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Revolution - The Protestant
Reformation brought a revolution to the modern world. The
revolt against the Roman Catholic Church brought a revolution
to society too. In a society which was dominated by the Roman
Catholic Church, it was impossible for the attempts at Reformation
not to impact in all aspects of everyday life.
English bible - William Tyndale
determined to translate the bible into English and completed
his translation of the New Testament in 1525. He once famously
said, "I will cause the boy that drives the plough to
know more of the scriptures than the pope himself!"
Five 'Alones' or 'Solas' - Protestant
beliefs are very positive and have often been summarised in
the 'Five Alones' or 'Solas' - By Faith Alone; By Grace Alone;
The Scriptures Alone; To The Glory of God Alone and By Christ
Alone.
Other figures associated with
the movement which led to Reformation - Peter Waldo, born
in France in the 12th century, organised a society known as
the 'Waldensians' to bring the Bible to the people. John Wycliffe,
the 'Morning Star of the Reformation' was born in Yorkshire.
Near the end of his life he organised an 'Order of Poor Priests
or Preachers' to bring gospel truth to the people.
Revival - Two of the best known
revivals are the Sixmilewater Revival of the 1600s and the
Ulster Revival of 1859. The 1859 Revival saw many people turning
away from a dependence on alcohol and the establishment of
better morals in society generally.
Martin Luther was one of the
main figures of the Reformation. He translated the bible into
German and wrote a vast amount of material. He is remembered
as one of the founding fathers of Protestantism.
America is well known for its
Christian heritage which was shaped in a large way by the
many Protestant emigrants to the New World. Some leading figures
of American Protestantism were Frances Makemie from Co. Donegal
who formed the first Presbyterian Congregation in Maryland
in 1684; and William Tennent from Co. Armagh who founded the
first college for the training of Presbyterian ministers in
America.
The British Protestant Reformers
- Patrick Hamilton was born in Scotland and studied in Wittenburg
and then returned to fearlessly preach Reformation principles.
He was the first martyr of the Scottish Reformation and strongly
influenced all those who followed. John Knox was another fearless
Scottish Reformer, often having to oppose Mary Tudor, the
Scottish Queen. He was a principle author of the Scottish
Confession of Faith.
Individualism - The emphasis
of the early Reformers on seeking guidance on faith from the
Bible and not from any other authority brought about an individualism
which has remained to this day.
Oxford Martyrs - Bishops Hugh
Latimer, Nicholas Ridley and Thomas Cranmer were prominent
leaders of the Protestant Reformation in England who were
martyred for their beliefs. Their images still feature on
many lodge banners.
Nicholson - Many Ulster people
were reached through the mission of WP Nicholson who began
an evangelical campaign in 1920 that lasted 5 years and resulted
in the conversion of many thousands of people.
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