Ep.125 - The Road to Reformation: The First Shout of Protest

Few in church history could ever fully comprehend the enormity of impact the event of October 31st, 1517 in Wittenberg could produce on the global church. Martin Luther’s inquisitive protest against the machinery of indulgences, was launched initially as an invitation for clear and theologically intelligent minds to critically reflect on the validity and value of indulgences

This week the Curious them take a look at the enigma that is Martin Luther. What was his home life like? Was it overly strict? Was it supportive and loving? How did the University of Erfurt shape his thinking? How did Luther’s ‘lightening bolt’ experience recalibrate his perspective and values? What were the 95 thesis really all about? What was Luther really trying to achieve in making them public? And why was the Diet of Worms in May 1521, so incredibly significant for Luther and decisive for the Reformation?

In this third episode of our series, “The Road to Reformation”, the Curious team launch into Luther, his beginnings, his early convictions, his formulating discontent, and his eventual public display, challenging the might of the Holy Catholic Church!

Join the Curious Team this week as they step in to the extraordinary events of 1517 and it’s immediate aftermath on the European church.

Further Reading
Here’s a bit of homework for you that offers some insight into this weeks theme…
Luther's Early Life - LutheranRefromation.org

Luther's Early Years - ChristianHistoryInstitute.org


What we’re reading?
As a feature to our notes, we are adding the book or books that we’ve been browsing and reading as part of this series. So here goes….here’s a list of the best we've come across on the Reformation;

Nick Page — A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation

Diarmaid MacCulloch — Reformation (Europe’s House Divided)

Richard Rex — The Making of Martin Luther

Andrew Pettegree — Brand Luther

Michael Reeves — The Unquenchable Flame

Peter Marshall — Heretics and Believers: A History of the English Reformation

In addition, check out this great podcast from our friend Matt White, delving into the life and thinking of John Calvin.

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