This is Reformation Sunday

[BobHunt]

Remember a man by the name of Martin Luther? He became upset with some of the practises of the church of his day, and began listing his disagreements, which became the 95 thesis that he nailed on the door of the castle at Wittenburg. He was upset amongst others by the sale of indulgences. "As the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." He came to the realization that "justification is by faith" and not from good works or being bought with money.
Yes, we may be Nazarenes, Wesleyans, Methodist, or other, but it has had its influence on our lives!

[Bruce Carriker]

True, but I think sometimes Luther gets too much credit. The church was reforming in Switzerland - Zwingli is Zurich, Calvin in Geneva. It was reforming in the Alsace region (whether that was then Germany or France I'm not certain) - Bucer in Strasbourg. It was getting ready to reform in England, and not only because Henry VIII wanted a divorce.

We talk about "the Reformation", but there were in fact, numerous reformations and they were only peripherally related, if at all. In fact, later efforts by Archbishop Cranmer, among others, to unite the reformers failed miserably.

So, while you remember Reformation Sunday this week, don't forget that there were other reformers besides Luther. As Wesleyans we probably owe as much or more to the English Reformation under Cranmer as we do to Luther.

[BobHunt]

and some sealed their testimony with their blood. Why havent the Wesleyans promoted Cranmer like the Lutherans have Luther?

[Ian Gentles]

I think we too quickly forget the Reformation and the spiritual freedom that sprung from it.

[Bruce Carriker]

Bob,

I think at least part of the answer to your question is that we American "Wesleyans" are at least as much American Holiness as we are Wesleyan. And in that tradition, we tend to diminish the roles of individuals.