Have you ever read Martin Luther’s 95 Theses? Luther’s revolutionary Magna-Carta-esque document kicked off the Protestant Reformation when he posted the most influential of all documents in Western Civilization on the church door on Oct. 31, 1517.
To prepare for a Reformation Celebration on Oct. 31, 2022, Cornerstone Pathfinder Club and families read the document together. One of the Pathfinders prepared a play in which Pathfinder cohorts reenacted Martin Luther’s faith journey.
After performance of the play, Pathfinders and some parents discussed the theology of the 95 Theses. The main point of the document was Martin Luther disagreeing with the Catholic Church’s marketing of forgiveness for sins by selling indulgences. His studies eventually led him to believe in the biblical doctrine of salvation through Christ alone. He took issue with the selling of indulgences to finance the construction of what is now known as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Among the discussion points, Pathfinders found 29 distinct instances when Martin Luther referenced “indulgence” or “indulgences” in the document and reviewed biblical grounds for believing in salvation through Christ alone, such as 1 Tim. 2:5, “For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity — the man Jesus Christ” and John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
Following the play and discussion, the Pathfinders enjoyed tacos, s’mores, a bonfire and games together.
“I am looking forward to doing this again next year!” declared Monty Law, a 10-year-old Pathfinder.
It is never too early or too often that we recount God’s goodness and grace, which saves us from our sins. What are you doing in your church and community to point the youth to their Savior Jesus Christ?
