I am almost giddy from excitement for October 31! This day ushers in one of my favorite little holidays before we dive straight into a series of major holidays. And while I have no problem with celebrating Halloween – it is not the holiday I am referring to. October 31 is also known as Reformation Day!
“Reformation Day” is celebrated as the day that the Protestant Reformation began. It is believed that on October 31, 1517 a German monk, Martin Luther, nailed his ninety-five theses to the doors of a church in Wittenberg. These were a list of disputes he had with some of the practices of the church that he found to be immoral and out of alignment with Biblical teaching (including the Church trying to “sell” salvation through the purchase of indulgences).
Why is this holiday important? Martin Luther’s decision to publish his ninety-five theses began a chain reaction that led to some of the most significant changes in Church history, including the way people saw and interacted with God, as well as the eventual separation of the Protestant church from the Catholic church.
The Protestant Reformation brought about a focus on five particular areas. They are called the five “solas” (sola meaning “alone”). Those five “solas” are: Sola scriptura (by Scripture alone), sola fide (by faith alone), sola gratia (by grace alone), solus Christus (through Christ alone), and Soli Deo gloria (glory to God alone).
Luther was concerned because he saw that believers were putting too much emphasis on works to receive salvation, and not looking at Scripture alone as the source of ultimate truth. A result of the reformation was that Scripture was translated into the language of the people and believers began to read it for themselves. This is why I love celebrating Reformation Day – it reminds me to focus on God’s Word and live according to its teachings!
So, enough of the history lesson. You must be wondering, “Lauren, what do you do to celebrate Reformation day?” And I am glad you asked, because it gives me a reason to share this amazing photo of incredibleness by two of our pastors dressed up as Martin Luther and the church door with ninety-five theses! Hah! That was a unique year with extra theatrics by my husband Michael and our lead pastor Rick Thompson. Typically, though, Michael and I enjoy the day by discussing the reformation and marveling at its impact through history. Here are other fun ways to celebrate:
Watch a film about the reformation. We’ve watched “Luther” (2003), a feature film about the story, and Luther: The Life and Legacy of the German Reformer, a documentary by Ligonier Ministries.
Sing a song together that was written by Martin Luther. One excellent song is “A Mighty Fortess is our God”.
Have a German meal. We’ve eaten at Ingrid’s Kitchen before, but Fassler Hall is another Oklahoma City option!
For desert, have “worms” (gummy worms) for desert (Oreo dirt cup!) to signify the Diet of Worms. The Diet of Worms was the name of Luther’s trial before church leaders.
To include kids in the fun, we’ve got this fun children’s Reformation ABC’s book.
Happy Reformation Day!
Meet the authors!
Lauren McAfee is a PhD student in ethics and public policy from Southern Seminary. Lauren is author of Not What You Think, Only One Life, and Legacy Study. She also works at the Hobby Lobby corporate office as a project coordinator. She grew up in Oklahoma City and loves her church community at CRBC. Lauren and her high school sweetheart, Michael McAfee, have been married for over ten years and have one daughter, Zion. Connect with Lauren at www.laurenamcafee.com or on Instagram @laurenamcafee.
