Protestants: Requiem for the Reformer

In the stone-grey East German city of Wittenberg, where Martin Luther posted his 95 theses, last week banners proclaiming SOCIALISM WILL CONQUER THE WHOLE WORLD overhung the main streets. At kiosks, vendors peddled a new kind of Kewpie doll — portly and dressed in the brown robes of an Augustinian monk. In one shop window, portraits of Luther and Lenin glared at each other across the open pages of an ancient Bible. Thus was the 450th anniversary of the Reformation celebrated in the midst of a "democratic socialist" republic.

Thanks largely to...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!