Reformation

The 95 theses of Luther were the beginning of the exposure of the errors of the Roman Catholic Church. It forced Luther to speak out more clearly and more openly. He thought that the Bible always has the last word played an important rule. Luther wrote several books that a reformation was needed. He also addressed a book to German princes. He wrote this because nothing could be expected by the pope. When the princes reform their own territories, they could organize church meetings themselves and then they could start to reform. Luther called the pope even the antichrist, because the pope opposed these necessary reforms. Also daily life has to change. All Christian feasts, expect for the Lord’s Day, entailed much celebration and drinking a lot and even led to all kinds of sins. And this has to change, said Luther. Every town and village has to organize Biblical education for girls, at least one hour a day. There was also care needed for the poor. Luther wrote a treatise at Wartburg Castle in 1521 about monastic vows. It was about that these vows are not binding for they are contrary to the Word of God. During the Middle Ages, people thought that women were less worthy creatures. This was encouraged by the Roman Catholic Church because they saw celibacy more sacred than marriage. Even those who entered the monastery promised that they would never marry. This isn’t correct, Luther said.  Also the church has to be reformed. Luther translated the Latin Bible into German. Luther wrote in the common language of the people and translated quite freely. When it is too literal, the translation would not be understood by the people. But the Catholic Church did not encourage the reading of the Bible. It was too dangerous, because people can make their own religion. Only the church could explain the Bible. Also the services has to be different, according to Luther. The preaching of the Gospel has to be in the forefront. He didn’t object images in the church. For extra learning, he made a catechism book. That’s an instruction book for the youth. Also congregational singing was very important. He also wrote some hymns himself. It was a gift of God and He could use it in His services. Also sacraments has to be different. The only two sacraments that Luther recognized were Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.