Of Renegades, Reformers, Heretics, & Heroes of the Faith

This month we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the start of the Reformation. October 31st is regarded as the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church. The reformation, in the simplest of terms, was a time when Christian leaders (most notably Luther) took stock of the current practices of their faith (most notably indulgences) and proposed change. Evolution is inherent in any human endeavor. Cultures evolve and that includes church cultures. On this 500th anniversary of the start of the Protestant Reformation, I wonder if there are things we could identify in our own evangelical culture that have veered from the original intent and practice of Christ and the first century church.

A quote that I often think about says: “Being one step ahead makes you a leader; being 50 steps ahead could make you a martyr.” While many of us regard Martin Luther as a reformer and hero of the faith, to his Christian contemporaries, he was a renegade at best and heretic at worst. Being a heretic in the 16th century could quite literally make you a martyr, but challenging the status quo today is no small thing either. We’ve “martyred” our share of “heretics” by marginalizing leaders who dare to question those things which we hold sacred.

As I’ve struggled with some of our favorite faith practices over the past dozen years, I’ve convinced myself that I simply do not have the education or authority to even call these customs into question. And I’ve decided that the cost to benefit ratio is simply not favorable enough to even take the risk. But this month, I want to share some of what I have learned as I have questioned, researched and processed our practices/beliefs in three areas: A. The Gospel B. The sinner’s prayer C. Communion with God (Prayer & Bible Study)

I would challenge all of us to attempt to put the filters of indoctrination aside, and to place our faith practices under the microscope of Scripture to see what areas, if any, are in need of personal reformation in our walk with God and in the way we live out our faith in our community.

Christianity in America is locked in a very uncivil war which plays out every day in the secular arena: Conservative Christian Culture Warriors vs. Progressive Christian Social Justice Warriors. Perhaps we would do well to take a step back from the battle for our secular culture and consider ways that our Christian culture and practice has changed over the centuries. Perhaps a more authentic Christian culture would find better ways to impact our country and the world.

To be continued...