Reading Martin Luther's The Freedom of a Christian as Roman Catholics and Protestants Together

Abstract: In the light of the ongoing efforts for the common com-memoration of the Reformation by the Catholic and Protestant Christians, this essay discusses (re-reads) one of the writings of Martin Luther, The Freedom of a Christian, written in 1520. Today, the 16th century Reformation has to be looked at without the burden of its five centuries history, and within the various efforts for ecumenical relationship in the present context. Locating the treatise within the immediate context in which it was written, this essay offers a summary of the treatise particularly focusing on Luther’s discussion of works – both his critical perspectives on it when comes to salvation as well as his appreciation for works in Christian life – which can offer important insights for our ecumenical activities today, and invites to read this treatise as Roman Catholics and Protestants together