The Reformation and Twentieth-Century Protestantism
Prof. David J. Engelsma examines the historical significance of the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing that it was ultimately God's work rather than Martin Luther's intention or achievement. The pamphlet discusses Luther's initial aims in posting the 95 theses and his subsequent theological development, positioning the Reformation as the most important act of God upon the church since the apostolic age.
October 31 is the anniversary of the Reformation of the church—”Reformation Day.” On the 31st of October in the year 1517, in Wittenberg, Germany, the monk and university professor Martin Luther nailed to the door of the great Church a list of 95 propositions, or theses. That act and those theses became the source of that mighty movement within the church which we know as the “Reformation of the church.” We do well to commemorate and celebrate this event of the 16th century. For it had the most...