The First Martin Luther (1517)

“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all. But whatever I placed in God’s hands, that I still possess.”

– Martin Luther

Why was Martin Luther Angry? (Cause for 95 Theses)

Martin Luther was angry at the Church for manipulating the poor. The poor had to give all their money to the Church in exchange for indulgences, or “passes/coupons to heaven.” The rich could easily pay into it and pass through. Luther was upset that Christian religion had become too much about money, and too little about God. He could no longer let the deceit sit on his conscience. 

What is His View of Christian Liberty?

Luther explains that Christian Liberty is a living fountain in each human being. A Christian man is the most free, but also the most “dutiful servant.” God calls us to be free in our faith by serving Him. We must love our neighbor. As we are free from all things, our faith will provide. Luther explains the idea of an outward man and an inward man. The outward man is flesh and he will perish. The inward man is soul and it is renewed every day. We have the “liberty of soul” and are spiritually free to live a full life of Christian dignity.

What do You Think of Luther’s Ideas?

Originally I had only known of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, not his views of Christian Liberty. I completely agree with Luther that the Church had become too greedy and was in need of reform. The basis of Christianity is loving our neighbors (aka equality) and giving to the needy from our own need. The poor were being given false hope and buying into it. His view of Christian Liberty was quite fascinating to me. I think the image above captures the idea of Christian freedom being a “living fountain” of Christ. We are free, but a servant of the Lord. Through our service, we become free by our faith. We have a human body that will eventually expire, but our soul will live forever. Our soul is fed by our service. Luther’s Christian Liberty provided me with a new perspective on service and one’s soul, and I greatly appreciate it.