Luther: Reformation

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• in 1505 Luther joined the Augustine order as a monk. He had a spiritual hunger that went beyond the sacraments and good works.  He felt discouraged that he couldn't find peace. He didn't felt worthy  He became a priest and DR of theology in Wittenbury University.  Studied Romans and found the concept of 'righteousness by faith' Grace of God not works.  Shared his teaching on the doctrine of justification. He did not intend it to be a new movement. He desired to heal the Catholic Church of abuses. 

1. Abuses of the Catholic Church

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   • Simony: Paying for key positions was rife Monasteries were fashionable places to enjoy leisure activities.  Sale of Indulgences by Pope Leo X (Fundraising for St Peters in Rome) Debated 97 Thesis of abuses, academic interest but most were ignored!
   1. If at first you don't succeed....

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      • The university was for the intellectual few, Lords not that interested in their debate People were become disgruntled with the Church. Lords too were becoming frustrated with the power of the church. 
      1. 31st October 1517 - 95 Thesis - Reformation Day
         1. Consequences for Luther

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            • Printed copies in Latin and German spread quickly because of the printing press.  Luther was denounced and excommunicated. He got married and became a Pastor of a church. Because of the political will (Lords also disgruntled with the Church) the reformation gathered intense speed. Fredrick of Saxony protected Luther. He wanted Luther to be treated fairly and became convinced. Fredrick of Saxony didn't want to see history repeated.  Protestantism gave religious conviction and political independence. 
         2. Consequences for Mission

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            • Luther did not suggest the use of his views to subvert the civil authorities.  the message was not works but grace Did Luther over-react against teachings of good works?  N.T Wright suggests that there is not enough emphasis in Evangelical missiology on our responsibility to right living