The Reformer and Reformation Anniversaries
Ruth Kastner reveals commemorations through the ages for the 16th-Century Reformer Martin Luther, revealing changing political views since his death.
Luther anniversaries have been celebrated by German Lutherans in an unbroken series for some four hundred years. Commemorations were held not only to mark Luther's birthday on November 10th, 1483, but above all to recall the date on which he was reputed to have posted his Ninety-five Theses, October 31st, 1517. Indeed, ever since that date historians, theologians and publicists have tried to judge and assess both Luther and the Reformation. Their attempts often tell us more about the age in which they wrote than about the complex and often contradictory personality of the Reformer. Thus, according to the political needs of the age, Luther could be presented as a godly prophet, a nationalist hero, an exemplary burgher or a German warrior.
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