Enough Reformation Already

Now that Lutherans (and others) have celebrated the 500th anniversary of what is commonly known as the start of the Lutheran Reformation, I think it's time to put the event to rest.

I'm serious about this, even though I do call myself a Lutheran. This is not an article that belongs at The Onion or The Babylon Bee.

I call myself a Lutheran because I am a member of a Lutheran (WELS) church. I much prefer to call myself a Christian and not confuse people by saying "Lutheran" or even worse (that is, more confusing) "Wisconsin Synod Lutheran".

Martin Luther (not Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) never liked the term Lutheran. Would he approve of keeping the celebration of Reformation Day alive for over 500 years? I obviously can't say for sure, but I kinda think he wouldn't.

Now don't get me wrong. I have nothing whatsoever against the biblical teachings that Luther promoted. I have nothing against what preachers preach on Reformation Sunday. The only thing I'm saying should be done is to cancel Reformation Day and add another week to Pentecost in the lectionary. (See pages 163-166 in Christian Worship.)


You can still educate people (children, in particular) about the life and work of Martin Luther. You can still call yourself a Lutheran, both as an individual and as a group of Christians. You can sing A Mighty Fortress anytime. You just don't need a special day on which to do so.

Have you ever had to explain to your non-Lutheran friends and acquaintances what Reformation Day is all about? Could you do it without sounding divisive or condescending? It can be difficult. Without the celebration, this becomes a moot point.

We don't need Reformation Day as a counter to the secular celebration of Halloween either. If you don't approve of Trick or Treat, you can simply decline to participate or, as more and more have done recently, have a Trunk or Treat.

If you've read the above carefully, you'll realize that I don't have very strong arguments against Reformation Day. Years ago, I appreciated the day. More recently though, I have come to see it as just unnecessary and unsatisfying. It's been many years since I've wanted to attend one of the "area worship services" dedicated to its observance.

So my thought about it now after 500 years is that this would be a good time to drop it.