Our readings in this series are from the book, The Church Captive. Here is a brief excerpt from pages 40 and 41:
“Luther insisted that Church leaders were ‘relying on things that are wrong’ because they were not doing what Jesus and the apostles did, but only what they had inherited of traditions and practices from the leaders who preceded them. Sure, the numbers were good, and those who opposed him were quick to point out that he alone, among the millions of Christendom, seemed troubled by the way of things. He replied, ‘Oh! blind Pharisees who measure righteousness and sanctity by size or number, or some such standard; although, in God’s sight, it is measured solely by faith.’
“Those leaders who drew the masses to their programs and traditions were simply taking them captive to worldly forms and depriving them of the freedom to know, love, serve, and grow in our Lord Jesus Christ. Luther called for an end to every practice and all teaching that did not derive explicitly from the Scriptures.”
Now, and for a limited time, you can order The Church Captive together with the next book in our Read Moore series, Revived!, at no cost. Order copies for yourself and for a study group or companion. A free discussion guide is available as well. For The Fellowship of Ailbe, this is T. M. Moore.
