The Reformation and Why it Matters to Women Today
It’s easy to think the Reformation that took place within the church (the then Catholic church) centuries ago has no real relevance to this day and age. But in fact, the Reformation’s impact on the church today is quite significant, and it’s important to acknowledge just how significant it really is in relation to how we participate in the church today, especially for us as women!
where it all began
To get a bit of background behind what the reformation was, we must go back to the beginning. Over time, it was becoming clear that there needed to be a reformation within the church. Corruption was evident, particularly within many leadership positions, and was becoming apparent to the people of the church. Authoritative positions were partaking in such corrupt activities such as bribery, greed, simony, breaking their celibacy oaths and flaunting their illegitimate children around, and some even partaking in lavish and exuberant soirees.
Also, many believed that the Christian teachings had gone astray, and no longer followed correct Christian doctrine, therefore, the reformation would then result in the church returning to the sources of the Christian faith. So as the fifteenth century was coming to an end, it was quite clear that there needed to be major changes. Although the church still viewed the Roman see as supreme, they did, however, struggle with reconciling their faith with the papacy. (1)
Marshall writes:
“In a world where discontent with authorities, both temporal and spiritual, mingled with visceral feelings of divine presence, and of impending judgement, opportunities opened for bold voices and new visions.” (2)
A dominant character who was deemed to have head fronted the movement of the protestant reformation within the church was named Martin Luther. A German scholar, a monk, and considered a brilliant theologian, Martin Luther was aware and disturbed by the corruption that was taking place within the church. He felt that there was a lack of spirituality within Rome and that changes needed to be made. He took a stand against papal authorities, and it was Luther’s letter of the Ninety-Five Theses, which addressed the practice of ‘indulgences.’
Luther believed that such practices were taking away from Christ, who he stated was the one true source, and it was God alone who has the power to pardon people of their sins. From then on, this started a movement which caused division within the Catholic church, and Luther’s revolt then inspired many other religious leaders in different cities to also reconsider the Gospel and make changes a room for a radical new way of teaching. His revolution spread and the impact of an obscure monk on the Catholic and Protestant church was long-lasting, right through to the church today as we know it. (3)
The Importance of SCRIPTURE
Although these events took place in a time and culture which is different than ours, the goodness of what came out of the Reformation still remains and is of most relevance to our faith. The Reformation encouraged the people back then to really read their bibles and embrace scripture on a deeper level.
It resulted in the people knowing that God saves sinners and not that of the basis of how well they can repent, which was something that the church then pushed. To this day, that doesn’t change. Christ came to save us all, and it is through him and only him that we will have eternal life.
The Reformation was a move in the right direction, not just because it was moving away from the corruption that had become so apparent, but it was moving in a direction that drew closer to the true heart of the gospel. And in our church culture of today, this is something that the Christian church is still striving to achieve.
The Reformation also brought to light the importance of scripture, and the authority it holds over everything. Back in historical times, the invention of the printing press meant numerous new opportunities for many. This also included being able to share the word of God to people a lot more quickly and efficiently.
This was something that was new and wonderful then, as beforehand, the laity were unable to be allowed access to scripture, but only to those who were religious leaders and were deemed holy enough to read and understand the bible.
Just as over 500 years ago the printing press made available the good word to people, the technology and advancements of the modern-day continue that work, of being able to allow all to have access to scripture, immediately in their home.
“Today digital technology has given us another Gutenberg moment, and the same message can now be spread at speeds Luther could have never imagined.”
- Michael Reeves (4).
Women of the Reformation
In terms of the history behind the Reformation, it is the work of the men which history takes a primary focus on. This includes preachers, philosophers, theologians and martyrs. However, it is important that we don’t forget and miss out the work of the women of that time which was essential to the time of the reforming church. Their service was vital to the growing change in the community. Their roles provided three key services such as reforming the homes, serving in places of protestant freedom, and working in the publication of protestant writing.
The wives of the early reformers worked hard to make their home a place where their family could fellowship and be best equipped to be trained for ministry. These were places where they could open up to those who were in need or were hungry. As outposts of the gospel work and witness, this exemplifies the work of Christ in which we even to this day, can learn from. There was a real need back then for people to know the love of God, just as there is today. Our homes don’t just need to be a place of rest, but a place of ministry where we can connect with one another.
When women who were in public roles converted to Protestantism, they came under fire and faced isolation, intimidation, and at times, public violence. Queen Jean d’Albret (1528-72) experienced her children being kidnapped, rebellions, and threats on her life. However, although these were all things that came against her due to her reforming her ways, she continued to believe in the church, and continued her good work, defending the gospel and providing shelter during the French Wars of Religion. (5)
This reminds me of Esther, who put herself in a position where through trusting God, defended her people (read the book of Esther). Through Jean’s actions, we can see she left a great example of faith under fire, and although circumstances were extreme, we are able to see that as women of God today, we can have great courage in all circumstances when we trust God. Like Jean, God can use us even in the most difficult of positions we may be in. (6)
Women in Ministry
Women were also major contributors to writing in the time of the Reformation. Although in this era there were very few who did, it encouraged the importance and need for education and literacy within the protestant home, and from this, many female authors emerged.
This paved the way for women in ministry, and although stories of such women are not as focused on than that of the men in that time, it is important to acknowledge the impact the women had. The use of their creative and intellectual abilities then set the tone for all people, whether male or female, that education surrounding the gospel is for all, and important to the growth of the expanding church.
Christian Women Today
The Reformation holds a lot of relevance to how we as Christian women can learn from how the women back then served the church, and to know the significant role we have, being part of God’s kingdom. These women - whether they were serving in one area, or more - showed they were dedicated to not only the church, but also their families and communities. They exemplified actions that would benefit them and others because they loved and served the Lord.
Just like then, God continues to love and use the women of today, and those who feel equipped to serve in the church today can be reassured that the good work of the Reformation women was a great foundation for us to continue on.
“Their impact was tremendous because the Savior they served is omnipotent. These women loved Jesus and served Him because He loved them. And because Jesus still loves women today, we can expect them to continue serving the church in formative ways.” - Rebecca VanDoodewaard. (7)
*Author used multiple sources for this article; all are available for access at anyone’s request. All portions with number indicate use of multiple resources.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jacinda has traveled internationally spreading the word of God with her performing arts. She has a continual passion to share hope into a world of hurt and darkness, and through her story of struggle and redemption, prays that others will also come to know Gods amazing love. Jacinda was the founder of the online faith publication 'Hearts of Gold Magazine' and now currently runs the blog 'The Contented Life' - dedicated to all things relating to motherhood. She has a Bachelor in Theology, Diploma in Christian Studies, and a Certificate in Performing Arts. She is now a full-time stay at home mum to a beautiful little boy, currently residing in a small town called Thames, located in the beautiful coromandel of New Zealand.