Greetings, friends and families of Heritage Christian School! Have you ever wondered how one person's
brave act could change the entire world? That's exactly what happened over 500 years ago during the
Protestant Reformation, which we will celebrate on the 31st of October. This exciting time in history
started in 1517 when a German monk named Martin Luther nailed his famous “95 Theses” to a church
door in Wittenberg.

He was challenging some unfair practices in the church, like selling papal indulgences to forgive sins.
Luther and other leaders, like John Calvin, wanted everyone to focus on the Bible itself and believe that
faith in Jesus is what saves us—not money or rituals.

The Reformation wasn't just about religion; it was like a big wave that touched everything from schools
to governments. Imagine a world where only a few people could read the Bible because it was in a
language most folks didn't understand. The Reformation flipped that upside down! Luther translated the
Bible into everyday German, and soon others did the same in their languages. This made reading the
Bible possible for ordinary people, boosting literacy and education everywhere.

Schools popped up so kids could learn to read God's Word, and that love for learning helped spark big
ideas in science, art, and invention. But the changes went even deeper. The Reformation reintroduced
Christians to the idea of the priesthood of all believers. That means every person can talk to God
directly—no need for a middleman (in Luther’s day, a Catholic priest).

This idea of personal freedom spread like wildfire. It led to more religious choices and even influenced
fights against unfair things, like slavery and poor working conditions. Politically, the Reformation shook
things up too. Before, the church had a lot of power over kings and countries. But reformers said church
and government should be separate, paving the way for “Lex Rex” (the law is king, not a mere man).

The Reformation reminds us that standing up for truth can change history. It teaches values like faith,
learning, and freedom that we cherish at Heritage Christian School. Whether you're a student reading
the Bible in class or a parent volunteering, you're part of this amazing legacy. As we celebrate our
Christian heritage, let's thank God for the brave reformers who lit that spark.

By Aaron Kemp, HCS School Board Member