October 31st

490 years ago on October 31st Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses to the door of the church. So began the reformation. Thanks to this man there are churches besides Catholic churches, the Catholic church no longer sells indulgences, salvation, nor commits the many crimes they did before, and the Bible has been translated into over 2,300 languages.

Our church last night played Luther, a movie based on Martin's life.


I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is so nice to have Christian movies that are well done. Our local theologian, Dr. Dave, says that the movie is very accurate. We played it for just a small crowd (probably a lot of families were busy filling their pockets with sweets). I liked it much more than the 1960's version, but I know some people didn't much care for the language. There were a few "damn"s in there. It was the "proper" usage of the word - someone being damned. And I say that "ass" used to be a perfectly fine word to describe an animal.

I do have to giggle when words like that are used in church. I was brought up to never use those words. I feel that we should not fear certain words. Granted, some I would never use because I feel that they have no better meaning than another word used in its place, but I think there are times when there is only one word that accurately describes something. As in describing someone who is damned to hell - I don't think there is another word that can more accurately describe the utter helplessness of some one who does not trust in Christ.

I think of a time during Christmas a couple of years ago when we happened to be singing a song out of the hymnal. One line in the song described the "ox and ass lowing." I admit - there was nothing more funny than to hear the congregation sing that line. A room full of prudes; singing the word "ass."

There you have it. I said it. I'm not so pietous as you thought. And I, a pastor's daughter! Ha!