The Unholy Trinity: Martin Luther Against the Idol of Me, Myself and I

by Michael A. Lockwood

Luther’s view—that anything we fear, love, or trust more than the true God is effectively our god—is widely applicable to the contemporary Western world, and unmasks the religious nature of many of our ostensibly secular commitments.

The first step in treating any disease is an accurate diagnosis. A wrong one may kill you; it certainly will not cure you. This is true not only for diseases of the body, but also for those of the soul. If we as Christians are to be servants of the great Physician, bringing his healing to a world sick with sin (Luke 5:31–32), then it is vital that we recognize the true nature of this illness.

Since idolatry lies at the heart of all sin, idolatry is everyone’s problem. The human self is always the most significant idol that lies at the heart of all other outward expressions of false belief and devotion. When people refuse to fear, love, and trust the true God they are compelled to find substitutes for him and all the essential roles he plays in human life. This means finding substitutes for all three members of the Trinity and all the work they do in God’s administration of his creation.