500th Anniversary of Protestantism

[Madaglan]

Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses in 1517, commonly regarded as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. This means that in six years from now, in 2017, Protestantism will have turned 500.

How will this anniversary be celebrated around the world? Will Protestants see the mission started by the first Reformers as being fulfilled? More work to do? In looking at the Roman Catholic Church, will Protestants be satisfied with what they see? Will Roman Catholic prelates support the celebration of the separated brethren? Partake in their activities? Will Vatican II be raised as a topic during the celebration?

Your thoughts?

 

[GunnerQuick]

I don’t believe that this will be an occasion for celebration, I think that it will and should be a time where we can dialogue, hope and pray for unity

Pax

 

[waxwing]

Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses in 1517, commonly regarded as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. This means that in six years from now, in 2017, Protestantism will have turned 500.

How will this anniversary be celebrated around the world? Will Protestants see the mission started by the first Reformers as being fulfilled? More work to do? In looking at the Roman Catholic Church, will Protestants be satisfied with what they see? Will Roman Catholic prelates support the celebration of the separated brethren? Partake in their activities? Will Vatican II be raised as a topic during the celebration?

Your thoughts?

Well the fascinating thing with Protestanism is that it keeps you guessing, by that I mean it continuously evolving concept so your never quite sure where its going. I can’t think of anything else of the past 500 years that comes close to the impact that the Protestant Reformation had, nothing springs to mind at least …so it will be celebrated, Of course in Europe its birthplace, but perhaps even more so in the US, where although their are more Catholics than Protestants it deeply buys into the Protestant Ethos. Will the Protestants be satisfied with what they see? Depends who you ask, I think the answer will be No, they may not come right out and say it directly but their actions as well words will tell another story. You only have to look at the previous 500 years to see the changes, splintering, infighting etc etc, but if you ask a Protestant who acknowledges its evolving/spotty past would they do it all over again despite the splintering and bickering over “small” doctrine and the not so small doctrine, the answer would be a resounding Yes

 

[GaryTaylor]

Geez, just imagine, you get to share the anniversary with the Civil War which is 150 years today. And the same though comes to mind. So how shall we further heal the situation?

God Bless, Gary

 

[ManOnFire]

I recently read that Luther’s 95 theses had all been met, and that some famous Lutherans were reconverting. It’s a shame that pride and prejudices can be so strong from generation to generation to the point that humility and mere consideration of truth are ignored in favor of the status quo.

 

[Monica4316]

that’s like celebrating the East West Schism

 

[Semper_Zelare]

Well the fascinating thing with Protestanism is that it keeps you guessing, by that I mean it continuously evolving concept so your never quite sure where its going. I can’t think of anything else of the past 500 years that comes close to the impact that the Protestant Reformation had, nothing springs to mind at least …so it will be celebrated, Of course in Europe its birthplace, but perhaps even more so in the US, where although their are more Catholics than Protestants it deeply buys into the Protestant Ethos. Will the Protestants be satisfied with what they see? Depends who you ask

I don’t want to derail the thread… but, I like looking at demographics and statistics concerning religion a lot. When you say there’s more Catholics than Protestants in the U.S. do you mean more Catholics than mainline Protestant Churches (eg: Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist). That’s definitely true. I tend to lump all non-Catholics who are also non-Orthodox into Protestant. I lump Evangelicals, and pretty much every other Christian denomination into being part of Protestantism (with the possible exception of mormonism).

My general ON RAIL response to the thread would be: I think it’s very significant that close to the 500th anniversary of Protestantism, we’re seeing Anglicanorum Coetibus. Now there are calls for Lutheran churches wanting to join Rome as well. So, even if we only get a trickle of converts from these Churches, it’s a telling feat. Protestantism has, at least in some circles, run it’s course. The Authority of the Church has not fallen to the devil or any other influences of the world. Our doctrine remains true to the message of Christ. A lot of Protestant denominations can’t say that even about simple things: abortion, birth control, women priests.

The constant splintering of Protestantism only contrasts with the (at least doctrinal unity that the Catholic Church has maintained). Evangelical movements where everyone says they’re “non-denominational” doesn’t mean they’re unified. I think it means that there are thousands of denominations limited to a single congregation, and has views different from the other ones. Near the 500th anniversary, one wonder how long the Archbishop of Cantebury will remain legitimate, in the next 50 or 100 years will the Church of England reunite with Rome? Interesting times.

