When reading over Martin Luther¡¯s Treatise on Christian Liberty one section that jumped off the page, ¡°Hence all of us who believe in Christ are priests and kings in Christ¡±(63). Luther appears to refer to the Bible stating in reference to the idea that Jesus Christ was and is the only intermediary between the human being and God. In essence, Luther seems to say that any human being can serve and pray to God directly without the need or help of the church. This frees the average Christian from everything in respect to the demands of the Church, expect obedience to God¡¯s laws. In respect to the Christians, it is stated that the priests and priesthoods are more important than kings. According Richard Hooker, ¡°we are worthy to appear before God, to pray for others, and to teach one another mutually the things which are of God. For these are the duties of priests¡±. In essence, because all Christians are consider priests of God, we must all assume the responsibilities of priesthood and spread the word of the Lord.
Martin Luther¡¯s idea that there is no higher authority than the average human besides Christ is a very interesting topic. I can understand with Luther, that the there is no need for the Church. If an individual truly believes in the Lord¡¯s teachings and follows the word of God, then there is no need for a higher authority to dictate to the masses what the Lord commands and asks of, from the Christian population. I sympathize with the idea that all of God¡¯s children are the priests and kings under the Lord. It only makes sense to believe that there is only one source of the Lord¡¯s bidding and that is Jesus Christ. On the other hand though, the use of priests helps organize the Christian religion and consolidate Christian population. Inside of having thousands of individuals spread the teachings of Lord arbitrarily, the priests can make sub-groups specialized in certain areas of the Lord, which can be more effective. Also I believe that priests are earthly embodiments of what the Lord wants wishes his children to be and act like. So priests are excellent role models and sources of inspiration for modern day people to connect concerning the Lord.
Works Cited
¡°Martin Luther: The Freedom of a Christian¡± Hooker, Richard. April 17,2006 http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/REFORM/FREEDOM.HTM Updated 6-6-1999
¡°Martin Luther¡±. Published: 3/17/04.updated: 2/24/05. 2004-2006 ReligionFacts. http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/people/luther.htm
Martin Luther: Selections from His Writings. Martin Luther. Edited John Dillenberger. New York. Anchor Books Double Day. 1962. pp. 63
Cited: ¡°Martin Luther: The Freedom of a Christian¡± Hooker, Richard. April 17,2006 http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/REFORM/FREEDOM.HTM Updated 6-6-1999 ¡°Martin Luther¡±. Published: 3/17/04.updated: 2/24/05. 2004-2006 ReligionFacts. http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/people/luther.htm Martin Luther: Selections from His Writings. Martin Luther. Edited John Dillenberger. New York. Anchor Books Double Day. 1962. pp. 63
You May Also Find These Documents Helpful
-
Martin Luther’s challenge to the Catholic Church was initially motivated by all of the following except:…
- 521 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
In the sixteenth centenary the Roman Catholic Church was the ruling power in Europe. They had created an empire and controlled the land and the people. There was nothing more that people feared at this time than being excommunicated from the church. For this reason, people would not dare challenge the church as they feared going to hell. A man by the name of Martin Luther joined the Catholic church as he searched to find himself and save his soul. He quickly realized that the Catholic church was full of corruption and took a stand. Martin Luther wanted to expose the church and follow God the right way. Luther believed that faith alone and a change of heart was enough for a person to be saved from the hell. Martin Luther had a conservative way of thinking however he had many liberal ideas.…
- 672 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Martin Luther made radical statements challenging Papal authority, the deliverance of relief of purgatory via a monetary gain by the church, and exposing the corrupt dogma that exemplified the Roman Catholic Church. Luther, after stating the errors of the church, established what he believed was justification by faith. Luther reduced the amount of sacraments to those that were plainly supported by scripture verses the church’s use of sacraments by conjecture, he denounced the sale of paradise, and propounded that the Bible was the true religious authority, whereas, the church gave authority to a fallible man. Furthermore, Luther’s original intent was not to initiate a reformation, but was to allow for academic debate. Luther found questions regarding the church and theological misconduct that would force him to separate from the church in Rome and establish…
- 1160 Words
- 5 Pages
Good Essays -
Martin Luther has impacted many people. He was a professor of theology and a German priest and wrote the 95 thesis. His revolutionary ideas served as the catalyst for the eventual breaking away from the Catholic Church and were later instrumental in forming the movement known as the Protestant Reformation. Luther wrote his radical “95 Thesis” to express his growing concern with the corruption within the church. In essence, his thesis called for a full reform of the Catholic church and challenged other scholars to debate with him on matters of church policy. Luther published his “95 Thesis” fully realizing that he faced excommunication and even death for protesting the traditions and beliefs of the Catholic church. To do so was considered heresy…
