Luther: A SCS Man

Central to Martin Luther and the Great Reformation of the 16th Century was God’s magnificent message of grace, unhindered by traditionalism and freely given to all. Such was the case in his reform of worship and music in the church. Luther understood that most congregations are made up, by in large, of untrained singers that would not resonate with forms of liturgy that are overly sophisticated and complex. Therefore, Luther sought to reform the “mass” with hymns that were the “simplest musically with a strong melody,” several of which, were penned by him. In addition, he showed great freedom in taking the popular tunes of his day and adapting them for church use. According to Luther, the litmus test for all liturgy is whether the gospel is proclaimed or obscured by practices. Thus, based on his love for worship and music that was melodious and joyful, surely Martin Luther could be considered a Southern California Setting Man!