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Reformation, Transformation and Re-Formation
Reflections from Deacon Brenda Tibbetts, Assistant to the Bishop
"For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery...For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Galatians 5:1, 13-14
Reformation: This is the year we observe the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. It is also the year we are embarking into unchartered waters with the Inauguration of a new president. Bishop Tom asked us to reflect on the Reformation and what it means to us personally to follow Christ from an ELCA Lutheran perspective.
Many of us took advantage to travel to the Minneapolis Institute of Art where we had the opportunity to see up close and first hand artwork as well as many other pieces of clothing, furniture, relics etc. from the Reformation period. Actual letters written by Martin Luther, choir books written in beautiful script, amazing craftsmanship brought to life the medieval rhythm of daily life both in and outside of the church. Great economic and great educational gaps between wealthy landowners and peasantry certainly formed a volatile backdrop for reform.
Freedom was no longer just a privilege of the wealthy, educated and titled aristocracy. The dawning of the age of the printing press coupled with Luther's reforms, changed the world.
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