Martin Luther’s act of protest 500 years ago changed the face of modern Christianity when on Oct. 31, 1517, he nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg cathedral.
As that anniversary approaches, community members are invited Oct. 30 to the University of Houston-Victoria to learn about Luther and the legacy of the Protestant Reformation. UHV is hosting “500 Years After Luther’s Protest: The Protestant Reformation and Its Legacy” presented by Lutheran scholar John Braun, vice president at Northwestern Publishing House in Milwaukee and former president of Northwestern College in Watertown, Wis.
His talk will begin at 7 p.m. in the UHV University North Multi-Purpose Room, 3007 N. Ben Wilson St. The event is free and open to the public. It is being co-sponsored by Redeemer Lutheran Church of Victoria.
“Luther’s dramatic statement and the response from the leaders of the time led to shifts in politics and religion that helped shape our current world,” said Beverly Tomek, UHV associate provost for University College and an associate professor of history. “Luther’s action sparked the Protestant Reformation, which eventually led to discussions centered around freedom of religion.”
During the entire month of October, PBS is commemorating the anniversary by airing a multipart documentary, “Martin Luther: The Idea that Changed the World,” about Martin Luther and his effect on the world. Braun is featured in this production, which offers a close examination of the intellectual history of Luther’s time.
To learn more about the presentation, contact Tomek at 361-570-4145 or tomekb@uhv.edu.