 

[waxwing]

I don’t want to derail the thread… but, I like looking at demographics and statistics concerning religion a lot. When you say there’s more Catholics than Protestants in the U.S. do you mean more Catholics than mainline Protestant Churches (eg: Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist, Baptist). That’s definitely true. I tend to lump all non-Catholics who are also non-Orthodox into Protestant. I lump Evangelicals, and pretty much every other Christian denomination into being part of Protestantism (with the possible exception of mormonism).

My general ON RAIL response to the thread would be: I think it’s very significant that close to the 500th anniversary of Protestantism, we’re seeing Anglicanorum Coetibus. Now there are calls for Lutheran churches wanting to join Rome as well. So, even if we only get a trickle of converts from these Churches, it’s a telling feat. Protestantism has, at least in some circles, run it’s course. The Authority of the Church has not fallen to the devil or any other influences of the world. Our doctrine remains true to the message of Christ. A lot of Protestant denominations can’t say that even about simple things: abortion, birth control, women priests.

The constant splintering of Protestantism only contrasts with the (at least doctrinal unity that the Catholic Church has maintained). Evangelical movements where everyone says they’re “non-denominational” doesn’t mean they’re unified. I think it means that there are thousands of denominations limited to a single congregation, and has views different from the other ones. Near the 500th anniversary, one wonder how long the Archbishop of Cantebury will remain legitimate, in the next 50 or 100 years will the Church of England reunite with Rome? Interesting times.

For some reason I thought Catholic’s outnumbered Protestants, and if it was just the regular Mainline that would be the case, but yes if we lump everyone barring Mormons, JW etc and a few other groups that aren’t considered as part of Protestantism than yes there are more Protestant’s than Catholics. Never been a big fan of the non denominational’s - although I do know of some great, sincere Christians in their churches, think creeds are important and shouldn’t be left to whoever happens to be in the pulpit at any given time. For this I do give the Mainline’s credit

 

[valentino]

I would say if there are any celebrations it would be just Lutherans but you never know.About the only thing these denominations have in common is there stance on papal authority.If they could ever get over that we’d have one united Church again.

 

[ESMDHokie77]

Any source for that comment about Luther’s 95 theses being “closed”? I’d be greatly interested to see, or I’ll just go looking myself.

This anniversary would be no cause for celebration on my part.

 

[Marsha_Adams]

For some reason I thought Catholic’s outnumbered Protestants, and if it was just the regular Mainline that would be the case, but yes if we lump everyone barring Mormons, JW etc and a few other groups that aren’t considered as part of Protestantism than yes there are more Protestant’s than Catholics. Never been a big fan of the non denominational’s - although I do know of some great, sincere Christians in their churches, think creeds are important and shouldn’t be left to whoever happens to be in the pulpit at any given time. For this I do give the Mainline’s credit

Major Religious Traditions in the U.S.

Among all adults:

Christian 78.4%
Protestant 51.3
Catholic 23.9
Mormon 1.7
JW .7
Orthodox .6
Other Christian .3

Jewish 1.7
Buddhist .7
Muslim .6
Hindu .4
Other faiths 1.2 (this includes Unitarians, New Age, Native American, etc.)
**Unaffiliated 16.**1 (this includes atheist, agnostic, secular and religious unaffiliated)
**Don’t know/refused **.8

These are post 2007 figures

The Largest “denomination” in the U.S. is Catholic.

 

[Bohm_Bawerk]

Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses in 1517, commonly regarded as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. This means that in six years from now, in 2017, Protestantism will have turned 500.

How will this anniversary be celebrated around the world? Will Protestants see the mission started by the first Reformers as being fulfilled? More work to do? In looking at the Roman Catholic Church, will Protestants be satisfied with what they see? Will Roman Catholic prelates support the celebration of the separated brethren? Partake in their activities? Will Vatican II be raised as a topic during the celebration?

Your thoughts?

