That They May All Be One: From the Reformation to Christian Unity

[Michie]

I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.

And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me.
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–John 17:20-23


In sixteenth century Germany, an Augustinian friar by the name of Martin Luther became concerned about things he saw happening in the Church. He saw some priests, even some bishops, who were engaged in practices which he considered to be wrong—particularly the sale of indulgences.

And there was, indeed, a moral problem at the time: Corruption had crept into the Church. Pope Leo X had authorized the sale of special “jubilee indulgences” in the cities and principalities of Germany. The indulgences were plenary, meaning that for those who purchased them, all sin and eternal and temporal punishment would be forgiven. Half of the money raised from the sale of indulgences would be used to finance the building of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome; the other half would be used by the archbishop of Mainz to pay off a loan.

Luther drafted a series of ninety-five statements in Latin—offering his reflections on indulgences, good works, repentance and other topics. The Castle Church in Wittenberg faced the main thoroughfare, and the heavy church door served as a public bulletin board, a place for posting important notices. So it was that on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his list of “Ninety-Five Theses” to the door of the Castle Church.
Unintended Consequences – The Splitting of the Christian Church

Luther had hoped that his Theses would initiate an academic discussion—not serve as the agenda for a major reform of the Catholic Church.

However, within weeks the Theses were translated into German, then reproduced using the new moveable-type printing press. They were widely circulated through Germany, and soon became a topic for discussion through all of Europe. Three years later, amid the international attention, Luther was excommunicated by the pope and declared a heretic and outlaw. The Reformation had begun.

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Continued- http://kathyschiffer.com/that-they-may-all-be-one-from-the-reformation-to-christian-unity

 

[Basil the Great]

Michie - I have thought about this issue for decades. Personally, I believe that the only logical way to expect a significant number of descendents of the Protestant Revolt to return to the fold, is for them to see a reunion of the RCC and the EOC. Unless and until the Catholics and Orthodox can make peace, what incentive is there for the Protestants to give up their core beliefs and acknowledge that the faith of their forefathers is not as close to that of the Early Church as was once thought? Yes, there will always be individual conversions. However, I cannot see any mass conversions of Protestants until the RCC and the EOC once again become one Church.

 

[Michie]

Michie - I have thought about this issue for decades. Personally, I believe that the only logical way to expect a significant number of descendents of the Protestant Revolt to return to the fold, is for them to see a reunion of the RCC and the EOC. Unless and until the Catholics and Orthodox can make peace, what incentive is there for the Protestants to give up their core beliefs and acknowledge that the faith of their forefathers is not as close to that of the Early Church as was once thought? Yes, there will always be individual conversions. However, I cannot see any mass conversions of Protestants until the RCC and the EOC once again become one Church.

I agree up to a point. There are some that will always see the RCC & EOC as traditions of men & legalistic. I still struggle with that myself from time to time. As I said in another thread, wheres the joy & peace? I don't see much of it lately.