That’ll Preach

Did the Reformation Ruin Everything? with Michael Lynch

Jul 23, 2024

Michael Lynch from the Davenant Institute brings his expertise on the Protestant Reformation, challenging common critiques of individualism and authority. He dives into the cultural contributions of Protestantism, showcasing artistic giants like Rembrandt and Bach. Lynch explores the intricate relationship between theology and politics, highlighting shifts in governance and local authority. The discussion also touches on the evolution of Reformed thought in the 17th century and advocates for revitalizing education to preserve Reformation ideals.

01:06:28

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Episode guests

Michael Lynch

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Quick takeaways

The Reformation emerged from intricate political and theological dynamics that challenged papal authority, reflecting local desires for religious autonomy and economic accountability.

Protestants significantly enriched art, music, and culture in the post-Reformation era, contradicting narratives of cultural decline and highlighting their aesthetic contributions.

Deep dives

Reevaluation of Protestant Identity

Protestants must engage in continuous self-examination of their faith and understand the historical influences that shape their identity. This includes questioning what it means to be Protestant beyond merely contrasting with Roman Catholicism. The current trend of disenchantment with modernity is pushing some toward traditions perceived as more rooted, like Eastern Orthodoxy or Roman Catholicism, suggesting a disconnect from the original tenets of Protestantism. To combat this, a clearer affirmation of what Protestantism contributes to both theology and culture is essential.

Question Your Faith: Seek Your Truth

01:11

Local Needs Over Distant Priorities

01:00

Diversity Follows Decentralization

01:15

Intro

2min

Examining Protestant Identity and Its Challenges

9min

Extraterrestrial Theories and Protestant Artistic Contributions

4min

The Interplay of Theology and Politics in the Reformation

27min

Theological Evolution in the 17th Century

17min

Reviving Reformation Education

6min

Understanding the Intellectual Barriers of the Reformation

2min

Protestantism gets blamed for a lot of things: rampant individualism, denigration of authority, deviation from tradition, and the disenchantment of the world. But is this the true story of the Reformation? Michael Lynch from the Davenant Institute begs to differ. We talk about the theological and political underpinnings of the Reformation as well as the philosophical shifts in society that affected both Protestants and Catholics. We also talk about the contribution of Protestants to art, music, and aesthetics by looking to the post-Reformation era, specifically the Reformed scholastics. Check out this episode and find out how history is much more complicated than we think.

Show Notes

Get Michael’s translation of John Davenant’s “On the Death of Christ”

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