Reformation Day: Does the Reformation need reforming?

Wittenberg Castle Church 

On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther put forth his "Disputation of Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences" (otherwise known as "The 95 Theses").  This was done in protest to the Roman Catholic Church's push to raise money for the rebuilding of St. Peter's Basilica via the sale of indulgences to the poor.

Johann Tetzel had been sent by the Pope to persuade indigent Germans to contribute to this cause.  His "sales technique" was to assure participants, "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory into heaven springs."  As catchy a jingle as this may be, it was horrifically false.

Luther's greatest objection to this was theological, but he was also a practical man.  He openly questioned why the Pope needed poor people's money for this endeavor when the Pope himself had more than enough of his own money to give.  This declaration was as brave as it was radical.

Another brave and radical theologian is now insisting that the Reformation itself needs reforming.  That theologian is Matthew Fox.  Fox, like Luther, was a Catholic priest who became so dissatisfied with official policies and procedures that he went his separate way.  Fox then authored a book called A New Reformation which lists 95 new theses, ones which he feels are vital for the creation of a more authentic Christianity.  One of his fundamental points is this: Religion isn't necessary, but spirituality is.

Resources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation_Day

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Fox_(priest)