Did the Protestant Reformation Go Far Enough?

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Permalink Reply by Ricprimus on May 16, 2013 at 9:48pm

A splendid book based on historical documents, Luther's journals and letters is "Here I stand: A Life of Martin Luther" a 1950 book by Roland Bainton that not only explores his life and reasons why he wanted major changes made to the RCC but not to establish "a new sect", at least until he realized The Church would not reform. There are sections also of the other reformist champions and the interplay with Luther. It also touches on the fact the reformation was not only about the theology and practices, but also for various political and personal reasons (i.e. many Kings and higher nobility supported the revolution not out of faith, but because they saw a chance to siphon off and control money that was going to the RCC; and well, there was Henry of England VIII who's primary reason support was his desire to divorce Queen Catherine in order to marry his current mistress Anne Boleyn, who was about in the middle of his life long string of mistresses Such was how Henry rejected papal authority and initiate the English Reformation, even though Henry himself, at least in the early part of his reign, was a devout and well-informed Catholic to the extent that he was awarded title of Fidei Defensor (Defender of the Faith) from Pope Leo X.
  As to modern era reforms of the RCC, the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) which in an attempt to address relations between the RCC and the modern world, brought about changes which many Traditionalists Catholics and Sedevacantists to this day consider to be too radical or invalid due to embracing Modernism.
  Reform, even true reform is in the eye of the beholder I guess; to get even a small group of people (a committee) to agree on even a relatively minor issue is often a major battle. (In my personal experience, a committee can best be defined as "a multi-legged creature with no brains).
  How much more difficult then when dealing with a major issue as reforming millennia old traditions with a variety of viewpoints including multiple levels of scholarship, ethnic, cultural and political influences.
  More and more I have come to admire what I think may have been the ultimate reform of the Protestant reformation that I grew up living near, and for the past 3 years have daily experience with: The Amish, especially The Old Order Amish.  
  The Amish Mennonite movement descends from the 16th century fellowship known as the Swiss Brethern that began in 1693 with a breakoff from the main group of Swiss and  German Anabaptists in 1693.  The have often been categorized as part of the Radical Reformation. In 18th century, many Amish and Mennonites emigrated to Pennsylvania, then Ohio and Indiana to practice their stewardship of the earth that they define best by being farmers. They even today follow a rule of simple living, plain dress and a rejection of modern technology (including electricity, power tools - their farms are run on man and horse power) and have a tightly knit although scattered community of farms with little contact with "outsiders".   Their overriding key tenant is to "submit to the will of Jesus"; to reject pride, arrogance, haughtiness; they prize calmness, composure, placidity. Their worldview is very much at odds with the individualism so central to the wider American culture.  Good people, outstanding neighbors: God bless them - I have learned much from them in how to live simply.
  Unfortunately, not nearly enough to give up my fridge, coffeemaker, computer, and, lol, my hot tub/whirlpool in my cabin.
  Again reformation is in the eye of the beholder: who gets to decide what is a reform, or what is a corruption? In the end, I just try to muddle by with what I understand of scripture, and what I have found to be teachings of good men that actually work in trying to a friend and a follower of Christ; which often I have failed miserably.
 

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Wichman on September 13, 2013 at 1:25pm

From the limited experience I have with the catholic church and the limited knowledge of said institution I can say that many teach Christ similarly to any other Christian Church.  If I am mistaken i would like to know more.

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