Beeson and the Spirituality of the Reformation

08-11-2011

In Martin Luther’s spirituality, baptism plays a major role, said Carl Beckwith, a professor at Beeson. According to Luther, the Christian life is similar to daily baptism, which Christians know to represent a place for them to hide, be strengthened, and comforted. His colleague Gisela Kreglinger dealt with the seventeenth century theologian and poet Paul Gerhardt. Using Gerhardt's song 'Commit Whatever Grieves Thee', she let us see and hear how this reflection on Psalm 37 can be something to hold on to in times of sadness and need. Concluding their reading the song was sung together.

In the afternoon visitors could attend workshops on Bible passages read by Archbishop Cranmer, on individual views of the Reformation, or readings of the Psalms of vengeance, or the views of John Calvin and Martin Bucer on the pastorate.
There was also music: attendees sang several Paul Gerhardt songs, as well as the Luther song “A Mighty Fortress”, and Samford’s Student-Faculty Ensemble conducted the canta “Ein Feste Burg” by JS Bach during the vesper service.

In the second day's program were lectures about prayer and death.

Look for more reports and photos on the website of rev. Jim West.