Today in Lent Madness it's a 19th century reformer taking on a 16th century Reformer (see what we did there?). It's an intriguing matchup between an educator on the forefront of the Women's Rights movement and a theologian on the forefront of the Protestant Reformation. Who will advance to the Saintly Sixteen? That, dear friends, is up to you!
Yesterday, in what may well be considered the biggest upset thus far, Franz Jägerstätter narrowly took down Joan of Arc 52% to 48%. Ladies and gentlemen, we have an official Cinderella of the 2017 bracket -- and rather than a glass slipper he's wearing double umlauts.
Amelia Bloomer
Born to devout Presbyterian parents in 1818 in New York, Amelia Bloomer was taught by her mother at home and given basic instruction in a village school. Bloomer worked as a teacher and a governess. When she married, the vows omitted, at the bride’s declaration, the promise to obey her husband. She became an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Seneca Falls.
Bloomer’s passion was the issue of temperance—she recognized the damage alcohol abuse brought to communities and relationships. She attended the Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls. While she initially rejected much of the platform from Seneca Falls, the seeds of equality were planted and nurtured by Bloomer’s faith and her community.
Realizing the power of newspapers, Bloomer began publishing The Lily in 1849, much to the mocking consternation of male journalists, who deemed her project a failure. But The Lily bloomed, providing a national platform to address women’s rights, temperance, women’s education, and double standards between women and men. The Lily’s coverage of a new fashion for women that allowed for movement and less restriction went viral; subscriptions for her paper doubled when more mainstream newspapers ran stories about the ensemble eventually called bloomers.
In her newspaper, Bloomer publicly countered arguments from clergy who used scripture to condemn women’s fashion. Well-versed in scripture, Bloomer wrote extensively about verse traditionally used to demean women. She recognized that women’s fashion issues were symptomatic of a larger issue—women were not seen as independent, capable citizens in the eyes of the government or the Church.
Amelia was a devoted Episcopalian, challenging clergy who opposed women’s rights. Her Christian faith was fuel for her commitment to moral and social change, and she continued to champion women’s rights, preaching that one day, God would “bring about the emancipation of women, and make her equal in the power and dominion that she was in the beginning.” She died in 1894; twenty-six years later, women won the right to vote.
Collect for Amelia Bloomer
O God, whose Spirit guides us into all truth and makes us free: Strengthen and sustain us as you did your servant Amelia. Give us vision and courage to stand against oppression and injustice and all that works against the glorious liberty to which you call all your children; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Philipp Melanchthon
Edmund Hillary had Tenzing Norgay. Ginger had Fred. Joey had Monica and Chandler. And Martin Luther had Philipp Melanchthon.
In the shadow of Martin Luther was Philipp Melanchthon, who wrote some of the most important theological works of the Protestant movement. Melanchthon received a thorough classical education, studying philosophy, rhetoric, Greek, jurisprudence, and medicine. He was eligible for a master’s degree in 1512 but was denied the degree because he was only fifteen at the time. Four years later, he was finally awarded his master’s degree, and he began to study theology in earnest.
A year after Luther posted the 95 Theses, Melanchthon was invited to the university in Wittenberg, where he and Luther became fast friends and faithful collaborators. In 1521 Melanchthon published the first edition of Theological Commonplaces—the first systematic explanation of Reformation thought. Luther said of this work, “Next to Holy Scripture, there is no better book.” This text became the essential theological textbook for understanding the Reformation across Europe. It is possible that the comprehensive quality of this work is one reason that Luther never wrote his own systematic theology.
Melanchthon was part of the team that drafted the Augsburg Confession—the most widely accepted confessional document of the Lutheran tradition to this day. He also wrote The Apology of the Augsburg Confession, which is also considered a binding document for many Lutherans.
Not content with merely reforming the Church, Melanchthon also worked to improve education across Germany, writing a guide for elementary education that served as a model for schools across Germany. In addition, he provided guidance for the founding and renewal of several important universities.
Following Luther’s death, conflicts within the Reformation movement cast a shadow over Melanchthon’s work. On his deathbed, he wrote, “You shall be delivered from sins, and be freed from the acrimony and fury of theologians.” Following his death in 1560, Melanchthon was buried alongside Luther in Castle Church, Wittenberg.
Collect for Philipp Melanchthon
Almighty God, your Holy Spirit gives to one the word of knowledge, and to another the insight of wisdom, and to another the steadfastness of faith. We praise you for the gifts of grace you have imparted to your servant Philipp Melanchthon, and pray that by his teaching we may be led to a fuller knowledge of the truth we have seen in your Son Jesus, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
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242 comments on “Amelia Bloomer vs. Philipp Melanchthon”
I was tempted to vote for Amelia, but the call of my Lutheran roots and loyalty to Luther were just to strong. I suspected that Amelia would come on top, but........
I spent 14 years in bloomers under a a kilt in a Canadian girl's school, and I started this journey 61 years ago as a Presbyterian. As a "newly minted" (and thrilled to be) Episcopalian, Amelia it is today!
Welcome, Jane, to the Episcopal Church!
I'm reminded of a Scottish poem about Episcopalians and Presbyterians:
Pisky, Pisky, confessing sin,
Down on their knees
And up again.
