June 16, 2017
Devotions: The Counter-Reformation: Augustine Alveld

Augustine of Alveld was one of Martin Luther’s most ardent detractors and opponents – in particular he supported monastic vows and the life of the priesthood. He lived from 1480 to 1532. He was present at a theological disputation in Weimar in 1521 to speak against the “Lutheran Heresy”. In 1523 he became the Guardian of the Monastery at Halle. He was fluent in Latin, read the classics, knew his Greek and Hebrew, and of course, as is the case with many of the theologians of his day, he was familiar with the writings of the humanists. In other words, he was a traditionalist as a priest, and was adamant in resisting the Reformation, in particular on the grounds that new was not better, among many other reasons – and that being grounded in tradition would be enough to combat the arguments of men like Martin Luther.
As a priest he devoted much reading and time to the scriptures. He was a prolific writer, and though he would get sarcastic with his opponents, his writing and his defense of the faith are why he is remembered. Of course, in my review of his importance to the Counter-Reformation, I could not find a picture of the man, just the above referenced page. (newadvent.org)

One Catholic speaks to Lutheran Heresies:

A question that many ask today about Christians belonging to other religions, “Are today’s Lutherans considered heretics?” The Catholic Church teaches that today’s Christians who are born and raised in error are not guilty of the sins of their fathers. While the forefathers of today’s Lutherans were excommunicated as heretics, their children and their children’s children were not excommunicated. Therefore, the entrance of today’s Lutherans into the Lutheran faith has never been officially declared as heretical by its action.

At the same time, it is to be acknowledged that every Lutheran knows the following or has an obligation to learn it:

– The Roman Catholic Church is the Mother Church, the Lutheran Church having been instituted by a man who broke away from the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church;
– The Lutheran Church promotes doctrinal errors that have been condemned by the Catholic Church. Every Lutheran has an obligation to prayerfully study those errors in the hope of being enlightened by the Holy Spirit in the truth that is thought by the catholic Church;
– Once they have been enlightened by the Holy Spirit, every Lutheran has an obligation to renounce the errors that Martin Luther promoted;
– Every Lutheran has an obligation to convert to the Roman Catholic faith once they come to the realization that they are living a faith of errors;

This is but one voice in the Catholic Church speaking to the differences between Lutheran theology and Catholic Theology – still holding onto the same divisions that separated the church 500 years ago. Are we any different? Do we understand the Catholic teachings enough to appreciate the differences? Rather than believing one teaching is heretical while another is the “only” acceptable teaching, we would be better to read, pray, understand and discuss our differences and see where the Holy Spirit may call, gather, enlighten and sanctify the One, Holy, catholic, Apostolic church on earth.

Pastor Dave

Please collect bottles of shampoo and packs of diapers for Trinity’s Table.