End of the Year Post

The most important thing I learned this year was about Martin Luther. It is interesting to see how the life of a man who lived hundreds of years ago is similar to our own lives.

The final event that began the Protestant Reformation occurred on October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the Wittenberg church door. He protested Johann Tetzil’s selling of indulgences, and accused the church of heresy after heresy. However, the Roman Catholic Church was stubborn and condemned him as a heretic. This caused a huge outrage in Europe, and thus started the Protestant Reformation.

Luther’s life is comparable to some Christians’ lives today. Luther stuck up for what was right, telling the church that it was wrong and that its teachings did not correspond with the Bible. They rejected Martin and called him “heretic.”

Today, true Christians stick up for what is right, telling the culture that it is wrong and that its teachings do not correspond with reality. The culture condemns such Christians as “religious.” The difference is that the culture today is subtler; so many Christians don’t notice what is happening.

What can we do to solve this problem? Luther’s example shows that we need to reveal the truth to the public. He wrote out what the Bible said and nailed it in full view of everyone. Copies were made, and the word spread from there.

Luther was not afraid of being judged; when he was taken to court he would not recant what he said, even if it meant sparing his own life. Luther wanted everyone to know the truth, and would not tolerate the deception of the church. The solution to our problem today can be found in his life. As Gandhi would say, “Be the change you want to see in the world” and spread the word while you’re at it.