Overview
This lecture explored the presence and perception of spiritual gifts (charismata) during the Protestant Reformation, focusing on Martin Luther's theology and practices, and contrasting Protestant and Catholic experiences with miracles.
The Cessationist Thesis and Medieval Church
- The "cessationist thesis" claims spiritual gifts disappeared during the medieval church due to superstition and corruption.
- Miracle stories from medieval saints, though sometimes exaggerated, show many claimed supernatural events.
Reformation Era: Protestant Cessationism
- Some argue charismata ceased with the Reformation, as Luther and Calvin promoted cessationist theology.
- This thesis is often advanced by charismatic groups and Catholics.
- Protestant writings contain strong cessationist arguments.
Martin Luther’s Context and Theology
- Luther lived in a medieval world filled with superstition, corruption, and heavily monetized relics.
- Luther's doctrine emphasized the "priesthood of all believers" and direct access to God, without the mediation of saints or relics.
- He argued miracles accompanied the apostles but were no longer necessary; the true miracle is spiritual transformation through faith and sacraments.
- Luther spiritualized miracles, seeing the preached word and sacraments as the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.
Luther’s Charismatic Practices and Beliefs
- Despite his critiques, Luther believed God could still speak through prophecy, dreams, and visions, but he was cautious.
- He discouraged pursuit of extraordinary revelation, preferring focus on Scripture and sacraments.
- Luther allowed for miracles in frontier missionary contexts.
- Historical accounts show Luther practiced healing prayer, laying on of hands, and even wrote letters commanding healing.
- Luther retained and practiced exorcism, especially as part of baptism rites.
Radical Reformation & Other Movements
- Anabaptists and other radical reformers embraced spiritual gifts and direct revelation more openly than Luther.
- Quakers practiced egalitarian, charismatic worship without clergy, emphasizing the "inner light" and direct guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Catholic Continuity and Empirical Miracles
- Catholics continued to claim miracles during the Reformation, including missionary tongues and healings.
- The healing of Blaise Pascal’s niece in 1656 (via a relic) was a well-documented miracle, blending medieval practices with new empirical scrutiny.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Charismata — Spiritual gifts, such as miracles, prophecy, and healing.
- Cessationism — The belief that spiritual gifts ceased after the apostolic era.
- Priesthood of all believers — Doctrine that every Christian has direct access to God.
- Relic — Physical remains or belongings of a saint, believed to have spiritual power.
- Exorcism — The act of expelling demons or evil spirits.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Read Hyatt’s chapter on the French Prophets.
- Review historical accounts of Reformation-era charismatic practices.
- Reflect on how different Christian traditions interpret and practice spiritual gifts.