Luther, liberty, and the pursuit of...cookie pizza

My 4th of July dessert seemed to echo the theme of this post...can anyone tell what it's supposed to be?  :)

Martin Luther wrote "On Christian Liberty" a couple hundred years before the United States of America was formed, but Americans today owe him much credit for furthering our modern concept of freedom. John Locke and other early Federalist writers drew the basis for human rights from the ideals of the Reformation, which coincided with Renaissance humanism, launching the modern era of philosophy and liberal arts. To be sure, the believer's spiritual freedom by faith in Christ differs from his freedom in civil affairs. Yet, Luther understood both the distinction and the correlation.

Before the Reformation, feudalism and "group-think" was everywhere. The whole rather than the individual was emphasized, particularly in terms of religion. Education and knowledge was limited to those in power, or who could afford it - the rest were largely subject to the system in which they were born.

Luther entered on the cusp of humanism, a positive and growing concentration on the individual's role in the world. He attended the University of Wittenberg, the first institution in the world to embrace the new method of learning called the "humanities," or liberal arts. People took charge of their own beliefs and ideas, and this internal responsibility led to awareness of their place in culture. Classical literature and languages were esteemed highly, and this study provided a common discussion ground as well as a standard for beauty. We may not consider Luther a true "humanist," but this movement supplied the setting for his worldview.

Luther spoke of the "priesthood of all believers," in which each Christian regardless of social place has spiritual value in Christ, as well as a vocation in which he or she serves others. The children of God by faith are not obligated to earn their way to holiness by good deeds. However, their status as justified sinners motivates them to work freely for the benefit of their neighbor, church, and state.

Because of the Reformation, we Americans may thank the Lord for several blessings of freedom - especially worship, education, and the value of each life. May we continue to thank God for these gracious gifts, and repenting of our undeserving sinful nature, believe in His free gift of salvation.