At least three times a year, we offer the Exploring Cornerstone Class, which is our version of an Inquirer’s or New Member’s class. I’m leading an Exploring Cornerstone Class via Zoom on Monday nights right now for those who have been visiting with us in person or via livestream. As always, it’s such a joy to hear the stories of the people God leads to us and reflect together on the history, vision, commitments, and ministries of Cornerstone Pres.
This past Monday we did a 30,000-foot flyover of Reformation and Presbyterian history. Starting in 1517 with Martin Luther’s nailing of the 95 theses and ending with the founding of the Presbyterian Church in America in 1973, we spanned nearly five hundred years of history in 45 minutes. Given the constraints, it was a highly selective retelling of history. I limited us to key people, moments, and movements that deeply influenced the shape of Reformed and Presbyterian history.
At one point in the discussion, I noted how every era in church history has its blights, and that the men and movements within Reformed and Presbyterian history are no exception. I cited, for instance, the well documented anti-Semitism that shows up in the writings of Martin Luther and hinted at the questionable judgment of John Calvin in the death of Michael Servetus.
My purpose in briefly noting these difficult matters was not to condemn Luther or Calvin. Far from it! The historical record is clear: these men are champions of the Christian faith. They labored tirelessly for the glory of Jesus Christ and the good of His church in their generation. We stand on their shoulders and do well to follow their lead and example in so many ways.
My purpose in making the reference was to steer clear of two equal opposite tendencies in looking at historical figures. The first tendency is to idolize. We idolize a figure in history when we treat them as if they did no wrong. You know you’re falling into idolization if you find yourself ignoring or trying to explain away any perceived character flaw or transgression because down deep inside, you can’t stand the possibility that your hero is, at the end of the day, a fallen human being just like you (Romans 3:23).
The second tendency is to demonize. We demonize a figure in history when we treat them as if they can do no right—when we make their moral failings the whole story. We speak of them as if the only thing true about them is what they’ve done wrong, and we can’t imagine there’s anything redeemable about them (Matthew 7:11).
If we examine history with an honest eye, we won’t be surprised to learn our enemies do things that are good and right from time to time. We also won’t be surprised to see our hero goof up now and again. In the end, everyone is a mixed bag of original glory and original sin.
Let’s learn from the men and women of history. Let’s follow their example where we can. Let’s give them the respect they’re due. But let’s not idolize them or demonize them. Let’s let them be the humans they are.