A Dark and Stormy Night in October

On a dark and stormy night more than five hundred years ago, a young man caught in a violent thunderstorm made a vow to God, and, surviving that storm, he kept his promise. In 1505, he gave his life to the Church and became a monk. He believed in the truth of a creator, savior God and spent the next twelve years studying and teaching theology.

During that time, he began to question some of the teachings of the Church, specifically the teaching of indulgences. While the leaders of the Church taught the people that time in purgatory could be lessened and entrance into heaven could be purchased, the young monk who studied God's Word realized this was nowhere in the Bible. He loved the Church and God's people, and he wanted them to know the truth.

Martin Luther never intended to split the Church. He wanted to begin a dialogue. He called for his fellow professors at the University of Wittenburg and the priests and monks of the city to gather for a discussion, and in preparation he posted his proposed topics on the door of Wittenburg Cathedral. This was akin to creating an event of Facebook.

It didn't go over well.

The 95 Theses (or ideas) that Luther nailed to the door caused a ruckus, to say the least. This was the beginning of the Reformation.

It was All Hallow's Eve, 1517, a night that changed the world.

We celebrate with candy and costumes, a tradition born of a belief that evil spirits roamed the earth on the night before All Saint's Day, which is a Church holiday celebrated on November 1. That tradition pre-dates the Reformation in some ways, although Halloween as we know it didn't start until Mrs. Eisenhower decorated the White House for Halloween in 1958.

Christians believe different things about modern Halloween celebrations, but as Protestants we should acknowledge and remember October 31 for a different reason. I also think we should see it as a cautionary tale and strive evermore for unity within the church. I encourage you to read a thoughtful look at the Reformation on The Thin Place.