The Protestant Reformation: Why It's Important Today

By Avery P

The Protestant Reformation began on October 31, 1517, in Wittenberg, Germany (“The Protestant Reformation”).  Martin Luther was a monk, who became a Christian after a terrible storm. He survived the storm and devoted his life to Christ. Through the process of sanctification and growth, he began to understand the Bible on a deeper level. He soon realized that the Roman Catholic Church was preaching the Bible wrong (“Reformation Key Facts”).

Indulgences were used by Catholics as a way to get your loved ones out of purgatory, which was an in-between to Heaven. Martin Luther studied the Bible and soon realized that indulgences were not taught in the Bible. He began to fight the Catholic church over this matter. On October 31, 1517, in Wittenberg, Germany, Luther nailed 95 theses onto the door of Castle Church. Soon word spread of his boldness, as it was unheard of to stand up to the Catholic Church. With the help of the latest invention, the printing press, Luther’s 95 theses were spread. 

A lot of good came out of the spreading of Luther's work. William Tyndale translated the Bible into English. In addition, John Calvin translated the Bible into French. During this time, people did not read the Bible at home. It was not in a language widely known by the general public. Luther sparked a change in a lot of matters of the church. As the reformation spread, these new ideas and new followers split into different sects (“Reformation Key Facts”). One of these sects was called the Anabaptists. They believed in believers' baptism and the separation of church and state. These people later influenced people such as the Quakers and the Baptists (“Reformation Key Facts”).

The Reformation did not just spread in Germany and France. It spread to England and to the ears of the infamous King Henry VIII. In 1534, he broke away from the pope. However, he only broke away and adopted Protestant views because he wanted to annul his marriage to his wife. What he did was not an honorable act, and it is quite sad. However, his actions sparked a movement in England. 

The modern Protestant church finds its roots in this movement and the people. Many ideas and thoughts originated with theologians from the Reformation. The idea of Calvinism comes from John Calvin. Americans have the Puritans to thank for ideas that were spread to America. Puritans left on the Mayflower to escape persecution in Europe. They then proceeded to settle and spread these ideas in North America (“The Protestant Reformation”). These ideas spread and were debated. New ideas and interpretations of scripture brought on new denominations. It affected the building of America. It also had a deep effect on Europe. Religious freedom was gained through this movement. In addition, the Catholic church reformed within itself. The pope ended the selling of indulgences, and teachers and the pope became more educated on what the Bible taught. Commoners finally got to read the Bible in their language thanks to men like John Calvin and William Tyndale.

This concludes to the last effect. The men in the Reformation were so impactful. The printing press by Johannes Gutenberg made printing the Bible much easier. John Calvin brought on new interpretations of scripture and spread the idea of predestination in the Bible. John Knox was a Scottish minister and fought for many years to reform Scotland (GotQuestions.org). Heinrich Bullinger accompanied Swiss reformer Zwingli. After Zwingli was killed for his faith, Bullinger stepped in and was announced head of the Swiss Reformation (GotQuestions.org).   These men all stood up for their faith.

When asked, the students of NorthStar Academy said that several theologians had impacted their lives. One student wrote that Wayne Grudem, author of Bible Doctrine: Essentials of the Christian Faith, really impacted their walk with Christ. In addition, one student said that Charles Spurgeon and Martin Luther were reformers who impacted their life and faith. All of the students surveyed said that the Reformation is an important part of the Protestant faith. As Christians, we should follow in these men’s footsteps for the Gospel.

Avery P lives in Memphis, Tennessee, with her parents, and three siblings. This is her second year at Northstar and her first writing for the Navigator. Avery enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and being at church. In the future, Avery hopes to pursue a future in education.

🔎Informational, ✝️Spiritual LifeEIC NSA2023-2024, March 2024 Publication