Steve Chalke the 21st Century Luther?

As we mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation people are queuing up to offer their ‘95 Theses for the Twenty First Century.’ Not least among this number is Steve Chalke.

'In the early years of the 16th century, German priest and scholar Martin Luther came to believe that the shape of the established Church and its relationship to the State did not fit the needs of the world in which he was called to live and serve,' Chalke said.

'In the early years of the 21st century it is clear, once more, that the shape of the established Church and its relationship to the State no longer fits the needs of the world in which we are called to live and serve. It is time, once again, to reimagine the role of faith, Church and its place in the public square.' Read further here.

Chalke, who has a reputation for twisting Scripture, wrenching it from its original meaning and purpose, seems just as capable of twisting history. I imagine Luther turning in his grave at being caricatured as a 16th Century Steve Chalke.

Compare Chalke’s version of history with Luther’s own words and we find they are two very different stories. Luther’s famous words at the Diet of Worms stand out as a challenge to us all to trust the Word of God in all matters of faith and life:

‘Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. May God help me. Amen.’

Lets be clear, Luther did not do what he did because, ‘the shape of the established Church and its relationship to the State did not fit the needs of the world in which he was called to live and serve,' He challenged the church because it had embraced the corruption of the age, and he called the body of Christ back to Scripture.

Compare Luther with Chalke’ and you see these men stand poles apart, Luther held captive by the Word of God, bound by the Scriptures, Chalke held captive by the spirit of the age, bound by the prevailing culture. It is well said that whoever marries the spirit of the age ends up widowed.

‘Choose this day whom you will serve’ Joshua 24:15