us. But it’s when we finally trust that we needs and concerns of my people, my neighbors, can fall back on the love of God that the fullness my community. of life overflows into a beautiful, bold, constant outpouring of gratitude.

46 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Brian Hiortdahl Nelson H. Rabell-González Pastor, Atonement Lutheran Church, Overland Pastor, Apostles Lutheran Church, Turnersville, N.J. Park, Kan.

“And.” Thanks to former Presiding Bishop The Spirit of God. I find comfort in Luther’s 1 Mark Hanson for amplifying this most 1 explanation of the third article of the Apostles’ important Lutheran word that accommodates Creed: “I believe that by my own understanding or tension and the breadth of truth: Jesus Christ strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or is divine and human; we are saints and sinners come to him.” The Spirit of God gives me, and the gifted with law and gospel. For us, this is true whole Christian church, the faith we need in order both individually and collectively: it has helped to follow in the footsteps of our savior. me see systems, families, congregations and church more clearly and completely. Absolute truth. The Reformation’s biggest 2 lesson for me is that God’s love for humanity Sola scriptura. I am so grateful for and is the only absolute and ultimate truth that we 2 inspired by the reformers’ insistence upon can trust. Any other system, person or institution the primacy of the biblical word and Luther’s that asks for this absolute trust must be viewed as particular passion for connecting it with people’s penultimate and fallible. daily lives. The democratization of ministry. One of the Theology of the cross. Calling something 3 Reformation’s fundamentals that is still vital to 3 what it is, while also clinging to hope in the my work is the understanding that all Christians are holy, mysterious God hidden in the horrors of called at baptism to serve God and neighbor with human history. This is an essential guard against their gifts, talents and treasures. In other words, the the temptations of easy answers, platitudes, democratization of ministry. stereotypes, dismissiveness and despair. Preaching the law and the gospel. The dynamics “Oh that I could pray the way this dog 4 of law and gospel inform the way in which I 4 watches the meat!” This quote from Luther write my sermons. When I preach the law, I try to not only resonates with my own distracted prayer lift up the human condition, and with the gospel, life; it also showcases the humor, humanity and I proclaim God’s assurance of forgiveness to all, earthy, insightful spirituality of Luther—and the thanks to Christ’s death and resurrection. blessedness of dogs! Freedom. The Reformation has taught me that Grace. This is the heart, the point of it all. 5 God’s last word for us is always forgiveness, life 5 and salvation. Luther has also taught me that we are free to think, give our opinions, debate and struggle to what we think is God’s will for the sake of creation.

47 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Kerstin Weidmann Stacey Siebrasse Pastor, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, San Francisco Pastor, First English Lutheran Church, Billings, Mont.

“One has to look at the mouth of the people” Showing up. My favorite Luther quote states, “Here 1 –Luther. The reformer understood that, in order to 1 I stand, I can do no other, so help me God.” For reach people with the good news of Christ’s grace and me, this quote employs those visceral, gut feelings we salvation, you have to speak their language—and for detect when facing a decision to either give in to the that, you have to actually understand their situation. status quo or show up for and speak out in the name Beyond language, this applies to cultural shifts and of justice, no matter the cost. means of communication today. Baptism. Luther’s take on baptism is the main “Christians must be taught …” –Luther (repeatedly 2 reason I’m a Lutheran today. Baptism is not a one- 2 in the 95 Theses). Luther advocated for the time event or a required, eschatological confession. education that leads to critical thinking of all Christians Rather, it is an outward sign of God’s eternal love for in order to live their calling to the fullest. Christian us in Christ that has no beginning or end. education today should still be thought-provoking and lead to informed and respectful discourse in the face of God’s omnipresence. In a letter to Swiss reformer difference of opinion. 3 Huldrych Zwingli on the real presence of Christ in the sacrament, Luther wrote that “God is as present in “What does this mean?” –Luther (repeatedly in the your cabbage soup as in the sacrament. The difference 3 Small Catechism). As followers of Christ, we mustn’t is that God is hidden in the soup and revealed in the pretend we have all the answers, but we are called to sacrament.” I love this statement, affirming God’s have an inquisitive heart and mind. Christian life is omnipresence in every aspect of our lives. about wrestling with God’s word, even and especially in conversation with those who have different backgrounds Paradoxy. Luther was paradoxical in his or understandings of God’s word. 4 teachings, stating that we are “simultaneously saint and sinner” and both free and subject to none while “[Give] yourself in service to your neighbor just as dutiful and servant to all. These statements remind 4 you see that Christ has given himself for you me of my constant need to self-evaluate and seek –Luther. Grace frees us from the immense burden forgiveness from God, approaching the font every day to somehow redeem ourselves, but we still have the to die to self and then rise again as a new creation. responsibility to extend God’s grace and love to those who need them today (which is everyone). Challenging the church. The kinds of reforms Luther 5demanded from his church also give me the courage to “A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to challenge my church. Because the ELCA is a mainly white 5 none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of church, we need to learn to decolonize worship and our all, subject of all, subject to all” –Luther. Freedom has theology, and we need to uplift the bodies and voices of become a keyword and is often interpreted as a personal people of non-white descent or color. freedom to do whatever benefits the individual—and subsequently leads to the limitation or even obliteration of the freedom of the underprivileged. Our Christian freedom is defined by the bounds of God’s law of love for the neighbor and all of creation.

