Thomas 'a Kempis (1380-1471) joined the 'Brothers of the Common Life' founded by Geert Groote (from Holand). In 1413 Thomas became a priest - he was a scholar, a scribe and a writer. His 4-part book, 'The Imitation of Christ' became a renowned religious work even before it could be printed. By 1450 some 250 hand written copies were in circulation and the first printed copies began in 1471 (in Augsburg). Today it is one of the most widely read religious books. It contains profound teachings about the grace of God and a great deal that combatted the excesses of the Catholic church in those corrupt days.
The preface in the Hendrickson edition of this Christain classic says: "Most of us think of history in broad strokes, in eras that span centuries; people think and act one way, then with no apparent provocation or motivation, everyone is moving in a different direction. Why do things change? Why suddenly do people seem to change their views? Is it people who make history, or is it history that makes people through forces like disease, technology or environmental catastrophies? Or is it possibly the Spirit of God working in history through godly men and women to effect His will in His creation?
It is only when we pull aside those broad curtains that describe the history of Christianity and western civilisation that we discover the human face of God's work. Such is the case in the years leading up to the Reformation, that fire lit by Martin Luther in 1517. Of course, it was certainly not this humble teaching monk's goal to ignite a sweeping movement that would divide the church. Luther's intention was simply a discussion on the theology of indulgences, one of the most egragious abuses that had rooted itself in the Roman church practices.
How could such a small flint light such a great fire? Because people were ready. Before Luther posted his 95 Theses, there were men and women whose faithfulness prepared the way for spiritual reform, just as John prepared people for the message of Jesus. One such person was Thomas 'a Kempis, a teacher and writer whose life was devoted to patterning his life after Jesus Christ."
P.S. David C gets a thumbs up from me for a truly educational and inspiring insight into the history of that time. Thank you for taking the time and the trouble to post it.
2007-11-04 03:14:20
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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Is it not amazing to see how an interesting (probing, searching, testing) question about the history of salvation turns into something so dramatically different? Instead of answering the question whether we can see God's plan of salvation manifest not only in the "A-list" bearers of his message (Jesus, most obviously :-) but also in the lesser lights, like The Baptist, the peanut gallery turns it into a diatribe against Martin Luther.
I used to attend a Catholic church where the back of the sanctuary was tiled in iconic depictions of "our heavenly friends." St. Benedict was big, since the sponsor of the church was the OSB, but it was an interesting mix of saints, including Thomas More (lots of lawyers in the neighborhood), Mohandas Gandhi, Luther, Raymond Niemoller, Edith Stein, Martin Luther King, Bobby & JFK, Mother Teresa.
Any catholic who is still anti-Luther should attend a Lutheran service on holy communion sunday. Then reflect that they have a niftier mass than the Catholics do. (And OMG I still can't believe that Pope Lugosi has reinstated the Tridentine Mass full-bore, but that's another rant.)
But to come back to the point: of course there are precursors. The human race is too dense to give a prophet even fifteen minutes of attention unless the market is conditioned to receive the message. Every Johnny must have his Ed McMahon, and why should we expect the Most High God to work any differently?
2007-11-05 01:10:55
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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No, it would not have been appropriate. Anyone we might think formative in the reformation or Christian thought generally must measure up to the Bible, the inspired word of God.
If they tell any other message they cannot be true,
Jesus is the Son of God, not part of a Trinity. That word never comes into the Bible. Jesus is subject to his Father see 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 though we are told that Jesus is given a name that is above every name for he is to rule for the LORD God.
Thomas a Kempis, I believe, thought the monastic life to be correct. Jesus was our example and he mixed with people in order that he could better teach and help them.
If we shut ourselves off from humanity we cannot easily love our neighbour or be a good Samaritan. We are told to be in the world but not of it.
In a website article on Luther he is described as 'temperamental, peevish, egomaniacal and argumentative. Not quite the Godly qualities one expects.
Luther's argument with the Catholic moneymaking use of indulgences I do agree with.
William Tyndale did a heroic job with his translation of the books of the Bible. He suffered for his bravery.
But we must be careful not elevate any man too high. Jesus alone is the perfect example we should look to.
2007-11-03 12:39:59
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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I had two reactions to this question.
My first reaction was that John Hus could be vaguely thought of this way, and in fact legend has it that he prophesied Luther's arrival on the scene.
But my second, far stronger reaction, was that it's repugnant to me to think of someone "preparing the way" for Luther as if he were some sort of 16th-century Christ figure. That is just sick and I'll have nothing to do with such thinking.
EDIT: My answer was posted somewhat thoughtlessly and harshly, though I'm sticking to the basic principle. If my answer seemed in any way personal, that is a failing on my part for which I apologize.
Jesus' position is unique in all of history; and countless events and persons both before and after His coming have pointed to Him. Luther, insofar as his ideas were consistent with the Christian faith, points to Jesus. Talk of other people pointing to Luther is at the very least a distraction, and has theological ramifications that I would not find consistent with my faith.
2007-11-03 11:43:47
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous Lutheran 6
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Don't compare Martin Luther to Jesus - there's no comparison - Jesus is Lord and Master, Martin Luther is just a follower.
From a purely spiritual standpoint, Jesus paved the way for founders of Christian movements, and these include Martin Luther, Wesley, Joseph Smith and others. John the Baptist was the herald of Christ's mortal ministry.
2007-11-03 11:28:45
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answer #5
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answered by Modern Major General 7
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Not really - Martin Luther did not know his role in a reformation until much later in life. Jesus Christ always knew his destiny. Strange that someone would make such a comparison.
2007-11-03 11:28:01
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answer #6
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answered by wigginsray 7
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There were a few. John Wycliffe is called the 'Morning Star of the Reformation.' Lived in 14th Century, made one of the first translations of the Bible into a European tongue. The Wycliffe Bible is still in print, it is in 'Middle English,' the language is similar to the Canterbury Tales although rather more pious!
2007-11-03 17:21:18
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answer #7
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answered by Jerusalem Delivered 3
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Sure, John Hus. About 100 years before Luther, this Bohemian clergyman was calling for things like reform of the Church, and for the Bible to be the standard in faith, doctrine, and practice. People in Luther's day called Luther the spiritual heir of Hus.
2007-11-03 11:27:53
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answer #8
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answered by Underground Man 6
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I am a protestant but I would hate to but Martin Luther in the same sentence as Jesus.
2007-11-03 11:28:21
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answer #9
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answered by PROBLEM 7
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I used to respect Luther for standing up the Church of Rome. However, after finding out he wrote a book "The Jews and their lies" where he villifies them I have to say he was truly a jerk. Any mention of him and Jesus in the same sentence is an insult against Jesus.
2007-11-03 12:48:39
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answer #10
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answered by cynical 7
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