This week in Christian history: Saint confirmed as real, anti-prostitution charity founded, Reformation begins

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, October 25, 2020

Protestant Reformation begins – Oct. 31, 1517

The famous 95 theses doors of Wittenberg Castle Church on Oct. 30, 2017. | (Photo: The Christian Post)

This week marks the anniversary of when Augustinian monk Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to a church door in Wittenberg, thus beginning the Protestant Reformation.

The theses, or points of argument, came in response to concerns Luther had to various corrupt practices within the Roman Catholic Church at the time.

When assessing the Reformation, Robert Rothwell of Ligonier Ministries wrote in 2018 that it was “perhaps the greatest move of God’s Spirit since the days of the Apostles.”

“Luther’s rediscovery of this truth led to a whole host of other church and societal reforms and much of what we take for granted in the West would have likely been impossible had he never graced the scene,” wrote Rothwell.

“He recaptured the biblical view of the priesthood of all believers, showing all people that their work had purpose and dignity because in it they can serve their Creator. Today, Luther’s legacy lives on in the creeds and confessions of Protestant bodies worldwide.”