Reformation Day – October 31st

 

 

Somewhere in time, October 31^st, people celebrate Halloween. I don’t understand the fascination with Halloween. Sure I understand a kid’s love of candy and even I like to dress up at times, but Halloween?  Why celebrate a holiday with dubious origins which focuses on witches, ghosts and ghouls. 

October 31^st, should be celebrated as Reformation Day.

On October 31^st, 1517, Martin Luther nailed 95 theses of contention to the door of the Wittenburg chuch.  He was not the first person to attempt reform of the Christian church, but he is still considered the father of the reformation. 

Reformation was needed because the church had fallen into corruption.  At times the leadership of the church loved power more than God.  Couple that with the fact that most people could not read the Bible for themselves.  So the church had many practices not found in scripture and no one knew the differences.

Martin Luther did extensive studies on the scriptures and he realized the error the church was making.  He wrote his 95 disagreements on paper and nailed them to the church door for everyone to read.  People copied the notes by hand and handed them out to everyone they knew.  

He had good points and most people agreed with him.  The church however did not care for being publically challenged, so they called Martin in to answer the charge of heresy.  At the meeting, he was given the chance to recant.  His response was:

                                Unless I am convinced by proofs from scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not recant, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience.  Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.

Luther’s life was in danger, disagreeing with the church at that time was not a safe thing to do.  Fortunately for him, he was able to hide out with a Prince for a year and he remained under his protection for a while. Luther used this time to change things for the better.  He began working on a translation of the Bible from the original Greek into the German language most people could read.  He translated the New Testament by 1520 and the entire Bible by 1534. 

Despite the persecution he stood strong and followed his faith.

James 1:12 (NIV) “Blessed is the man who preservers under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

When I think of Holidays, I think it would be nice to celebrate something pure, holy or lovely.  If the Bible tells us to think on these things, it makes sense that we should celebrate them also.

Reformation day could be a day to stand up for what is right even against overpowering odds. Next October 31^st let’s celebrate the reformers who took a stand for righteousness.  This is something to remember and celebrate.