Reformation History for Kids: 13 Biographical Cards

Teach Reformation History for Kids this Reformation Day with biographical cards that focus on the story of Martin Luther and the Reformation.

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October 31st, 2017 was the 500th anniversary of Reformation Day.

Reformation Day is a remembrance and celebration of the day Martin Luther nailed the Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church.

Though there had been earnest attempts to reform the Roman Catholic Church prior to Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses, his document listing objections to the practice of selling plenary indulgences–a certificate claiming to absolve the purchaser’s sins–kicked off the Protestant Reformation. That earned Martin Luther the title Father of the Reformation.

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Reformation History for Kids

The Reformation was a movement that not only changed the course of the Christian Church–both Protestant and Catholic, it was also a movement that changed the course of the world. Our kids need to know and understand the history of the Reformation and its impact on their world today.

I wrote When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther so that families could read the exciting story of Martin Luther, the 95 Theses, and Reformation history. Many families have shared this teen novel as a read aloud!

The Who What Why series is perfect for your 8-11 year olds. They’ll learn about Martin Luther, the Gutenberg Bible, the Reformation–and how God used each person and event to his own glory!

When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin LutherThe 5 Solas: Signs to Follow on the Narrow Path, A 7 Day Family Bible StudyBuy NowWho was Martin Luther? (Who What Why)What was the Gutenberg Bible? (Who What Why)Why did the Reformation Happen? (Who What Why)

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Your kids will love the Who What Why Reformation series with illustrated narratives for 8-11 year olds. And, Martin Luther’s young adult historical fiction story makes the perfect family read aloud!
Grab the autographed Reformation Family Bundle!

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Martin Luther and the Reformation

Teach your teens about Martin Luther and the Reformation in an exciting, new way with When Lightning Struck!: The Story of Martin Luther!

Martin Luther (1483-1546) is often referred to as “The Father of the Reformation”. Born during a time of superstition, tradition, and spiritual corruption, Luther gave up a lucrative career as a lawyer to become a monk in the Roman Catholic Church–a path he felt would certainly lead to salvation.

As Luther’s understanding of the spiritual corruption within the Church grew, and he despaired of true salvation, Luther (now a scholar and priest) sought the Bible for answers. Following his discovery of the true gospel in Scripture, Luther began to preach spiritual freedom to his congregation, and to teach biblical (rather than philosophical) theology at the University of Wittenberg.

It was on October 31, 1517 that Martin Luther penned his Ninety-Five Theses in Latin in response to the abusive indulgence sales practices of the monk Johann Tetzel in a nearby town. Luther nailed the Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, the scholarly bulletin board of his day, and mailed a copy to the Archbishop of Mainz. Luther hoped to start a scholarly debate about the practice of selling salvation through plenary indulgences. The response he received was greater–and more dangerous–than he imagined it would be.

Luther’s story is exciting. There are death defying moments, epic spiritual battles, narrow escapes, a kidnapping, revolution, and war. As the “Father of the Reformation”, Luther is a vital figure in Church history. His sacrifice and willingness to wage battle against the spiritual, religious, and political powers of his medieval world allowed Christians throughout time to embrace the truth of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone as explained by Scripture alone once again. May all glory be to God alone!

Read portions of the first eight chapters of When Lightning Struck!:

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Reformation Day

Many Christian families celebrate Reformation Day on October 31st rather than Halloween. We remember that the Reformation marked a return to the biblical teaching of what the Reformers called the 5 Solas.

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The 5 Solas of the Reformation are slogans that remind us of vital biblical truths:

• Sola Scriptura – By Scripture Alone: The Bible is God’s Word, our authoritative, inerrant, and inspired guide.
• Sola Fide – By Faith Alone: We are saved by faith alone, not by works or merit.
• Sola Gratia – By Grace Alone: We are saved by God’s grace through faith. Salvation is a free gift from God.
• Solus Christus – Through Christ Alone: We are saved only by the atoning blood of Christ and it’s through Jesus that we know God.
• Soli Deo Gloria – To the Glory of God Alone: We were created and saved to bring glory to God, the King of the Universe. Everything we do should be for His glory.

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Reformation for Kids: 13 Biographical Cards

You can use these cards with your family on their own, or you can use them in conjunction with the Martin Luther unit study or When Lightning Struck! discussion guide. You’ll find information about both at the bottom of the When Lightning Struck page.

The Reformation Biographical Profile cards are available in the Thinking Kids Press store.

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