48 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 William Flippin Jr. Leslie Scanlon Pastor, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Atlanta Pastor, Grace Lutheran Church, Chesapeake, Va.

Here I Stand. I was first introduced to the study of The Luther Rose. When I get mired down in the 1Luther 21 years ago by reading Roland Bainton’s 1complexity and craziness of life, the Luther Rose seminal book Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther. is a great reminder of the gospel at its most basic: the pain-causing black cross gives our red hearts life; faith Deus absconditus. Luther’s academic study of Deus in this truth gives joy, comfort and peace (white); we 2absconditus—the idea that God’s mercy in Christ can glimpse this peace both while on earth (blue) and comes sub cruce tecta (covered under a cross); not so forever (gold). Luther’s summary of theology is so basic, much hidden so that it’s not at all visible, but covered yet so beautiful. under what looks like the opposite (sub contrario objectu meaning “under its contrary opposite”). “Believe in this.” One of my favorite Luther quotes 2is from the Heidelberg Disputation, and is vital for all “The contrary opposite.” The most provocative Lutheran preachers to keep in mind: “The law says ‘do 3“contrary opposite” is the cross itself—the completed this,’ and it is never done. Grace says ‘believe in this,’ and work of Christ. everything is already done.”

Transparent dialogue. As an ecumenist, Deus The spreading of ideas. Luther wasn’t the first to 4absconditus has guided me in having a transparent 3suggest reforms for the church, but his ideas spread dialogue of humankind through common experiences. due to a perfect storm of events, including the invention of the movable type printing press in Europe. Social God being present in our world. My feminist media is today’s printing press: a new tool that can be 5interpretation of Deus absconditus, which I learned used to spread God’s love (or not—depending on how from theologian Dorothee Söelle, is that God moves you use it). beyond being with those who suffer; God is present in our world, and human suffering battles with us for life. 95 Theses. Many Lutherans have read, or maybe even 4memorized, Luther’s Small Catechism, but Luther’s Benjamin Dueholm 95 Theses show us what he was resisting in the church of Pastor of worship and education, Messiah Lutheran his day. It’s important to be able to separate this Catholic Church, Wauconda, Ill. church of the past from the Roman Catholic Church of today as we live ever more fully into ecumenism. God revealed in the cross. I love Luther’s theses and 1explanations for the Heidelberg Disputation, and I We worship God, not Luther. One of the most think about them a lot. They remind me that while I’m 5important parts of being Lutheran today is to tempted to look for God in wisdom and glory, I can only remember and to be able to admit that Luther see God revealed in the cross and suffering. wasn’t perfect. Like us, he is simul justus et peccator (simultaneously justified and sinful). He did a lot to Command and promise. In preaching and teaching, spread God’s good news in this world, but also said and 2I find it continually helpful to look for these direct, wrote some terrible things, for which the Lutheran intimate, unconditional ways God communicates with us. church has since apologized.