Presby, Presby, will not bend,
But sitteth down
On the other end.
The version I used fell back on the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
'Pisky, 'Pisky, say "Amen,"
Down on your knees and up again.
But Presby, Presby, d'nna bend,
But set ye down on Mans' Chief End!
And Cathy, Cathy, saints in heaven,
Eat the body, but the wine don't lend.
Barbara,
Your version is even better!
Hi, Celia!
This was tough, they both spoke truth to power, but Amelia wins out!
Vote for Melanchthon! I did! He's a scholar's scholar and did much to try to unite Protestants.
This is a complete no-brainer for me. A woman who spoke up for women versus a man's who view of the Eucharist was akin to a remembrance the way a tombstone is a remembrance? Amelia it is!!
I voted for Melanchthon for his work as a collaborator with Luther. He was part of a team and supported Luther. In appreciation for all the people who support me in my work and my causes, I vote for Melanchthon!
I went with the underdog less-known saint in the shadows. I love bloomer don't get me wrong.
Phillip!!! He has been neglected too long. Besides, Amelia was one of those Temperance ladies (read prohibition, and we know haw well that turned out).
I must vote for Amelia. Broke my Facebook fast. Having a great time in Morocco.
Amelia. Bloomers and pants. Her stance on women's fashion and rights.
(I loved the comment the "The Lily bloomed..." Thank you, Laurie Brock!)
Amelia Bloomer has my admiration and my vote. Yes, women have come a long way since her time. Amelia planted the seeds of the need for equality for women. Still, it is way overdo that those seeds should bear fruit, e.g., equal pay for equal responsibility. In many (the majority?) of governments and churches today, "women were [and still are] not seen as independent, capable citizens in the eyes of the government or the Church." We need more women like Amelia today!
Amelia was my pick for so many reasons that were previously stated. We need Amelias today more than ever!! Also I would love a mug with her on it!!!
Nevertheless, she persisted. Go, Amelia!
My father, born in 1913, was named for Phillip Melancthon, so there is my vote
She's beating the pants off him.
Best Comment!!!
Bloomer all the way! A trailblazer for women and an inspiration to all.
In the year of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation - Melanchthon.
I had to vote for the formidable Amelia Bloomer after reading about her today. Having never heard of her before, I am delighted to discover the origin of bloomers. I wonder what she would make of the mess the C of E is currently in regarding the ministry of women priests and those with responsibility for their cure of souls.
One of the things I like most about Lenten Madness is the introduction of saints about whom I am ignorant. I voted fro Amelia, a woman who would not sit down and remain quiet. Way to go Amelia!
Yes, I treasure Philipp-- his theology, his temperament, his witness. I'm a Lutheran after all!
And, I count Amelia as doing real theological work, having the temperament needed to live her call, and her witness for the amazing giftedness of women is not to be taken lightly!
I love them both.
I selected Amelia.
I think that the recently vanquished St. Joan is fighting for Amelia's side this time!
Aw. I'd love to have seen this vote a little closer! But, I have to think Amelia had more influence on me Than even Philipp. To have known, deep in her being, that women were to be seen as equal partners, and to know her theology well enough to defend against the men determined to preach her into submission. Oh, Amelia! You influenced my young Gramma to rebel against her father and have her hair bobbed, while maintaining her determined belief in God. And, I am definitely her granddaughter and my mother's daughter. Dear Lord, help us to continue to work for the value and worth of all your Creation.
It wasn't hard for this journalist to imagine those male chauvinists snickering at "The Lilly." You can bet they were eating crow later on. Definitely a woman ahead of her time. Go Amelia!
I'm an Iowa woman, wearing my Iowa Women's March shirt, so of course I voted for Ms. Bloomer. As others have said today, she persisted.
Voted for Melanchthon as the patron saint of sidekicks and second bananas. As well, he tried to act as a tempering influence on the frequently hotheaded Luther.
Also admire Ms. B., although I have a concern re the 19th c. temperance movement in the US. In their advocacy of abstinence (rather than intelligent drinking) as the sole alternative to problem drinking, I think they - in the long run - have contributed much to the problematic drinking culture that is found in most English-speaking countries.
Coming from a journalism family with a mother who wrote the "society" column for the weekly newspaper, Amelia gets my vote for sure!
I love the part about not obeying her husband in the vows. You rock Amelia!
I've been trying to vote consistently for people who had a direct impact on the Episcopal Church (or Anglicanism overall). Today's match-up is a difficult one for me. Though Amelia was an Episcopalian who challenged theologians with low opinions of women, Philipp was involved in Luther's Reformation, which in turn directed the course of our Anglican ancestors' English Reformation. Who had a greater worldwide impact? Philipp. Who would I agree with theologically? Amelia, seeing as Philipp was a Lutheran.
I think social justice is at the heart of a compassionate theology, so Amelia gets my vote.
I went with Philip because well it is not always fun to be someone's shadow. And from previous votes I can guess Amelia is going to win.
“You shall be delivered from sins, and be freed from the acrimony and fury of theologians” -- best exit line ever from a theologian. Philipp it is (besides, I like an underdog).