Grasping for the Wind

Happy Halloween and Blessed Reformation Day

But we should also remember that today is the traditional day we celebrate a turning point in Western Civilization. Today was the day that Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the Wittenburg door, sparking the Reformation, and changing the political and cultural landscape of Europe irrevocably. And this is a good thing. Without the Reformation, it is unlikely that the Renaissance would have held the power it did, and ultimately, that the power of the princes would be broken, and democracy allowed to flourish. Religion would have had a stranglehold on people, and we would not have the freedom to question ourselves and seek God.

No matter what your religion, Reformation Day is an important day. Without the changes the 95 theses sparked, freedom of religion would have come much later in history, if at all, and the technological and cultural advances of the age would have been regulated to a specific period, rather than becoming the very essence of Western Civilization. And no matter your heritage, you must realize that Western Civilization has historically been the most free, giving birth to constitutional monarchies and democratic republics. This may not always be the case in the future, but for now it is.

So as you wander around with your kids tonight gathering that luscious candy, remember also the great change that swept Europe on this day in 1517.

For a simple way to introduce your children to Martin Luther, buy this book, and read the chapter on Luther, with its fictional story and factual information.

Posted by John on October 31, 2007 11:01 AM | Posted to Religion
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