Remembering Reformation Day

October is drawing to a close. Don’t let it end without remembering Reformation Day. The following ideas make a great family history lesson or homeschool unit study.

One of my favorite Reformation era quotes? Martin Luther’s “You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.” That is what Luther firmly believed and practiced.

In 1517, burdened by what he viewed as unbiblical teachings and practices in the church, Luther felt he could remain silent no longer. So on All Hallow’s Eve, 495 years ago today, he nailed 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, thus planting the seeds of the Protestant Reformation and changing the course of Western history.

And so, in honor of the bold stand Luther took, we offer the following suggestions for commemorating this historical holiday.

Remembering Reformation Day

1. Learn the Five Solas

   Luther taught that Salvation is by Grace Alone (Sola Gratia) through Faith Alone (Sola Fide) in Christ Alone (Solus Christus) according to Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura) for the Glory of God Alone (Soli Deo Gloria). Below is an illumined copy of these principles, which have become known as the Five Solas, or Five Pillars, of the Reformed Faith. To print a black-line copy which you may color in yourself, follow this link: Five Solas Coloring Page.

   

2. Sing one of Luther’s Hymns

   He wrote many, but “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” is probably the most popular. You can print copies of the sheet music by clicking the image below. For a listing of Luther’s other hymns, follow this link.

   

3. Reflect on our Mighty Fortress

   Can’t read music? Don’t know how to sing? Then you may prefer meditating on the words of this great hymn as you color our Mighty Fortress Coloring Page.

   

4. Read a biography of Martin Luther

   Children of all ages will enjoy Martin Luther: A Man Who Changed The World. This 32-page picture book highlights the important events of Luther’s life.

   

5. Post Luther’s 95 Theses on Your Own Door

   The original document was written in Latin. To read an English translation of each of Luther’s points, follow this link. For a printable one-page copy of the 95 Theses in English, click here.

   

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6. Take a Trivia Test

   Test your knowledge of Martin Luther’s life with our free printable Reformation Day Quiz. The answer key is on page 2 of the PDF. So be careful not to sneak a peek at it until you’re finished taking the test! To download both the quiz and the answer key, follow this link: Test Your Knowledge of Martin Luther

   

7. Stand Firm in the Faith

   I also created a printable based on Luther’s famous words at the Diet of Worms, “Here I stand: I can do no other.” To download your free copy, follow this link: Here I Stand Coloring Page

   

8. Watch a Biopic of Luther’s Life

   The 2004 film Luther starring Joseph Fiennes is excellent, but we also enjoy watching the 1953 black-and-white classic Martin Luther with Niall MacGinnis.