Sunday, October 03, 2010

Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation















All Saints' Church in Wittenberg where Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses.


By Khmer Democrat, Phnom Penh
Expanding our Mind Series


Another inspirational example of a person who stood up against authority and changed history; the leader of the American Civil Rights Movement was given his namesake, Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther (10 November 1483 – 18 February 1546) was a German priest and professor of theology who initiated the Protestant Reformation. Strongly disputing the claim that freedom from God's punishment of sin could be purchased with money, he confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel with his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517. His refusal to retract all of his writings at the demand of the Pope in 1520 and the Emperor Charles V at the Diet of Worms in 1521 resulted in his excommunication by the pope and condemnation as an outlaw by the emperor.

Luther taught that salvation is not earned by good deeds but received only as a free gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus as redeemer from sin. His translation of the Bible into the language of the people (instead of Latin) made it more accessible, causing a tremendous impact on the church.

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. May God help me. Amen.”

For more information, see Martin Luther in Wikipedia, inter alia.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Here is a man who is so sure of his action (conviction) that he will not back off, no matter what is the consequences. Unlike Sam Rainsy run for his life on the first sign of pressure. The difference is like earth and sky.

Anonymous said...

Will anyone like Martin Luther in Buddhism? I don't mean against Buddist but certainly more reform are needed to make Buddhist a living faith.

Anonymous said...

Sam Rainsy has been consistently persistent in fighting corruption since his time as Finance Minister in 1993. do the math, that's 17 years of fighting for the cambodian people, and now he's still fighting for what is right.

Anonymous said...

SR acting like he is fighting but where are millions dollar his supporters donating. He use it for himself and sent all his kids to expensive schools oversea.

Anonymous said...

10.4AM,

you are an idiot, such a brain-scattered individual who know nothing when you open your stinky mouth. That is why education for Khmer is very important. We have a long way to go. I feel so sorry for my people and my country when I read comment like this.

Anonymous said...

If something wrong it going to be wrong!

That why the UN should help Cambodian reform the police, army, and justice!!!!!! do as said in Paris agreement even with our border!


Are you helping us to let the evil legaly rape us in broad day light!!! UN!!????

Anonymous said...

Martin Luther had a deep conviction of a higher calling. He was convinced what the Roman Catholic church practice at that time go against scripture teachings. He was willing to sacrificed his life to do God's will.

I don't know if I can say there is such a worthy cause in Cambodia for someone would be willing to die for.

At any rate, personal sacrifice is not something in Khmer religious psyche, nor is it part of our cultural paradigm. Cambodia will become a great nation again when it is.

Sadly, Cambodians only know "what is coming to me", "how is it benefit me" mentality.

Anonymous said...

Dear brothers and sisters, if you want to know more about Martin Luther and more people after him like Jerome, Wycliff, Swingly, Wesley, Huss, Tyndale, Knox and so on. All of these people were burnt alive or beheaded with a guillotine by the Roman Catholic. Please read the book called the Great Controversy. It is also available in Khmer and can be obtained from the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Tuol Kork. Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Fish said...

If you read Great Controversy, you also should read Step to Christ by Ellen G. White. Greatest book I ever read. I don't know if someone translate it to Cambodian yet.