Faithful Friday: Martin Luther

Perhaps the most controversial figure in Western Christianity, Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Saxony. His father had become prosperous in the copper industry, and made enough to give young Martin a good education.

Martin Luther was educated in Latin at the Mansfield Latin school, in 1488. He later moved on to study with the Brethren of the Common Life, a lay order who encouraged personal piety. They had a great influence on Luther. He then moved on to study at the University of Erfurt, where he was first exposed to Scholasticism. Luther then continued his education, planning on becoming a lawyer as his father had wished.

However, in 1505, everything changed. Luther survived a violent thunderstorm, which had terrified him to such a great degree that he had vowed to become a monk if he survived. Martin Luther followed through on this, much to the chagrin of his father, and joined the Order of St. Augustine. Here, he was ordained as a priest, and celebrated Mass for the first time in 1507.

Luther continued his study of theology at the University of Wittenberg, where he was transferred. Luther played an active role in the order, even being transferred to Rome itself to represent the Augustinians. In Rome, Luther found himself disgusted by the lack of piety within the heart of Western Christendom. Luther returned to Wittenberg in 1512, to complete his doctorate in theology.

Martin Luther was a very conscientious man, and suffered greatly from scruples. He often feared that he was in danger of going to Hell, and spent many hours in the confessional, to the aggravation of his confessors. This led to him often despairing of the state of his soul, fearing that he would never be right with God.

In the year 1517, another event occurred which changed Luther’s life entirely. Martin Luther had gotten word that a certain monk named Bother Tetzel had been preaching that the purchase of an indulgence would forgive sins. This moved Luther to write his famous 95 Theses, which he nailed to the door of Wittenberg chapel on October 31, 1517. He also sent copies to a number of friends and Tetzel’s superior, Bishop Albern of Mainz.

The 95 Theses became incredibly popular in Germany, with thousands of people reading the work. It was clear from Luther’s tone in the Theses that he had no intention of sparking the Reformation; he only intended to bring the theological issue of indulgences to the church’s attention. Official proceedings to determine the work’s orthodoxy commenced in Rome nonetheless.

By 1518, Martin Luther had come to a different understanding of the doctrine of salvation than his peers. He had come to the conclusion that Salvation was entirely a work of God’s grace, and that we contribute nothing to it. All who call on the name of Christ are justified by faith in him.

After much controversy and trials, the Pope had determined that Luther’s various writings contained 41 heretical sentences. He did not, however, define which sentences had deserved such a verdict. Luther was then given 60 days to recant. As we are all aware, he did not recant. Luther was formally declared a heretic in 1521.

Luther was given a formal hearing at the Diet of Worms. Though apologetic of his intemperate use of language, Luther flatly refused to recant any of the substance of his statements unless convinced by Scripture or reason. Neither the Church nor the state could convince him otherwise. The edict of excommunication still stood.

However, Luther had friends in high places. Frederick III of Saxony took Luther to Wartburg Castle, where he began the work of translating the Bible in the German vernacular, along with several other writings. This was possibly his greatest contribution; not only could a common citizen read and understand the Bible in his own tongue, but the translation had a profound impact on the German language.

By 1525, Luther had met and married Kathrine Von Bora, with whom he had six children. Katherine had an intellect which rivaled Martin Luther, and contributed to many theological discussions around the dinner table. She was also an excellent household manager and helped Martin control his often volatile temperament.

Having weathered many storms of life with wit and steadfast trust in God, Martin Luther died on February 18, 1546. He had endured many trials both physical and spiritual, and while he was by no means perfect, he still maintained his childlike faith in God, which had allowed him to survive through the tumultuous times he lived in.

May we also approach God with that same childlike trust in His goodness and forgiveness.