1
This is a re-post from October 2014 that reflects Luther’s teaching on how to deal with false doctrine and its teachers. “Doctrine and life must be distinguished. Life is bad among us, as it is among the papists, but … Continue reading
Dr. Matthew Phillips
The English verb, ‘to chant’ derives from the Latin word, ‘cantare,’ which simply means to sing. Some form of singing or chanting existed in the Christian Church since its inception. Various forms of chanting in Christian worship evolved during the … Continue reading
Originally posted on my blog at wp.cune.edu: “And, further, if I could bring it to pass among you, I should like to ask that you do not neglect the languages but, since it would not be difficult for you, … Continue reading
“For inasmuch as the saints are always aware of their sin and seek righteousness from God in accord with His mercy, for this very reason they are always also regarded as righteous by God. Thus in their own sight and … Continue reading
“Doctrine and life must be distinguished. Life is bad among us, as it is among the papists, but we don’t fight about life and condemn the papists on that account.” (LW 54:110) Dr. Luther spoke these words at his table … Continue reading
My pastor has been teaching on Paul’s epistle to the Galatians for the past several months in Bible study. As a good Lutheran pastor he has used Luther’s lectures on Galatians to supplement our study. Luther gave these lectures to … Continue reading
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus stated, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21) St. Paul also warned against the inordinate desire for money as a hindrance to true faith. (I Timothy 6:9-10) … Continue reading
Ulrich Zwingli and his colleagues responded to Luther’s treatise, That These Words of Christ, “This is My Body,” Etc., Still Stand Firm Against the Fanatics. They attempted to refute Luther’s main points and reaffirm their own assertions regarding the Lord’s … Continue reading
“Moreover, I want to point out to you a correct way of studying theology, for I have had practice in that. If you keep to it, you will become so learned that you yourself could (if it were necessary) write … Continue reading
“In the papacy we foolish saints added one ordinance to the other. There were laws without number. These only terrified the consciences and left people languishing with thirst. The preachers only intensified the thirst. This is inevitable. The teachings of … Continue reading
This blog (at least the few posts I’ve actually made) has focused on my expertise in church history. I have desired to avoid commenting on any current issues within the Synod on this site because many others already do that … Continue reading
The answer to this question may change depending on one’s understanding of minister. If understood broadly, any Christian may serve others. However, minister usually means someone whom Lutherans commonly call a pastor today. Therefore, obviously, every Christian is not a … Continue reading
“Baptism is a very different thing from all other water, not by virtue of the natural substance but because here something nobler is added, for God himself stakes his honor, his power, and his might on it. Therefore it is … Continue reading
This is part 2 of a 3-part series; part 1 is found here In 1527 Martin Luther and Ulrich Zwingli both published significant works concerning the Lord’s Supper. Both represented responses to writings from the previous year. In his … Continue reading
Found on Historia et Memoria: “In great part we serve, teach, admonish, suffer, give consolation, and do things commanded by God for unworthy men. Here we gain nothing for our services but hatred, envy, and exile; and our whole life … Continue reading
Martin Luther and his colleagues in Wittenberg were not the only theologians to set forth a theological program of reform in the early sixteenth century. In fact, many competing visions of reform emerged. In the early 1520s Ulrich Zwingli led … Continue reading
“When schools flourish, things go well and the church is secure. Let us make more doctors and masters. The youth is the church’s nursery and fountainhead. When we are dead, where are others [to take our place] if there are … Continue reading
Since we recently observed the 495th anniversary of Martin Luther’s publication of the Ninety-Five Theses, it may be instructive to understand the history of indulgences and the development of their use in the late medieval church. A close reading of … Continue reading
For part one of this series, click here. When Martin Luther departed Worms in May 1521 his earthly future seemed bleak. According to the edict of Worms Luther was a heretical outlaw. In order to protect Luther and his own … Continue reading
In his sermon given at the funeral of Duke John of Electoral Saxony (John the Steadfast), Martin Luther stated, “a prince is also a human being and always has ten devils around him where another man has only one, so … Continue reading