The concept of Reformation in Christianity
Reformation, in the context of Christianity, refers to a significant historical movement that prompted questioning of the Catholic Church's authority and practices. It involved a revival of religious practices and a focus on genuine repentance and reliance on God’s grace. This era questioned theological tenets and emphasized the authority of the Bible over church traditions. Additionally, Reformation marked a time of transformation for individuals and communities in line with divine teachings while recovering early Christian doctrines.
Synonyms: Revival, Renewal, Transformation, Correction, Improvement, Alteration, Change, Renaissance
In German: Reformation; In Swedish: Reformation; In Malay: Reformasi; In Spanish: Reforma; In Dutch: Hervorming; In Finnish: Uskonpuhdistus; In French: ¸éé´Ú´Ç°ù³¾²¹³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Reformation'
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This is a period of time that is used as a reference point to describe when the Western Church treated the First and Second commandments as one, and the Tenth as two.[1] (2) The Reformation is an era that witnessed a revival of chiliastic conceptions, with renewed focus on the teachings of the New Testament, thus influencing theological discourse.[2] (3) This is a historical movement that brought forth the question of the authority of the Bible, and set that authority in the place of the old authority of the Church.[3] (4) The religious movement against the Catholic Church that Tindale’s work supported and was associated with.[4]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) Attempts to improve oneself or one's behavior that are inadequate without true repentance and reliance on God's grace.[5]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) The process of improving and reviving religious practices, exemplified by Hezekiah's efforts with the national Passover.[6]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) This era saw the questioning of the second epistle's genuineness by Erasmus and Calvin, marking a period of theological inquiry and debate.[7]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The process of improvement or transformation in individuals and communities in alignment with divine teachings.[8] (2) The period that allowed for the recovery of Ante-Nicene doctrine from the distortions introduced by later theologians.[9]
From: The Second Helvetic Confession
(1) From the Scriptures are to be derived true wisdom and godliness, this and the government of churches, as also instruction in all duties of piety, and the confirmation of doctrines, and the rejection of all errors.[10]