Luther and the Reformation:
The Bible
Until the Reformation, the only Bible used in church was written in Latin, a language understood only by educated people. Most people could not read it and, in Britain, translating the Bible into English was forbidden by law. In 1524, William Tyndale had to go abroad to get his English New Testament printed; copies were smuggled into England. Tyndale himself was captured and burned at the stake for heresy.
Martin Luther translated the whole Bible into German during his time at the Wartburg castle near Eisenach in Germany. At a time when Christians were encouraged to go on pilgrimages to earn merit for heaven, Luther wrote,
"The true Christian pilgrimage is not to Rome or Compostella, but to the prophets, the psalms and the gospels."
Luther wanted the church to return to its roots, to Scripture, rather than to listen to church tradition or to what the Pope had to say. The reformers in general regarded Scripture as our ultimate source of authority.
The Bible itself testifies not only to its human origins, but also to its divine inspiration:
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting in training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2Timothy 3: 16 - 17 [NIV]
What a privilege it is to own a Bible and to be able to read it!
Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. [Collect for the second Sunday in Advent]
David Long
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment