On October 31st 1517 Martin Luther nailed his 95 thesis to the door of Castle Church.

        It was the day we know as Halloween, but no one wore costumes or went door to door searching for treats. Dull gray clouds obscured the sun and took the sharpness off colors. Martin wandered past a row of trees, which now looked like sticks, carrying a few papers, a hammer, and nails. He wondered towards Castle Church, which stood fifty feet tall; it looked as it were a hundred shades of stone gray in the darkening sky. A few students walked about and some of the surrounding houses had orangish lights shining through their windows.

Another professor nailed a thesis on the door of the Castle Church. He asked, “How’s it going, Professor Luther?”

Martin said, “Not so well. I had another parishioner tell me they weren’t going to repent because of the sale of indulgences. I have to do something to try and stop it.”

The professor asked, “Is that what you have brought?”

Martin said, “Yes, it is what I have brought.”

The professor said, “Then I guess I won’t have very many people show up to debate me over the usefulness of Plato in modern times.”

Martin said, “No offense, but I hope not. This may not affect very many people, these things never do, but if we can impress them upon the minds of the thinking people, then we can effect change.”

The professor said, “As long as the wrong people don’t see it too soon.”

Martin asked, “What do you mean?”

The professor said, “The Pope’s agents.”

Martin said, “I don’t think that the Pope would go against the basic philosophies of his own Church. I plan on sending a copy to Albert of Mainz. If they are guilty of conspiracy in this regard, then they deserve a chance to openly debate the matter. If anyone can show me with Scriptures or plain reason where I am in error, then I will recant. Otherwise they should, it is that simple.”

The professor dropped his hammer and ran away from Martin. He looked back with terror in his eyes.

Martin said, “You forgot your hammer,” then started to nail his own thesis to the door. He knew his words were heavy, but he still thought the professor to be overly worried. I only want the truth, who can be against that? he thought. I only want a debate; certainly, I have the right to debate these things openly. He looked at his theses and wondered how he could protect more people from the evil of indulgences. If they trusted in an indulgence instead of repentance, then they could endanger their mortal soul. He would have to think of some way that he could get his message across to more than the few dozen at best who would be at the debate, but he didn’t know how.

Martin walked away from the door onto lengthening shadows of houses and trees. A hooded figure walked towards him carrying a lantern which illuminated the path. The figure was black and somehow reminded Martin of the time Germany had been infested with the plague.

The hooded figure asked, “Martin, what are you doing here?”

The voice was familiar; it was his old friend. Martin said, “Alexius? You shouldn’t walk out like that; you practically scared me to death.”

Alexius said, “I wanted to come out and see what sort of thing would be posted on the church door.”

Martin said, “I have posted a list of grievances with the practice of indulgences. They are an obstacle to salvation. They are against true repentance and I cannot believe the Pope has sanctioned them.”

Alexius said, “It looks like my feeling was correct. I thought there would be a good debate posted tonight.”

Martin said, “Another professor was here and posted a debate on Plato. I think I will agree with his premises, but I think my argument has much greater weight.

Alexius said, “I will have to look at his thesis as well.”

Martin said, “I am glad to see you, old friend, but I must get back to sing vespers.”

Alexius said, “Of course. I wish you well.”

 

Here is another article; Martin Luther refuses to recant his 95 thesis

http://thisweekinchristianhistory.blogspot.com/2013/10/this-week-in-christian-history-for-week.html

The rest of Martin Luther’s story can be found in my new book, would you do what they did great Christian leaders from our past is now available to order from Amazon.com here is the link: Would You Do What They Did? - Great Christian Leaders From Our Past It is also available to order now or shortly from anywhere that sells books. It is a collection of biographies of Martin Luther, Francis of Assisi, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, and Thomas Becket.

Come, tame a wolf, flee from the wrath of the king, feel the horror of impending doom on a ship, and the uncertainty of one’s own salvation with these great heroes of the faith.

I have excepts of the book on my website williamdeanhamilton.net,

Thank you for reading.