- 367 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
"The 95 Theses of Martin Luther (1517)." The Ninty-Five Theses of Martin Luther (1517). N.p., n.d. Web (http://www.crivoice.org/creed95theses.html)…
- 448 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
Luther was a revolutionary after his excommunication because of his writing: On the Babylonish Captivity of the Church. This writing caused the official break with Rome, and the creation of a new system of faith.…
- 315 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Martin Luther's Address of the Christian Nobility was written in 1520 in Germany. This was the beginning of the Protestant Reformation of which he was very involved. It was during the Renaissance and people were beginning to second guess the catholic church. Especially princes of lands because they did not like having to be under the ultimate rule of a “Holy Roman Emperor.” This would become important to Luther's journey because, after he was deemed a “criminal” and had to keep on the move, these nobles would offer his shelter in their castles while he fought to live and spread what he believed to be the true Gospel.…
- 1133 Words
- 5 Pages
Good Essays -
This help the christians be able to read the bible as it said in the text, “Luther said that all Christians were priests, and, therefore, all…
- 286 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
Martin Luther believed that the church was not following the plan originally set out for them many years ago. Luther believed that indulgences were just the church using people for their…
- 478 Words
- 2 Pages
Good Essays -
The beliefs of Martin Luther stated that every individual possessed their own relationship with God. This statement is prevalent in Luther’s work, “The Sermon on Good Works”. In this piece of writing, Luther stated that only faith in God would get an individual salvation. Good works, acts made throughout life to better something or someone, would not help a person receive salvation. This went against the Catholic Church’s doctrine, which stated that an individual would receive God’s grace and salvation by accomplishing these Good Works. Essentially, Luther’s statements were revolutionary. To rally against a prevalent theme in the popular religion was a brave, if not inspired way to introduce a different method of thought.…
- 114 Words
- 1 Page
Good Essays -
1. According to Luther, Sola File (faith alone) should be enough to get you into heaven where as the church said you need to be good as well. 2. Luther’s position of Sola Scriptura, saying the Bible alone is authoritative while the church also believes in the church’s teaching. 3. Luther’s “Priesthood of all Believers,” arguing that individuals did not need an intermediary between himself and God. 4. Communition, also the consubstantiation, Luther thinks that bread and wine is still bread and wine and not literally the blood and body of Jesus. He just believed that there is a miracle because Jesus is present at…
- 1439 Words
- 6 Pages
Good Essays -
However Martin Luther was steadfast in his beliefs and appeared to be quite brave in the face of the very powerful and oppressive Roman Catholic Church. He was quite educated, and though he was very critical and confrontation in his written and spoken words, he was nonetheless peaceful in his actions. His words and works brought about significant change. Depending on religious points of view, some may agree and others disagree with Martin Luther and his specific teachings. However, one thing that few if any would disagree with is that Martin Luther changed the world he lived in for what he believed to be the better. He stood up for his belief system and tirelessly worked toward a goal of change and reform. He had the courage to stand in the face of an empire – one in which he was a part of and put down his foot and say “this isn’t right” and then go on to make things different. In the end that is exactly what being a leader is all…
- 1260 Words
- 6 Pages
Better Essays -
"World History, Volume II [Paperback]." World History, Volume II: William J. Duiker, Jackson J. Spielvogel:…
- 289 Words
- 2 Pages
Satisfactory Essays -
There was an argument between two great scholars, Robert Kolb and Hans Kung on whether Martin Luther’s reform improved the lives of European Christians. Kolb agreed that martin Luther made a positive impact on European Christians and he concluded that Luther was a prophetic hero, teacher and that Luther brought change and hope to the people. Kung on the other hand believes that Luther was a great orchestrator of change in the Christian church but also an indirect instigator of the violence and oppression that erupted among the people. In other words Luther had some positive effects but left more negative consequences on the people. This essay’s main focus is to identify which argument appears to be more convincing and persuasive but for better understanding of the subject of argument, this essay will first begin with a summary of the main points proposed by the scholars.…
- 683 Words
- 3 Pages
Good Essays -
Kolb, Robert. Called to milk cows and govern kingdoms: Martin Luther 's teaching on the Christian 's vocations. Concordia Journal. 39 no 2 Spr 2013, p 133-141. Web Article.Kuske, David P., Gerald Kastens, Karl Walther, Daniel Witte, Michael Zuberbier, Lyle E. Albrecht, Owen A. Dorn, Paul Burmeister, and Gary Shea. Luther 's Catechism Lessons. Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Pub. House, 2003. p 91-98. Print.Monday, William A. Rainbow Savior. Bloomington, IN: WestBow, p 139-159. 2014. Print.…
- 1568 Words
- 5 Pages
Powerful Essays