 |
| Source: interfaithccc.com |
I just had to post on the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation: October 31, 1517, the day when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Church in Wittenburg, Germany.
If you are a long-time reader of the blog, you might know of my own theological journey to better understand my Protestant beliefs, the history of the Church, and the various faith traditions of Christianity and how they all fit together.
Here's what I will say, or restate, on the other side of what I referred to at the time as a "quagmire of questions."
I am sooo thankful for Catholicism! With its numerous martyrs of the faith and their shining examples, its preservation of the Word of God (especially through the Middle Ages), and its rich heritage of tradition and symbolism.
I am sooo thankful for Protestantism! With its commitment to to the Word of God, its rich history of preaching, its zeal for global evangelism, and its glorious hymns.
In truth, I will forever be indebted to BOTH the Catholic and the Protestant church traditions, all of which (along with the Eastern Orthodox!) make up THE Church. I am convinced there are born-again, God-fearing, Bible-loving believers among all of these faith traditions. Are they all Christians? No! Just like standing in a garage does not make you a car, being in a particular church does not make you a Christian. But, as we can all agree, we are saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Who are my people, my posse, my peeps? Those Christ-followers who rely on Christ's sacrifice for salvation, who humble themselves before the Word of God, pray, confess their sin, and repent in order to grow in godliness.
If you have any questions, or are wrestling with theological issues, you are at home here, my friend! Be sure to check out the Theology label at right (or below, if on a mobile device) to learn more.
May you and yours have a blessed Reformation Day!
No comments