Tag Archives: Faith

Faith in Jesus Christ which comes through the presence of the Holy Spirit

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on May 9, 2015
Tags: Faith,   

Quran – Rev. David J. Schreffler

May 9, 2015 – “Q” is for Quran

The Quran literally means “the recitation”; it is the central religious text of Islam, which, like Christians believe the bible is the revealed Word of G*d, Muslims believe the Quran to be a revelation from God. Quranic chapters are called “suras” and verses are called “ayahs”.

Muslims believe the Quran was verbally revealed by God to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel over a period of approximately 23 years, beginning on December 22, 609 CE when Muhammad was 40, and concluding in 632 CE, the year of his death. Muslims regard the Quran as the most important miracle of Muhammad, a proof of his prophethood, and the culmination of a series of divine messages that started with the messages revealed to Adam and ended with Muhammad. They consider the Quran to be the only revealed book that has been protected by God from distortion or corruption. According to tradition, several companions of Muhammad served as scribes and were responsible for writing down the revelations. Shortly after Muhammad’s death, the Quran was compiled by his companions who wrote down and memorized parts of it. These codices had differences that motivated the Caliph Uthman to establish a standard version now known as Uthman’s codex, which is generally considered the archetype of the Quran we have today.

The Quran contains obvious differences from the bible but it also shares some major narratives recounted in the Jewish and Christian scriptures. It summarizes some, dwells at length on others and, in some cases, presents alternative accounts and interpretations of events. The Quran describes itself as a book of guidance. The Quran is used along with the “hadith” to interpret sharia law. The “hadith” is a collection of the reports of the teachings, deeds and sayings of the prophet Muhammad. Someone who has memorized the entire Quran is called a “hafiz”.

We often take it upon ourselves to read major portions of the bible. It would do us all some good to be familiar with some of the teachings if not entire passages of the Quran. The more we read about other faith traditions, and read their spiritual books, the more we will understand their efforts to establish a relationship with G*d and live out their faith.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on May 6, 2015
Tags: Faith,   

Ninety-Five Theses – Rev. David J. Schreffler

May 6, 2015 – “N” is for Ninety-five Theses

Lutherans teach that, on October 31, 1517, Dr. Martin Luther decided to nail a document onto the church door at Wittenberg. It contained 95 points of interest – mainly points of concern that Luther had with the Catholic Church – concerns about practice.

“Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses centers on practices within the Catholic Church regarding baptism and absolution. Significantly, the Theses reject the validity of indulgences (remissions of temporal punishment due for sins which have already been forgiven). They also view with great cynicism the practice of indulgences being sold, and thus the penance for sin representing a financial transaction rather than genuine contrition. Luther argued that the sale of indulgences was a gross violation of the original intention of confession and penance, and that Christians were being falsely told that they could find absolution through the purchase of indulgences.”

Within two weeks of mailing out copies of his theses, some of the copies had spread throughout Germany; within two months throughout Europe. In January 1518 Christoph von Scheurl and other friends of Luther translated the Ninety-Five Theses from Latin into German, printed, and widely copied them, making the controversy one of the first in history to be aided by the printing press.

What is the legacy of the 95 Theses? Somehow, this simple act of speaking out rallied others into supporting the need for change. It began the perfect storm opening the door for discussion and debate on practice and the understanding of absolution. What had become of the church? How could the sale of indulgences resolve any inner struggle with sin? The Indulgence was a document that, when purchased resolved the purchaser, or a family member, of their sin. Johann Tetzel had transferred his career from simple Dominican Priest to Papal commissioner for Indulgence. His goal was to collect money for the building of St. Peter’s Basilica. Martin struggled with his own sense of salvation and finding the love of G*d. For all of his actions to earn G*d’s love, he never felt worthy, or never felt that he had done enough. And then, in returning to scripture, he realized that it is faith, not works, that brings G*d’s love, mercy and Grace. G*d’s love could not be bought or earned through money, actions of piety, actions of service, or actions of any kind. And it was through the 95 Theses that Luther expressed his dissatisfaction with the direction of the church he loved.

Pastor Dave