Reformation Day Symposium - 2008 Edition

Today is Reformation Day—the 491st anniversary of the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Wittenberg’s Schlosskirke. That small act triggered a series of events that forever changed the world. It stands as one of the most important events in all of history—though an event that has been largely forgotten. Today we remember that day and express our gratitude to God for raising up men such as Martin Luther.

I have invited other bloggers to post their own reflections on this day and I am collecting them here in this symposium. If you would like to add your own, simply send me an email or add a comment and I’ll add your contribution to the list.

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3:00 PM (and Final) Update

This is the last batch I’ll be posting. Feel free to keep adding new ones in the comments section.

Dave Bish [2] reflects on the book of Genesis.

Church Ethos [3] wishes Happy Halloween to Martin Luther.

Per Caliginem [4] writes about sola scriptura and the Reformed confessions.

Renewing Minds [5] covers Luther’s theology of the cross.

Monergism Books [6] announces the release of a new five solas sweatshirt.

Nick Bogardus [7] says, “If one wanted an image of what obedience in Christianity looked like, we might simply say, ‘A hammer and nails.’”

Ray Van Neste [8] writes about two chapel messages delivered this week at Union University.

Word Pictures [9] discusses “Reformation and Election … but not the kind you’re thinking.”

Stephen Lay [10] uses that great Reformation phrase “After darkness light.”

Barry Wallace [11] writes about reformation with a little r.

The Spyglass [12] offers “Ecclesia reformata semper reformanda secundum verbum Dei ”

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12:00 PM Update

Th’eternal Promise [13] offers a three-part article on Christianity vs Calvinism.

Ron Man [14] in his worship notes (PDF) says that Reformation Sunday is not just for Lutherans.

Gairney Bridge [15] writes about the audacity of the pope.

Justin Pearson [16] says that the Reformation continues, even in 2008.

James Grant [17] looks at “The Beginnings of the Reformed Tradition: Calvin, Bucer, Vermigli, & Bullinger.”

Dispatches from the Valley of the Shadow of Death [18] shares his Reformation Day address.

Ray Rhodes [19] writes about Luther and prayer.

Stay, Stay at Home My Heart [20] shares her idea for a Reformation Day party.

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10:18 AM Update

Martin Downes [21] offers a Reformation Day challenge.

Then Face to Face [22] images a world without Luther.

Jared Wilson [23] offers five solas for evangelicalism today.

Strengthened by Grace [24] celebrates with a look at solus christus.

Boaly [25] asks for ideas for celebrating Reformation Day.

Listening to the Wind [26] reflects on what God has done for us.

Relentless Grace [27] writes about a love for reformational theology.

The Merrie Theologian [28] takes a light-hearted look at a few of Luther’s lesser-known resolutions.

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Daniel Hames [29] writes about “the dangerous thing about faith.”

Stephen Macasil [30] gives “Analysis of John Knox’s Argument That the RC Mass is Idolatry Before the Bishop of Durham (1550).”

Rebecca Stark [31] says that the Reformation was all about the gospel.

A Second Reformation [32] writes, “Here in Qubec city we are celebrating the 20th bay of the glise rforme du Qubec (The Reformed Church of Qubec)this year and tomorrow my little local church is hosting a big party for the entire province.”

SynerJACK [33] writes about Roger Williams, the American Reformer and looks at one of the many social extensions of the Reformation.

Gospel Centered Musings [34] compares Rob Bell to the Wild Boar.

D.J. Williams [35] warns against the temptation to take our Bibles for granted.

Darryl Dash [36] follows Luther in saying “the whole life of believers should be repentance.”

Doug Smith [37] looks at the implications of sola scriptura in planning worship services.

Detours and Devotions [38] thanks God for continued reformation.

Nephos [39] takes a brief look at the story of James Guthrie, a Reformation martyr.

Boston Bible Geeks [40] looks at the Reformation’s impact on the Bible.

Ligonier Ministries [41] looks to some of the Reformation heroes.

Crossway Life [42] has written a whole series on the Reformation solas.

168 Hours [43] offers a profile of the Huguenot Marie Durand.

Writings of a Woman [44] offers a few of her thoughts on Reformation Day.

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I thought today would be a good day to make you aware of a new book designed to help you celebrate the Reformation Season. From Ray Rhodes and Solid Ground Christian Books comes Family Worship for the Reformation Season [45]. It offers daily Scriptures, reflections and activities that can be done in the days leading up to Reformation Day (or any other time).

Ligon Duncan says, “Imagine, leading your family in daily worship in the home, reading the Scriptures, singing and praying, but simultaneously introducing them to the history, leading figures and theology of the great sixteenth-century Reformation - all this in a fresh and interesting way, in just about a quarter of an hour each day. ‘That would be great,’ you say, ‘but it would take me hours and days to put that together. I could never do it.’ Well, Ray Rhodes has done it for you in Family Worship for the Reformation Season. Use this book with joy. It will inspire, inform and instruct you and your family. The studies are simple but meaty. The Scriptures passages are helpfully chosen. And most of the lessons can be completed in fifteen minutes. Employ and be edified!”