by Pastor Brian Phillips
October 31st, known as All Hallows Eve or Halloween, is the eve of All Saints’ Day. The name “Halloween” derives its name is from the full title of All Hallows Eve. October 31st is also referred to as Reformation Day, in commemoration of Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, the event often held to be the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. This event is a helpful historical marker, but the Reformation began much earlier, with men like John Wycliffe and Jan Huss, and others.
The Reformation was intended to be just that, a reformation; not a revolution. Luther and the other reformers had no intention of leaving the Catholic Church, but eventually did so, some departing on their own, others driven out. But, when we commemorate the Reformation, we do not desire to commemorate the division of the Church but rather the message of grace, of salvation by grace through faith, and the return of the Bible to the hands of the ministry and laity of the Church.
As we near the observance of Reformation Day and All Saints’ Day, here are some suggested reads for the occasion and beyond:
1) Trial & Triumph by Richard Hannula
A collection of 46 short biographies of Christians from all periods of Church history, Hannula’s work is suitable for adults and children alike. It includes the stories of Polycarp, Anselm, Augustine, Charlemagne, Martin Luther, C.S. Lewis, and many more. Trial & Triumph is like a trip through the family album!
2) The Reformation 500 Years Later: 12 Things You Need to Know by Benjamin Wiker
Written by a Roman Catholic thinker, it may seem odd to include it on this list. However, Dr. Wiker provides a balanced assessment of the Reformation, the good, bad, and the ugly. Wiker is honest about the flaws of the Roman Catholic Church before the Reformation, and the flaws of the Reformers and their descendants. Worth the read, even if you leave with some disagreements.
3) The End of Protestantism by Peter Leithart
An honest assessment of some of the Reformation’s unintended consequences, written by a Reformed pastor and theologian. Dr. Leithart wrestles with the rampant division that rose from the Reformation, and the chaotic denominationalism that dominates the American church. He makes a case for growing unity between all the streams of Christianity. This is an ambitious work that leaves us struggling with all the right questions.
4) Heralds of the Reformation by Richard Hannula
Richard Hannula, tells the stories of thirty figures of the Reformation throughout Europe. Beginning with the forerunners of the Reformation, like Wycliffe and Huss, and proceeding geographically, Hannula includes household names like Luther, Calvin, and Knox, along with relatively unknown players.
5) Radiant: Fifty Remarkable Women in Church History by Richard Hannula
Yes, yet another work by Richard Hannula! The book’s own “official” description says it all:
”From South America to Europe, from China to Africa to the Wild West, in prisons and in throne rooms, many great Christian have left a stunning legacy for their successors. These short and moving biographies for young people introduce fifty often unfamiliar champions of the faith: women like Ida Kahn, who opened the first hospital in a Chinese city of 300,000 people; Lady Anne Hamilton, who rode with the Covenanter cavalry at the decisive Battle of Berwick; and Anngrace Taban, who was forced to type secret battle plans for the Sudan People's Liberation Army. In an culture where women's role in society is often at question, these examples of faithfulness can remind us that courage and godliness are possible anywhere, even if you are surrounded by Muslim raiders, Japanese guards, Nazis, or cannibals.”
This list could be much, much longer, but these are an excellent start to honoring our brothers and sisters from ages past. So, as we prepare to observe Reformation Day and All Saints’ Day, let us rejoice in God’s grace, as it has been shown to each of us, and to those gone before.