This past Sunday, we attended church and continued our search for the right congregation. We have been to several places. Some of them we liked. Some of them we did not like. Others we found to be middling. In the process, we have seen old friends and met some new people. I know we will find the right church.
I grew up in a Southern Baptist congregation and was not exposed to other denominations. As a result, it has been interesting to notice the differences among the places we have been. It has made me think about how the Christian belief has divided itself into varied pieces. They all believe in the life, death a resurrection of Jesus, but, from there, the things go in all kinds of directions.
During a recent sermon, my mind began to wander toward those differences and the time when many of them began – the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the door of the church. It was a world-changing moment that kickstarted the Protestant Reformation.
Do not worry. I am not going into the history of religion. Instead, I am going into my childish brain. I have not taught World Civilization in a few years, but, when I did, I always showed a documentary about Martin Luther. I figure the experts on the screen can explain his life and importance better than me.
Anyway, the documentary is divided into sections, and one is entitled “Diet of Worms.” I know the correct pronunciation of that event, but my brain always registers it with the southern United States pronunciation. That is when my childish brain starts working, and I cannot hold back a smile.
Did they punish Martin Luther by making him eat bait?
Was that the menu at the cafeteria? If yes, then it is no wonder that they were uptight.
Did they order out and some servant come back with the wrong thing? I can hear him trying to explain how the drive-thru window got it wrong.
I know that the Diet of Worms was another important event in history. Martin Luther’s life was on the line, and he stood firm with his criticisms of the Catholic Church. This, along with help from some powerful leaders, brought about the Protestant Reformation. Of course, that means the churches we have been visiting owe their existence to the people and events during that time.
I wonder how many Protestants know that. I also wonder how many Protestants would be as childish as me if they heard about the Diet of Worms.
By the way, ask some people about Martin Luther and see how many talk about his “I Have a Dream” speech. It will probably be more than you think.
SBI: A Thinning Crowd 
I have to admit, I never thought of the Diet of Worms as a punishment for nailing the 95 Theses to the door. Now, I will never get that image out of my mind 🙂
They may have stopped at the bait shop along the way.
I’ll have to tell Garry this one. He is a good Lutheran lad and a bit of a history buff, so it should give him a laugh too.
Let me know what he thinks.
He says he will never be able to forget the Diet of Worms again. Oy.
Then, I have succeeded.
It always made me smirk when I was younger, In 2010 I visited the place just to say that I have. Sadly your last sentence is very true!
Is it an interesting place to visit?
No, not really, it was badly damaged in the war and it is principally an industrial city. Much better to go to Heidelberg nearby. Also nearby is Speyer where several Holy Roman Emperors’ have their burial tombs.
Rick,if you are looking for a good Church you should try Hillcrest Baptist Church on Hartsville pk.
Thanks. We have it on the list of places to visit.
Let me know when you decide to visit . I can show you around if you like . I am there whenever there is service .
We all find what we need – though it can take a while. It took me 22 years. And there was some Dark Nights in there, believe me.
I’ve found that people need to pick their own path. Mine won’t work for you – yours won’t work for me. Of course, we do seek out like-minded Souls for the journey, but ultimately I believe it’s still an intimate personal matter between God and each Soul …
I believe you are right. We have individual journeys and people to help us along our ways.