Luther: Selected Political Writings: Selected Political Writings

by Martin Luther

Martin Luther, pivotal figure of the sixteenth-century Reformation, continues to exercise a powerful influence in the affairs of the twentieth century, not just in the area of religion but also in the political sphere. The direction and desirability of that influence is a matter of dispute. J. M. Porter, a political scientist, here presents revealing selections from nine of Luther's more important writings, all excerpted from the American Edition of 'Luther's Works.' His texts suggest the complexity of the Reformer's thinking, its theological base, and the situational focus of his political utterances. Professor Porter also provides a helpful introduction in which he clarifies the meaning and implications of Luther's famous "two kingdoms" theory, whereby the state is freed both from domination by the church and from the temptation to dominate the conscience of its citizens. Here are to be found generous excerpts from the seminal writings which shaped the Reformation and continue to influence the course of events in our time. They illustrate Luther's innovative ideas about the nature of temporal authority, political obligation and its limits, church-state relations, and political resistance, Luther's plain and often pungent words will be of interest to students of history, religion, political science, and ethics - to everyone concerned about the issues of freedom and authority, ideology and politics, violence and nonviolence, war and freedom.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Politics

162 pages, Paperback

First published September 23, 1974

About the author

Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a German monk, theologian, university professor and church reformer whose ideas inspired the Protestant Reformation and changed the course of Western civilization.

Luther's theology challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the only infallible source of religious authority and that all baptized Christians under Jesus are a spiritual priesthood. According to Luther, salvation was a free gift of God, received only by true repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah, a faith given by God and unmediated by the church.

Luther's confrontation with Charles V at the Diet of Worms over freedom of conscience in 1521 and his refusal to submit to the authority of the Emperor resulted in his being declared an outlaw of the state as he had been excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. Because of the perceived unity of the medieval Church with the secular rulers of western Europe, the widespread acceptance of Luther's doctrines and popular vindication of his thinking on individual liberties were both phenomenal and unprecedented.

His translation of the Bible into the vernacular, making it more accessible to ordinary people, had a tremendous political impact on the church and on German culture. It furthered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation, and influenced the translation of the English King James Bible. His hymns inspired the development of congregational singing within Christianity. His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage within Protestantism.

Much scholarly debate has concentrated on Luther's writings about the Jews. His statements that Jews' homes should be destroyed, their synagogues burned, money confiscated and liberty curtailed were revived and used in propaganda by the Nazis in 1933–45. As a result of this and his revolutionary theological views, his legacy remains controversial.

Reviews

[Andrew Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short book contains nine articles about the reform of Christian Estates, rights and duties of the Peasants, whether soldiers can be saved, the war against Turks and his warning to the German people.

Luther developed three major doctrines as a foundation of his political thought: the primacy of Scripture as the word of God, justification by faith and the priesthood of all believers.

He argues that clergy should not be a separate caste and that each Christian has a right to be selected by his community to represent it and care for their spiritual needs. He reminds his readers that - "In times gone by, Christians used to choose their bishops and priests from their own number, and they were confirmed in their office by the other bishops without all the fuss that goes on nowadays. St. Augustine, Ambrose and Cyprian each became a bishop in this way."(p.41)

He also argues whether the pope is the only one who can call a council. He quotes the Acts of Apostles to show that the first one was not called by St. Peter but by the apostles and elders (p.47). Even the Council of Nicea was called by the emperor Constantine.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh

[Louis Hensler · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful little collection, but I prefer the Cambridge collection on Luther and Calvin.