 

 

 

Constantine defeats Maxentius-This Week in Christian History for the week of October 27nd-November 2nd, 2013

 

Constantine was born to a Roman solder who would work his way up through the ranks to become governor of a province, then Caesar, which was the deputy director of the western empire, then Augustus, the senior western emperor. The scheme of appointing four emperors was to try and prevent civil war and to make the position more based on merit than lineage; however Constantine was understood to be in line for his father’s position once he died or retired.

Constantine went to the court at Rome, but would almost be considered a hostage there. Constantine did undertake several military campaigns successfully. Both of the Augustus’ retired at the same time, and both Constantine and the other son who was expected to take the other position of Caesar were snubbed in favor of other candidates.

Constantine’s father requested that Constantine come to aid him conquer Brittan. His father died and he became Caesar. A series of civil wars followed that Constantine managed to stay out of. The four pronged approach to rule was failing, and it was becoming obvious that there would only be one ruler of Maxentitus was the last opposing ruler, he held on to Italy and Rome itself and attacked Constantine’s forces. Constantine conquered city by city until he was at Rome’s door. Maxenitus was expecting a long siege, but Constantine avoided Rome and conquered the lands around it. Maxenitus drew his army out to face Constantine on an open plain. Constantine claimed to have a vision of the cross, and had the sign painted on his army’s shields. On the 29^th of October 312 Maxenitus’ army was routed, and Constantine became the ruler of all of Rome.

Constantine declared Christianity to be legal and forbade all actions against it. He donated a lot of money to the church and organized the Council of Nicaea. His patronage of Christianity has had mixed effects since there was a paganizing of Christian ideas and holidays as a result of his patronage.

My new book, would you do what they did great Christian leaders from our past is now available to order from Amazon.com here is the link: Would You Do What They Did? - Great Christian Leaders From Our Past

It is also available to order now or shortly from anywhere that sells books. It is a collection of biographies of Martin Luther, Francis of Assisi, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, and Thomas Becket.

Come, tame a wolf, flee from the wrath of the king, feel the horror of impending doom on a ship, and the uncertainty of one’s own salvation with these great heroes of the faith.

I have excepts of the book on my website williamdeanhamilton.net,

 Thank you for reading.

Bio of Ignatius Loyola who was BornThis Week in Christian History for the week of October 20-26th 2013

Ignatius Loyola was born a wealthy family in the Basque region of Spain. He joined the army and fought many duels, including one with a Moor that denied the divinity of Jesus, who he ended up killing. He successfully endured battles with no injury. It was when he was defending the fortress of Pamplona that things changed. The French had cannons, they did not. Ignatius argued that they should not surrender until they could withstand no more, anything else would disgrace them, this was not popular with the other troops. He was wounded when his legs were hit by a cannonball.

After the battle Ignatius was sent to one of his families castles to recover. While recovering he would spend a lot of time reading, but there were not many books on knights errant that he enjoyed since he was a boy. He only had religious texts to read. He experienced a profound religious conversion, gave away his riches, and undertook a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He formulated “The Spiritual Exercises” which is still used today.

Upon reaching Jerusalem he was told to go home by the Franciscans there, one reason was because of his lack of education. He went to Paris University. It was there that he form what would be known as The Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits.
For more information on the Jesuits, read my blog The Jesuits were formed

My new book, would you do what they did great Christian leaders from our past is now available to order from Amazon.com here is the link: Would You Do What They Did? - Great Christian Leaders From Our Past

It is also available to order now or shortly from anywhere that sells books. It is a collection of biographies of Martin Luther, Francis of Assisi, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, and Thomas Becket.

Come, tame a wolf, flee from the wrath of the king, feel the horror of impending doom on a ship, and the uncertainty of one’s own salvation with these great heroes of the faith.

I have excepts of the book on my website williamdeanhamilton.net,

 Thank you for reading.

 

Would You Do What They Did? Great Christian Leaders From Our Past.

 

 

 

My new book, would you do what they did great Christian leaders from our past is now available to order from Amazon.com here is the link: Would You Do What They Did? - Great Christian Leaders From Our Past

It is also available to order now or shortly from anywhere that sells books. It is a collection of biographies of Martin Luther, Francis of Assisi, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, and Thomas Becket.

Come, tame a wolf, flee from the wrath of the king, feel the horror of impending doom on a ship, and the uncertainty of one’s own salvation with these great heroes of the faith.

I have excepts of the book on my website williamdeanhamilton.net,

 Thank you for reading.

Bio of Bill Bright who was born This Week in Christian History for the week of October 13th-19th

Bright was born on October 19th 1921 in Coweta Oklahoma and graduated from Northeastern State University. He moved to Los Angeles and founded a company called Bright’s California Confections. It was while attending a Presbyterian church that he became saved and took graduate classes in theology, although he never obtained a degree. It was while he was attending Fuller that he felt called to share his faith with other students.

It was a domestic disturbance that led Bill and his wife Vonnette to write a covenant to God that they were slaves to Christ. This attitude in their lives was what led them to found the Campus Crusade for Christ. The foundation has been a huge success. It operates in 190 countries utilizing 27,000 full-time, and 225,000 trained volunteers. He chaired the National Year of the Bible in 1983 and won the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion, a cash prize which he donated to charity.

Bill wrote more than 100 books and booklets and thousands of articles and pamphlets. He produced a film in 1979 called, “The Jesus Film.” While a financial failure, it was a very accurate portrayal of the life of Jesus. It is estimated that 139 million people have come to know Christ because of his Campus Crusade and his film. Bill has talked to audiences of more than one million people.

My new book, would you do what they did great Christian leaders from our past is now available to order from Amazon.com here is the link: Would You Do What They Did? - Great Christian Leaders From Our Past

It is also available to order now or shortly from anywhere that sells books. It is a collection of biographies of Martin Luther, Francis of Assisi, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, and Thomas Becket.

Come, tame a wolf, flee from the wrath of the king, feel the horror of impending doom on a ship, and the uncertainty of one’s own salvation with these great heroes of the faith.

I have excepts of the book on my website williamdeanhamilton.net,

 Thank you for reading.

Martin Luther refuses to recant his 95 thesis on October 12th, 1518 -This Week in Christian History for the week of October 6th-12th

Martin Luther was born on the 10^th of November 1483. His father wanted him to become a lawyer and sent him to college to pursue that occupation. He enrolled at Erfurt and changed his focus to philosophy, although he found not to be what he was looking for. During a ride home he was caught in a thunderstorm and a lightning bolt struck a nearby tree.

He entered into a monastery and began to fast and pray trying to earn his way into heaven, but always found that he was still a sinner. His superior pointed him to salvation by grace. He was ordained into the priesthood and earned a doctorate in theology. He taught at the University of Wittenberg where he had earned his degree.

My new book, would you do what they did great Christian leaders from our past is now available to order from Amazon.com here is the link: Would You Do What They Did? - Great Christian Leaders From Our Past
It is also currently available at Barnes and nobles and should be available to order now or shortly from anywhere that sells books. The book is about Thomas Becket, Martin Luther, John Wesley and Francis of Assisi and is written in creative nonfiction style, I have excepts of the book here on my website williamdeanhamilton.net

The archbishop didn’t respond to the letter, but sent it to Rome. The pope responded slowly and deliberately. He eventually sent legate Cardinal Cajetan to try and arrest him. The trial broke down into a shouting match. Luther slipped away in the night. 

The rest of Martin Luther’s story can be found in my new book, would you do what they did great Christian leaders from our past is now available to order from Amazon.com here is the link: Would You Do What They Did? - Great Christian Leaders From Our Past It is also available to order now or shortly from anywhere that sells books. It is a collection of biographies of Martin Luther, Francis of Assisi, John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, and Thomas Becket.

Come, tame a wolf, flee from the wrath of the king, feel the horror of impending doom on a ship, and the uncertainty of one’s own salvation with these great heroes of the faith.

I have excepts of the book on my website williamdeanhamilton.net,

Thank you for reading.