Not just for

he story of one man's struggle of faith, his protest against the practices of the church and his desire for change can be an inspiration to all people, area pastors say.

"Luther" is a movie not just for Lutherans but has messages for all Christians, said the Rev. Robert Heinrichs, associate pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson.

The film about16th century religious leaderMartin Luther hit the big screen Friday -- premiering in 300 U.S. cities, including a run at Town Plaza Cinemas in Cape Girardeau.

"It's about the struggle with life and faith and what makes you right before God. It's an issue that everyone needs to deal with," Heinrichs said.

Area Lutheran congregations hope the independent film sparks an interest in the church and spreads the word about their faith's founder.

Luther's "life was characterized by a disturbing tug-of-war between a strong faith and temptation, hardness and vulnerability, decisiveness and feud," said Brigitte Rochow, the film's producer.

"Luther" tells the story of the one-time monk whose 16th-century protests in Germany eventually led to the Protestant Reformation, which spawned many denominations in addition to Lutheranism.

The film is historically accurate and can be a vehicle for helping bring history to life, Heinrichs said. He expects many in the Jackson congregation to see the film, and some of the older students at Jackson's St. Paul Lutheran School are likely to attend a viewing.

Eighth-grade students at Trinity Lutheran School in Cape Girardeau usually study Luther's life during October as part of the Reformation Day observance. Reformation Day is observed on Oct. 31.

This year the students, and those at Saxony Lutheran High School, will view the film on Friday, in advance of their Reformation studies. The idea is to help bring the story of Lutheranism to life, said teacher Melanie Martens.

Many faiths were influenced by Luther's actions and his understanding of justification and faith -- nearly every Protestant religion can trace some of its heritage to Luther's reformation. His 95 theses and protest against indulgences and other practices of the Catholic Church led to a revolution of faith. His theories resonated with peasants and civil authorities in Germany. Luther was eventually excommunicated by the Roman Catholic Church for his beliefs and lived the later part of his life as an outlaw. He married a former nun and the couple raised six children. He died in Eisleben, Germany, in 1546.

For an anniversary

The film about Luther's life was the brainchild of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, a financial services organization, as a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Aid Association for Lutherans, the predecessor to Thrivent.

German film company Neue Filmproduktion of Berlin invested $18 million and Thrivent contributed $10 million to the $30 million necessary for the project. The remaining money came through a variety of other gifts and endowments.

Thrivent officials hope that the film can give a historical icon a human quality like the 1998 film "Elizabeth" did for Queen Elizabeth I or tell an epic story like "Braveheart."

It stars actor Joseph Fiennes, known for his role in "Shakespeare in Love" as Martin Luther,Alfred Molina as Johann Tetzel, a German preacher, and Academy Award winner Sir Peter Ustinov as Frederick the Wise, prince of Saxony.

"Luther" joins the list of religious films and shows appearing at the movies or on television. The controversial film by Mel Gibson, "The Passion" is set for release in February. "The Gospel of John," based on the book of Scripture also premieres this weekend in select U.S. cities but the film won't reach Missouri until late November.

And CBS debuted its new drama "Joan of Arcadia" Friday. The drama is loosely based on the story of Joan of Arc; the main character gets visits from God. Another show, "Tru Calling,"is about a woman who learns she can stop near-death experiences before they happen.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126