Advent

Advent and Christmas are seasons when many Christians tend to appreciate some of what might be called more "catholic" traditions. For example, there may be ancient hymns and carols, Latin phrases in carols, creches, and meditations on the examples of John the Baptist, Joseph, and the Virgin Mary... Yet, despite the devotional value expressed in such traditions, Advent can and should also remind us of Reformation themes. Contemplating Christ's Advent or His Incarnation can drive home certain themes: sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide...

The Need for Reformation

 In our contemporary world, especially in North America, many people still say that they are Christians, and many of those do seem to be people with genuine faith in Christ. Unfortunately, for many contemporary Christians, there seems to be much more sentiment than thought in their convictions. Many who say with enthusiasm that they believe in Christ and the Bible do not seem to know much about either. Even some people who can cite certain biblical passages do not seem to know much about Scripture in general or appreciate the value of Christian history. They seem to naively assume that an emotional response without doctrinal roots is sufficient.

Study of the Scriptures and Church history shows the weakness of much popular Christianity in every epoch. Neither blind traditionalism nor emotional enthusiasm are sufficient for mature expressions of Christianity. We need to be firmly rooted in Scriptural teaching. For me, reading, studying, and reflecting over the years have re-emphasized the importance of the Reformation. The expressions of the faith in the ancient Creeds and in the Protestant catechisms and confessions are at the core of a thoughtful and biblical Christianity.

Luther

Recently, I have been re-reading Frederick Nohl's  Luther: Biography of a Reformer, and I watched the film "Luther" again. The great Reformer's spiritual struggles and courageous witness have continued to inspire me over the years. Of course, Martin Luther was a real man with some serious human weaknesses, but he was also a faithful Christian, an astute Biblical scholar, and an insightful theologian. Apart from Scripture and the Apostles' Creed, Luther's story has been one of the recurring inspirations in my religious development since I first heard it in Sunday School as a child. At several times of personal religious renewal, I have re-focused on the Scriptural teachings on grace and justification by faith. And each time the centrality of those biblical teachings has been renewed, the role of Luther in proclaiming the Gospel (evangelion) has come to mind.

Basic Lutheran Readings

In the press of daily life, there is sometimes little time for reading and reflection other than basic daily Scripture readings. However, I have recently been carefully re-reading Luther's Small Catechism and the Augsburg Confession. The basic Scriptural truths of these Reformation documents are powerful.  These two confessions of faith are essential for Lutherans. They are the foundational documents in the Book of Concord, and they have influenced the thinking of Christians from other traditions. They provide ongoing food for thought and Christian growth, and we should return to them often.