Martin Luther
On the Reformation’s 500th anniversary, remembering Martin Luther’s contribution to literacy
By Richard Gunderman — May 16, 2017
(The Conversation) Less known is the crucial role Luther played in making the case for ordinary people to read often and well.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks on clearing scriptural minefields and building interfaith friendships
By Yonat Shimron — March 28, 2017
DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) On a visit to Duke University, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks talks about how the West has forgotten what religious revolution looks like and why friendship among people of different faiths counts more than interfaith agreement.
Playmobil’s Luther v. the Jews?
By Mark Silk — January 5, 2017
The toy is one thing, Luther's antagonism something else.
How a toy figure of Martin Luther sparked accusations of anti-Semitism
By Tom Heneghan — January 4, 2017
(RNS) This was not at all supposed to be what the cute little figure was about.
German Protestants officially renounce converting Jews to Christianity
By Tom Heneghan — November 17, 2016
(RNS) Abandoning the 'Judenmission,' which effectively ended in the decades after the Holocaust, should have been a formality.
Reformation exhibit highlights art as teaching tool and propaganda
By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 1, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS (RNS) 'Martin Luther: Art and the Reformation' at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is the largest of three U.S. exhibits celebrating the upcoming 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
Reformation jostlings
By Martin E. Marty — November 1, 2016
Because heirs of Luther are supposed to be humble, they don’t ordinarily make noise or news, though they will sing and shout this year.
Does the Reformation still matter?
By Jacob Lupfer — October 30, 2016
(RNS) 'I wanted my Protestantism to mean something. But I found little evidence that it really mattered -- to me or to anyone else,' writes Jacob Lupfer.
The ‘Splainer: What is ‘Reformation Day’?
By Kimberly Winston — October 28, 2016
(RNS) Reformation Day is mainly marked by Lutherans and members of the Reformed Church, and in some churches it has developed into a holiday meant to rival Halloween. But does it? Let us 'Splain . . .
Martin Luther as history’s first tweeter? An ongoing legacy, 500 years later
By David Gibson — October 7, 2016
NEW YORK (RNS) A new exhibit features a rare copy of Luther's 95 Theses. But the lessons this history reveals are as contemporary as your Facebook feed.
US Lutherans approve document recognizing agreement with Catholic Church
By Emily McFarlan Miller — August 15, 2016
(RNS) The declaration comes as the Lutheran and Catholic churches prepare to kick off a year of celebrations to mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.
Who’s a heretic? Martin Luther, Pope Saint John Paul, Pope Benedict and Pope Francis
By Martin E. Marty — June 13, 2016
Popes have been interested in heresy and heretics for centuries, and language linking “papacy” and “heresy” continues to prosper down to our own day. The language root of “heresy” connects with “to choose,” and the heretic is someone who, in the eyes of someone else, makes bad choices. Those of us who are not of […]
The horrors and hells of Hieronymus Bosch
By guest — June 9, 2016
MADRID (RNS) The 500th anniversary of the death of Hieronymus Bosch provides viewers a glimpse into the work of the man who created our modern vision of hell. It's not for the squeamish.
Trump isn’t Hitler: It’s OK for a person of faith to vote for Trump
By Tobin Grant — May 3, 2016
Even this year, people can disagree on politics without sacrificing their faith.
Is Pope Francis too indulgent with indulgences?
By David Gibson — January 15, 2016
(RNS) The reform-minded pontiff is using an old-fashioned practice with a shady past to promote his focus on mercy. Not everyone thinks that's a good idea.