Most Protestants don’t know about the Protestant Reformation, or indeed, the real theological underpinnings of their faith, so I doubt it’ll be “celebrated”.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

 

[waxwing]

Major Religious Traditions in the U.S.

Among all adults:

Christian 78.4%
Protestant 51.3
Catholic 23.9
Mormon 1.7
JW .7
Orthodox .6
Other Christian .3

Jewish 1.7
Buddhist .7
Muslim .6
Hindu .4
Other faiths 1.2 (this includes Unitarians, New Age, Native American, etc.)
**Unaffiliated 16.**1 (this includes atheist, agnostic, secular and religious unaffiliated)
**Don’t know/refused **.8

These are post 2007 figures

The Largest “denomination” in the U.S. is Catholic.

Thanks I stand corrected. I know I was watching a TV program about Christianity in America and I thought I heard it was the largest, probably my failing memory, or maybe I switched to the baseball game before the narrator completed his sentence

 

[Soldier_Of_God]

Swiss Protestants have celebrated the date of birth of Calvin. A number of Protestant organizations (e.g. WCRC) as part of ecumenical action will celebrate Luther’s 95 theses. My guess is it will be looked upon with genuflection by many Protestants.

 

[Stylteralmaldo]

How will this anniversary be celebrated around the world?

I think there will be some celebrations in the US moreso than in Europe or other places around the world due to the rapidly declining influence of Christian religion in general in Europe. Other parts of the world that are non-Catholic Christian seem to be moreso Evangelical than traditional Protestant in trend, but I could be wrong.

Madaglan:

Will Protestants see the mission started by the first Reformers as being fulfilled?

Depends on the Protestant.

Madaglan:

More work to do?

For Protestants (from my observation), the work to be done is to continue to evangelize both non-Christians and Catholics.

Madaglan:

In looking at the Roman Catholic Church, will Protestants be satisfied with what they see?

If they are satisfied with what they see, they will become Catholic. If not, they will remain divided both from the Catholic Church and each other.

Madaglan:

Will Roman Catholic prelates support the celebration of the separated brethren?

A Protestant Reformation celebration is not something to support from a Catholic perspective.

Madaglan:

Partake in their activities?

Unless those activities are serious discussions to accept the teachings of the Catholic Church as valid, I doubt it.

Madaglan:

Will Vatican II be raised as a topic during the celebration?

From Protestants, it depends on which type of Protestant one is.

Madaglan:

Your thoughts?

God willing, the 500th anniversary will be noting the event itself and how Protestants around the world are now united in one faith.

 

[GaryTaylor]

The US statistics above are not a good worldwide indicator though. 2.1 Billion Christians exist worldwide. Of that 1.7 Billion are Catholic, 6+ million Orthodox. Maybe more today

So really were is the celebration going to be? The USA has always been the largest number of Protestant no?

I may be way off but I always thought the Protestants came here to to get away from Kingdom and Pope? Along with every else who wanted to live free.

How many Catholics signed the Declaration of Independence? That should tell you something right there. I know more than 70 were Christian.

Gary

 

[JonNC]

Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses in 1517, commonly regarded as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. This means that in six years from now, in 2017, Protestantism will have turned 500.

How will this anniversary be celebrated around the world? Will Protestants see the mission started by the first Reformers as being fulfilled? More work to do? In looking at the Roman Catholic Church, will Protestants be satisfied with what they see? Will Roman Catholic prelates support the celebration of the separated brethren? Partake in their activities? Will Vatican II be raised as a topic during the celebration?

Your thoughts?

I don’t know about protestants, but Lutherans will mark the day. Some may celebrate it, but I think others like me will commemorate it. The difference, as I see it, is that there is no reason to celebrate division within His Church.
I personally do not see it as a mission fulfilled. It cannot be a mission fulfilled without reconciliation, nor can it be a source of satisfaction. It ought to be, for Lutherans and Catholics, a time of prayer and confession for the sin of division and the parts both communions have played in that division. It must also be a catilyst for redoubling our efforts, and building on the dialogue of the post Vatican II era.

I would certainly expect a joint effort between Lutherans and Rome to to mark the occasion in the spirit of seeking Christian unity.

lutheranworld.org/lwf/index.php/younan-pope-500th-anniversary.html

Jon