The Reformation – 31st October

A brief history of Martin Luther, the English Bible, and the foundations that shaped Britain and America

Martin Luther – 31 October 1517

On 31 October 1517, a German monk named Martin Luther publicly questioned the teachings and practices of the medieval Catholic Church. He nailed his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, calling the Church back to the authority of Scripture. This moment sparked what became known as The Reformation.

Luther taught that salvation is by faith in Christ alone, that Scripture is the final authority, and that every believer can come directly to God.

The Reformation and the Break from Rome

Luther’s stand spread across Europe, inspiring reformers such as Zwingli and Calvin. In England, the Reformation eventually led to a break from Rome, shaping a distinctly biblical foundation for the national church. Reformers such as William Tyndale, Thomas Cranmer, and later the Puritans sought to restore Christian teaching to the authority of Scripture alone.

The Bible in English

Before the Reformation, the Bible was available mainly in Latin, which ordinary people could not read. Reformers risked their lives to translate Scripture from the original Hebrew and Greek into English so people could read God’s Word for themselves. John Wycliffe produced the first English Bible in the 1300s. William Tyndale later translated the New Testament from Greek into English with great accuracy.

This work was illegal. Because of it, many were arrested, tortured, burned at the stake, or executed for simply reading, owning, or sharing an English Bible. Tyndale himself was strangled and burned in 1536. His final prayer was: “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” Shortly after, English Bibles became legal and widely printed

Historical Background

Tyndale translated the New Testament (1526) and parts of the Old Testament into English. At the time, Henry VIII still supported restrictions on English Bible translation. Tyndale was executed in 1536 in Flanders. What Happened After His Death Remarkably, within just a few years, Henry VIII authorised:

The Coverdale Bible (1537) – the first complete printed English Bible approved for use The Great Bible (1539) – placed in every parish church in England Both were heavily based on Tyndale’s own translation work. So the “King of England” in Tyndale’s prayer was: King Henry VIII

How the Bible Shaped British Life

As the Bible became available to everyone, it profoundly influenced the whole culture of the nation. From Scripture came the inspiration, influenced by biblical principles. Over time, these values helped lay the foundations of British society to include: 

• Schools — Medieval and early modern schools were heavily church-led. Many were founded to help people read Scripture.
• Hospitals — Christian monasteries, churches, and later reformers played a major role in the creation of hospitals across Europe.
• Universities — Oxford, Cambridge, and others were founded with Christian purposes and clergy training.
• Law courts — British law was influenced by biblical ethics (e.g., justice, truth, equality), but also by Roman, Saxon, and customary law.
• Police — Police services came much later (19th century) but were influenced by Christian moral reform movements.
• Courts and justice systems — Strong biblical influence on ideas like fairness, honesty, protection of the poor, human value.

A Culture Built on Judeo-Christian Foundations

Many historians note that modern British freedoms—such as the rule of law, human dignity, equality, charity, and the value of every individual—have deep roots in the Judeo-Christian worldview shaped by the Bible. These biblical foundations gave Britain a moral framework that influenced its laws, institutions, and national character for centuries.

It is a heritage that should not be forgotten, because it has provided so much stability, compassion, and freedom. Many believe this legacy remains one of the strongest and most positive influences on British life today, and should continue to be recognised and appreciated.

Persecution and the Journey to the New World

Even after the Reformation, groups such as the Puritans were persecuted for wanting further reform. In 1620 the Pilgrims sailed on the Mayflower from Plymouth England to find freedom to worship God. They carried with them the English Bible and shaped the early foundations of what would become the United States. Much of early American culture and law was built on these same biblical principles brought from England.

Why the Reformation Still Matters

The Reformation reminds us that:

• The Bible is central to faith and daily life
• Freedom to read Scripture is a precious gift
• God’s Word has shaped nations, laws, and societies
• We have much to be thankful for because of this heritage

It is a story of courage, conviction, and the lasting power of God’s Word to transform lives and cultures. Today, we still benefit from many of the developments that grew out of Britain’s long Christian heritage. The growth of schools, universities, hospitals, charitable care, and many principles within our justice system were deeply influenced by the Bible and the values taught by Jesus Christ. These institutions continue to serve our nation and reflect the impact that Scripture has had on British life.

So the next time you visit a school, hospital, doctor’s surgery, police station, court, or university, remember that much of the foundation for these services was shaped by centuries of Christian thought and biblical teaching. Why not begin reading your Bible today and get to know the person of Jesus Christ, whose teaching has brought so much light, hope, and guidance to our world. We are happy to send a bible if needed please contact our office here: