On this day in 1517, Martin Luther nailed 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg church. Wittenberg was relatively free from direct papal subjugation, but Luther’s message was meant for Rome. Europe responded to his nearly suicidal courage by widely disseminating his scathing critique of political and religious authority, changing the old world forever.
Some 490 years later, ruling powers are more insidious, but no less corrupt. We live in relative peace and safety, but such words have no application in Darfur or the Congo, not to mention most of the Middle East.
Where is Luther? More to the point, where is the culture that mass marketed the theses?
Like the converse of Tom Sawyer’s whitewash techniques, freedom of speech has dulled our response to injustice. New York Times v. Sullivan gives Americans the right to trash talk authority, but there aren’t many modern Luther’s, few are listening, and very few are acting on what they hear.
This inaction is not conscionable or sustainable. Sooner or later, someone will fill the gap. What are you waiting for?
15 comments:
Good challange Paul. I do think that living a CHRISTIAN (Christ-like) life is the best way to reaching and changing the world!
Speaking is many times easy. Living is many times hard.
I think we DO have some Luthers out there, but as you say, it's hard to hear them amid the din of free press.
We live in an age of information overload. Too much good information, like too much good food, kills.
I definitely agree with both Barry and Robby. The question is, however, how do we get around these difficulties? I think one answer can be found in something we just read in Steps to Christ: "We should have the door of the heart open continually and our invitation going up that Jesus may come and abide as a heavenly guest in the soul. Although there may be a tainted, corrupted atmosphere around us, we need not breathe its miasma, but may live in the pure air of heaven. We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere prayer. Those whose hearts are open to receive the support and blessing of God will walk in a holier atmosphere than that of earth and will have constant communion with heaven." (pg 99). Anything is possible through prayer!
Very rarely do we hear the Luthers of the world. Their causes are considered "not newsworthy". As this world draws to a close, those voices will be louder so all will know the truth.
The Lord calls us to "Cry aloud lift up thy voice like a trumpet, shew my people their sins." We must be more vocal we must give the Loud Cry with power. Our cry is powerful however in proportion to the life we live. The Glory that lights the whole world with that cry (see Rev 18:1,2)is character, our reflection of God"s character. Our challenge is dual, fortunately God's power available to us for personal transformation and vocalization is unlimited.
I guess this is kind of off topic, but it's still on Luther and the protestant movement. It's now 490 years since the protestant reformation began. Daniel 9:24 tells us of another 490 year period of allotted time that ended almost 2000 years ago. The Lutheran protestants in Europe are now slowly turning back to their Catholic roots.
nothing is ever off topic on my blog:-)
Petra points to some solid actionable principles. I'll have to think on them a bit...
Keep your actionable principles simple. Perhaps we should return to the trite but tried and true.
--Revive, Evangelize, Disciple
The antidote for today is 100 percent submission.
Are you ready to speak softly like little maid?
Are you ready to scream like Jeremiah?
Are you submitted?
john, may i quote you?
Good thoughts John.
Christy,
Don't quote. Steal.
The key to originality is covering your intellectual tracks;)
Where did the other post go? It had excellent disscussion potential
Where did the other post go? It had excellent disscussion potential
I'll put it back when I have time to argue. I'm flat out at the moment.
Fair enough
Not sure why my comment was posted twice.
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