Word and sacrament. The gifts of word and 3sacrament create the church and make it visible to the world. The reformers help me stay focused on these gifts.

“Passive righteousness.” This phrase of Luther’s 4doesn’t translate well (the last thing we need to hear is an encouragement to passivity!), but it helps me remember that God’s work in us is much more effective than any program we design to please God.

The Freedom of a Christian. This is the name of a 5favorite Luther treatise and also an important idea: freedom not as an absence of rules or constraints, but as a freely embraced responsibility for each other.

49 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017 Michael Malone John Flack Pastor, St. Mark Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, Mo. Pastor, Our Saviour’s Atonement Lutheran Church, New York, N.Y. “We are church. We are Lutheran. We are church 1together. We are church for the sake of the world.” “God is essentially present in all places, even the –Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton (four emphases for 1tiniest tree leaf.” –Luther (LW 37: 57-58). As I have understanding church) Years of conversation informs me grown into the ministry, I’ve begun to realize that the that the notion “We are Lutheran” often functions at a defining ethical challenge of my time is climate change. level of subconscious presupposition. I continue to be Luther’s understanding of God’s presence in creation inspired whenever I offer historical context to empower a made available for us in the sacraments has given me more cognizant sense of what being Lutheran means 500 a theological foundation for preaching and teaching years after the Reformation. creation care.

“The histories present powerfully with examples “The true treasure of the church is the Holy Gospel 2and happenings making them visually so real, as 2of the glory and grace of God.” –Luther (Thesis 62) though one were there and saw everything happen that In a time when churches are closing, synods are selling the word had previously conveyed to the ears by mere property, and people are afraid that the influence of teaching.” –Luther (Preface to Galeatius Capella’s History) the mainline Protestant denominations has waned The enthusiastic response among participants in trips to nothing, I need to hear over and over that the real to Germany that I have been leading on behalf of the treasure, power and beauty of our faith is not with a Central States Synod this year reminds me of the power building or a bank account, but with the saving message of history to inform us of who we are in the present in of God’s love for all people. light of our past. “Every call of Christ leads to death.” –Dietrich “Therefore every scribe who has been trained 3Bonhoeffer (Discipleship) I have come to learn that 3for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a being a Christian means that everything we are is household who brings out of his treasure what is new Christ’s. We are his. And the more I live as if I am Christ’s, and what is old.” –Jesus (Matthew 13:52) In Matthew, the freer and more faithful I become. Jesus addresses the problem of becoming enmeshed in perspectives on the past to the point of missing the God’s unbreakable promises. In my pastoral care, work of God in the present. Likewise, the fact that we 4the Lutheran sacramental understanding of God’s continue to identify as Lutheran connects us to a distant unbreakable promises, made available for us in tangible, past in ways that should continue to inform our identity objective signs, has helped me more than anything else. while emboldening our present ministries as God works The God we seek promises to be found, and God wants us through us. to find God in real things.

“What’s past is prologue.” –William Shakespeare (The Christ’s heart is bigger than our grievances. The 4Tempest) I remain fascinated by the fact that events 5ecumenical movement of the latter half of the 20th that unfolded 500 years ago continue as such an indelible century, which seems to have truly striven to break down part of our identity as Lutherans. Our past ought to tell barriers and make a broken church whole, helps me us something of who we are in the present even as we realize that Christ’s heart is bigger than our grievances. recognize that our past is not determinate of our future. That movement inspires me to see Christ at work everywhere (even with people I’d rather he leave alone). “We have lost the Reformation.” –Heinz Schilling 5(The Protestant Reformation in German History) No credible historian today takes literally the notion that all European reformations began with the blow of Luther’s hammer. I have devoted years to scholarship that seeks to understand the global conditions that created the increasingly complex world that, in turn, stimulated a total reassessment by Europeans of the relationship of humanity to each other, the place of humanity in the cosmos, God’s relationship to humanity and God’s relationship to the natural world.

50 VOICES OF FAITH • LIVINGLUTHERAN.ORG • 2017