PERSONAL REFLECTIONS ON THE REFORMATION AND ITS IMPACT

Some while back, the speakers and facilitators were invited to respond to a questionnaire that aimed to distil from them how their own personal encounter with the Reformation had impacted their life and ministry. Here we share the responses of two of our workshop facilitators at the forthcoming Reformation 500 Conference 2017: (1) Lim Sian Pheng (The Dawn of the Reformation) and (2) Augustin Muthusami (Luther and the Reformation). We trust that what they have to share will be an encouragement to you to seriously take a plunge into understanding the Reformation more fully.

LIM SIAN PHENG

1. When did you first become aware of the Reformation?

I was baptized on Reformation Sunday. The church celebrated Reformation Sunday as it was a Lutheran Church.

2. What was it about the Reformation which caught your attention then?

I have always like history and the Reformation is such momentous historical event. It alters the entire religious and political landscape of Western Europe.

3. Since then, have you read about the Reformation? If so, what books have been most helpful?

Carl Trueman’s Reformation: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow is particular helpful in answering the question why do we need to bother with something that happened in the 16^th century. I like how he define the Reformation as a move to place God as he has revealed himself in Christ at the centre of the church’s life and thought.

4. How has the Reformation impacted your life and your ministry?

Its God-centred and Christ-centred theology has helped me in my own theologizing. The rediscovery of the gospel by the Reformers has made me more appreciative of God’s amazing grace.

5. One of the joys for the organiser of this conference has been that you, as a speaker or facilitator, so readily agreed to participate in it. Was there a reason for that enthusiasm?

I have always believed that if we don’t know our roots and are not anchored on them, we will drift along aimlessly and dangerously. I think the topics covered in the conference can hopefully excite the people to want to know more about the richness of their heritage and how it can help them to live as Christians.

6. What would you wish participants to take away from the conference?

Please see part of the answer to Question 5.

AUGUSTIN MUTHUSAMI

1. When did you first become aware of the Reformation?

Very young, probably during Catechism class – maybe I was 13 or 14

2. What was it about the Reformation which caught your attention then?

Back then not much. Basically all I knew was that a man called Luther kicked up a fuss over how we are saved (in a nutshell!)

3. Since then, have you read about the Reformation? If so, what books have been most helpful?

As a Lutheran Pastor and as someone who regular teaches on church history (among other topics) to lay people, I have read very widely on the Reformation and the most important aspects of it. It’s hard to say which particular books have been helpful, but I like Luther’s writings, particularly on the reform of the mass, which to me, is the most practical aspect of the Reformation.

4. How has the Reformation impacted your life and your ministry?

In terms of theological thought that has guided me: Grace – both for me and for those around me. To move away from legalistic thinking and embracing grace as a philosophy of life.

5. One of the joys for the organiser of this conference has been that you, as a speaker or facilitator, so readily agreed to participate in it. Was there a reason for that enthusiasm?

I suppose, just to share my thoughts or my take on the whole subject.

6. What would you wish participants to take away from the conference?

How this is actually relevant in a practical way in day to day living.