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Religion & Spirituality Martin Luther had an historic impact, not only on Christianity, but on Western Civilization. Born in 1483 in what is now Germany, Luther defied his father’s plans for him to become a lawyer and chose to become a monk. He received his doctorate and became a professor of Biblical Studies. Along with other scholars, Luther began to question many of the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. He is well known for his disapproval of the Catholic Church’s practice of selling indulgences (buying your way out of sin and into heaven). Luther endorsed Augustine’s view that the Bible has more authority than the Church and rejected the Catholic Church’s teaching that one achieved salvation through good works. Luther believed that it was bestowed by God’s grace and by faith in Jesus Christ. His rejection of the Pope’s authority ultimately led to his excommunication by the Catholic Church. But his “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences,” also known as “The 95 Theses,” written in 1517, became the underpinnings of the Protestant Reformation. Luther died in 1546. Seven Interesting Facts about Martin Luther: 1. Luther did not support the Peasants’ Revolt (1524–26) that occurred as a result of his teachings; 2. Luther translated the Bible from Latin to make it more accessible to laypeople–which led to the creation of a standard version of the German language and other cultural developments; 3. Luther married Katharina von Bora, a former nun, and they had six children. This paved the way for Protestant clergy–allowing them to marry; 4. Luther’s writings denounced Jews, contributing to antisemitism; 5. Luther’s later writings condoned polygamy; 6. Luther, a music lover and composer, wrote numerous hymns, one of the best known being “A Mighty Fortress” (Ein feste Burg) 7. According to legend, Luther wrote his 95 Theses while seated on his chamber pot. Ironically, in 2004, archeologists discovered Luther’s lavatory, which was a surprisingly modern facility. Theatre LUTHER | Oct. 26–29, 2017 E.M. Pearson Theatre, Concordia University (312 Hamline Ave., Saint Paul, MN) By John Osborne. This play presents a vivid portrait Martin Luther, a man whose many contradictions and personal struggles nevertheless led to one of the great spiritual and political revolutions in human history. $10 | csp.edu | 612.343.3390 The Looney Lutherans in: LIVIN’ LA VIDA LUTHERAN! | Through Oct. 21, 2017 Plymouth Playhouse, Best Western Kelly Inn (2705 Annapolis Ln. N, Minneapolis, MN) You don’t have to be Lutheran to love these wacky Lutheran gals who use music, comedy, and some help from the audience to promote their new cookbook and “lifestyle guide”. Who can resist a book that includes the Lutherans’ food wheel (hotdish), and Lutherans’ Beauty Tips using items from your own kitchen? $29-$40 | plymouthplayhouse.com | 763.553.1600 20 | Exploring Theatre www.tctosca.com MARTIN LUTHER (1529) by Lucas Cranach the Elder Photo from Wikipedia Martin Luther 500 Years Since the Protestant Reformation


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