To the editor:

This letter is primarily for the benefit of those in attendance at “The Effect of the Reformation” presentation given at the Lyon County Library.

Two statements were made during the question and answer period by the presenter that need to be corrected. First, that “Luther still approved of the use of indulgences when he wrote the 95 Theses.” Luther did not support the indulgence letters by this time. He wrote:

Thesis # 36. “Any truly repentant Christian has a right to full remission of penalty and guilt even without indulgence letters.”

Thesis # 37. “Any true Christian, whether living or dead, participates in all the blessings of Christ and the church; and this is granted him by God, even without indulgence letters.”

The second statement that was erroneously made: “Martin Luther did not write about the importance of God’s Word and God’s grace in the 95 Theses.” Luther wrote:

Thesis # 62. “The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel and grace of God.”

“Grace,” is defined as “God’s free and undeserved favor to, and love for, mankind;” (World Book Dictionary (1970); theology definition.

The professor from Gustavus Adolphus did praise Luther for his wisdom in simply accepting

Jesus’ words, “This is my body,” and “This is my blood” as He gave bread and wine to his disciples to “do in remembrance of me.”

“Luther accepted these words without asking, “How?”, Professor Carlson said.

God teaches us to do the same with all of His Word. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

Trudy Madetzke

Marshall