A Question of Meta-Reformation

A Question of Meta-Reformation

Pilgrim WK LO

As Chinese Christian we are unfamiliar with the Reformation of the sixteenth century in Europe, yet it was a decisive turning point in Church history. Churches and theologians today give special attention to the Reformation, because 2017 is the 500th Year Commemoration of the Reformation. This essay arises out of the conviction that besides looking for the meaning of the Reformation for our time, a reflection on the question of meta-reformation is of great significance

Regarding the Reformation there are many sayings, such as Reformation arose by the nailing of Luther's Ninety-five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg to the dispute on the Power of Indulgences; the heroic roar of Luther "Here I stand" ended the hearing at the imperial diet of Worms in front of Charles V, the Roman Emperor. Some years after the high point of the Luther Renaissance, scholars are more concerned about the historical truth of the legends which may hold the key to the understanding of Reformation and its effects. On the other hand, a reconsideration of the “correct use” of Chinese terminology for the Reformation and a reflection on the spirit of the Reformation arouse considerable interests among Chinese theologians today.

Was the Reformation successful? In what way should we continue the Reformation? These questions are worth our discussion. Nevertheless the author is of the opinion that “Reformation” is an ongoing process. The Reformation of our time, if there is or if there should be one, will not and should not be the same as the Reformation in Europe 500 years ago. The modern scholarship in the study of Reformation allows us to explore the Reformation from various perspectives; however it would be a great danger to historical scholarship if our understanding of the Reformation is restricted by the view of our own experience and if our interpretation of the Reformation is based merely on account of our own stand stance. Thus the author places stress on the reconsideration of the question of “meta-reformation”.