Author: Dr. Hauna Ondrey
Assistant Professor of Church History
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther issued his “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” in ninety-five theses. Since 1717, this date has been celebrated uniformly as Reformation Day, marking the start of the Protestant Reformation. This October 31 marks the 500th anniversary of that event, prompting memorials ranging from graphic novels to board games to even Pope Francis’s offering a homily at the World Lutheran Federation prayer service.
While our own commemoration will not include a papal visit, we are fortunate to have among us a leading scholar on the Reformers’ Pauline interpretation – our very own Stephen Chester, whose book Reading Paul with the Reformers: Reconciling Old and New Perspectives was recently published to great acclaim. Luther’s eventual break with the Roman Catholic Church turned on his new understanding of God’s righteousness as the passive, or imputed, righteousness by which God justifies the sinner – the conclusion his own reading and re-reading of Paul’s epistles.
This Friday (Oct 27) at 7:30pm, Dr. Chester will offer a public lecture, “Reading the Bible with Martin Luther after 500 Years: Reflections on Luther’s Legacy and Why It Still Matters,” in Isaacson Chapel. Here is his description:
As both Bible translator and interpreter, Martin Luther revolutionized the experience of engaging God’s word for millions of Christians. Yet 500 years later, just as in his own lifetime, Luther’s legacy is still very much contested. What was the nature of Luther’s achievement with the Bible? In the midst of all the controversy surrounding Luther, can we gain a clear picture of his contribution? And as readers of Scripture today, what should we be thankful for and what must we be cautious about? What is best left in the sixteenth century and what might still be vital for us as we struggle faithfully to interpret the same texts in and for contemporary contexts?
The Commission on Covenant History will host an informal pre-lecture discussion on the Reformation heritage of the Evangelical Covenant Church, 6pm in Olsson Lounge. A reception will follow the lecture. For those not in Chicago or unable to attend, the lecture will be recorded and subsequently posted online.
Don’t let these choice words of Luther’s be true of you! “You are an excellent person, as skillful, clever, and versed in Holy Scripture as a cow in a walnut tree or a sow on a harp” (LW 41:219).
COME AND LEARN!