Protestant Reformation

[ChristMySavior]

Martin Luther NEVER wanted a seperate denomination, or church. He simply was looking for change within the existing Church.

And believe m: there was ALOT to reform!

YThe schism (as is usually the case with uprises), was the fault of the uneducated peasants, who were always looking for change.

Luther was HORRIFIED at the idea of a church named after him!

Agreed, I have read three books concerning the matter and made sure that they were “neutral” for the most part. I did not want bias on either side. However, since completing this research paper (which turned into only the causes of the Reformation), I can conclude that Luther DID NOT want to split from the Church until 1520 when his mind totally changed and was excommunicated by Pope Leo X. He seemed to have been influenced by the extremely radical Huldrych Zwingli.

Might I add also that the Church was in ABSOLUTE need of reform. We got it, and Luther would have gotten his wish for REFORM not DEFECTION.

 

[ChristMySavior]

I would just like to thank everyone for their insights and help regarding the books I would need. My paper would have been much more than a research paper if I had followed the outline I had made for it. It would have amounted to a dissertation (which I will definitely write soon enough). My professor advised that I only focus on the roots of the reformation because it would have been entirely too long for her (lol). Anyways, thank you all again and God Bless.

 

[ChristMySavior]

And I would agree with you on that point. Nonetheless, it did happen and Christians have lived with the consequences for nearly 500 years. During that time actions on both sides contributed to solidifying the divisions as Christians disputed with Christians, sometimes backed up by the force of arms of the political establishments. It is a challenge to overcome that history – and there are many who have not done so.

It has only been within the last half-century or so that serious efforts have been made to discuss Lutheran/Catholic relations and what we share in our common heritage. While these efforts have not led to reunification, their tenor is such that many of us have come to respect one another even as we don’t agree on all points of doctrine.

I continue to pray, just as our Lord himself prayed, that we might be one. I trust that the Holy Spirit will, in time, lead us to that goal.

Pastor Gary, thank you for your wonderful words. I believe that we will, by the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, come together and be unified once more. It is a shame that there have been so many splits from Lutheranism itself to all these “denominations” we find today.

 

[JonNC]

Pastor Gary, thank you for your wonderful words. I believe that we will, by the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, come together and be unified once more. It is a shame that there have been so many splits from Lutheranism itself to all these “denominations” we find today.

Hi CMS,
One thing I think you’ll find is that, in reality, there are very few “splits” from Lutheranism.
But on your question, Pastor Gary is an excellent resource for suggestions.
My own thoughts, in general, are to avoid apologetics type writers, and rely on theologians. From both Lutheran and Catholic POV, I’d encourage you to look to more recent writings than older one. For example, ISTM that writers like Father OHare and Denifle are not the best sources. On the other hand, it is my understanding that Catholic theologian Jared Wicks is levelled and honest.
jcu.edu/religion/wicks/LutherTheology/foward.pdf

Jon