Lecture series: Luther's global impact

The impact of the Reformation ignited by Martin Luther spanned the globe and endures to this day. The effects of the 16th-century German Reformation range from uplifting to devastating — from Luther’s passionate fight for freedom of conscience and the promotion of education and literacy for all, to his anti-Semitic writing that fuelled the Holocaust during the Second World War.

In an effort to explore the Reformer’s impact on the world yesterday and today, Rev. Dr. Mark Harris, principal-dean of Martin Luther University College, is pleased to announce the eight-lecture series Shifting Paradigms: Martin Luther’s Enduring Global Impact.

In co-operation with Third Age Learning Kitchener Waterloo, the school’s faculty and emeritus professors will explore historical, social and theological impacts of Luther’s reformation. The scholars will also delve into issues of mental health and public ethics, and Luther’s influence on church music.

The schedule is:
• Jan. — 9 Martin Luther: Setting the Stage; Rev. Dr. Mark Harris, Principal-Dean
• Jan. 16 — Martin Luther’s Life and Career: A Scholar in Turbulent Times; Rev. Dr. Robert Kelly, Professor Emeritus
• Jan. — Everything New is Old Again: Tradition and Innovation in Luther’s Theology and Religious Practice; Rev. Dr. Allen Jorgenson, Professor of Systematic Theology
• Jan. 30 — Luther’s Musical Dialectic: Singing Faithfully into Context; Debbie Lou Ludolph, Dean of Chapel
• Feb. 6 — When Doing the Right Thing Doesn’t Make You Right: Martin Luther’s (Very Public) Ethics; Rev. Dr. David Pfrimmer, Professor Emeritus
• Feb. 13 — Martin Luther and Care of the Soul; Rev. Dr. Kristine Lund, Director, Spiritual Care & Psychotherapy
• Feb. 20 — Martin Luther and Anti-Semitism; Dr. Daniel Maoz, Jewish Scholar in Residence
• Feb. 27 — Martin Luther in Global Context; Dr. Mary Philip (aka Joy), Associate Professor

The series is to run at RIM Park, in Waterloo, 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoons from Jan. 9 – Feb. 27, 2020.

For more information and ticket details, visit the Third Age Learning website. View the downloadable flyer.

For media inquiries, contact:
Mirko Petricevic,
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Martin Luther University College
519.884.0710 x2162
mpetricevic@luther.wlu.ca