Introduction to our 2017 Reformation Series Planning a year-long occasional series to recognize the 500 th Anniversary of Martin Luther s 95 Theses and to explore the impact of Protestant reform on Western Christianity Sunday Adult Forum, February 12, 2017 St. John s Episcopal Church, Worthington, OH 43085
Reformation Programming Why Now? 2017 is the 500 th anniversary of Luther s 95 Theses Ultimately triggering what is now known as the Lutheran Reformation So this seems a perfect opportunity to: Embark on a common learning journey within and outside of our parish and among all our St. John s generations Gain a deeper understanding of how and why Christian reformers challenged the established Church and redefined the meanings of worship & faith and life & death Acquire an appreciation for the existing political, economic and cultural contexts and the upheavals caused by reformations during the period 1450-1650 Trace the impact of those reformations on our modern beliefs
Where to Start? A small group has been talking about what we might achieve during the year (including Margaret Allen, Nancy Elkington, Tricia Herban, Donna Hissrich, Karen Peeler, Miriam Utter, Nancy Woodson, and Deacon Deniray) Two of us met with a new friend from a local Lutheran church to learn about their Reformation 500 plans & to discuss ideas and resource sharing Considered a variety of approaches we might use in developing Christian Formation activities including: Sunday morning forums, Lenten School sessions, Saturday afternoon workshops, inter-faith gatherings, guest speakers, shared readings, lectures, music, films and more We now ask for input to help us refine our plans for the year
What do you already know about the Reformation? Who? What? Where? When? How? Why? Henry VIII, William Tyndale, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Oliver Cromwell, Huldrych Zwingli, John Knox, John Wesley, John Foxe, Jan Hus, Mary Queen of Scots Indulgences, Guy Fawkes/Gun Powder Plot, Luther Nailing Theses, Revival of Magna Carta, English Civil War (Puritans and Roundheads), Power of The Church, French Huguenots, St Bartholomew s Day Massacre [of Huguenots], Counter Reformation Germany, Holland, London, Upper Swabia, Geneva, English Parliament, Southern Scotland 1500s, 1450-1650 Violent, Vernacular Bibles, Churches, De-ornamentalization of Churches, Dissolution of the Monasteries (England & Wales) Excesses of Catholicism, The Church Meddling in Politics, Henry VIII s Divorce, Unmediated Access to God, Printing Press, Rapid Dissemination of Information
What do you WANT to know about the Reformation? Who? What? Where? When? How? Why? [Insufficient time to address during discussion] Impact on Modern Thoughts & Beliefs & Government; Predestination [Insufficient time to address during discussion] [Insufficient time to address during discussion] Why so many denominations? And why were their interactions so fraught with internecine intolerance and infighting? Why didn t the Protestant Reformation spread further (east to Russia and south to Spain and Italy especially)
Very Preliminary Draft Curriculum Life & Death in Early Modern Europe (1450 to 1650) Reformers: Their Doctrines & Their Followers (12 th C to 17 th C) The Bible s Role in the Protestant Reformation (1230 to 1736) Drawing & Redrawing the Map of Christian Europe (1500 to 1700) The English Reformation (1536 to 1688) European Wars of Religion (1524 to 1648) Catholic (Counter) Reformation (1545 to 1648) Exporting Religion to Europe s Colonies (1496 to 1700)
What to Expect Common readings (books, articles, websites) Common audio-visual experiences (DVDs, podcasts, films) Library resources (short borrowing periods) Updating and improving the curriculum Potential speakers send me ideas! Session design mix of listening and discussing Assignments and feedback will be shared via: St. John s website, St. John s Facebook page & group emails