There are many inadequate views regarding the essential nature of the Protestant Reformation. Some consider Luther as an ecclesiastical rebel who sought to overthrow an ancient church organization. Nothing was further from his purpose. He pleaded only that the gospel of Christ be given free course within the church. The Reformation was not a summons to attack the Roman Catholic Church but to affirm the positive convictions derived from God’s revelation of himself in Christ.

Another misconception is that Luther was a political and economic revolutionist. It is true that he divested religion of its monastic garb and put it in overalls. We are rediscovering today the dynamite in his teaching on the priesthood of all Believers and the sacredness of everyday work. But Luther was convinced that…