Paria Amini
Mr. Bengford
English II WWH6
March 7, 2006
Martin Luther vs. The Roman Catholic Church
ŇUnless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of popes and counsels, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of GodÉ Here I stand, I can do no other, God help me, AmenÓ (Martin Luther). With these words Martin Luther stood before the Roman Catholic Church leading one of the greatest reformations in history. On November 10, 1483, cries of young Luther were heard all over Eisleben, Germany. While growing up, LutherŐs father desired for Luther to pursue a career in law. LutherŐs future, however, resided in the church. In 1507, at the age of 24, Luther entered the priesthood. His love of theology influenced Luther to analyze the Scriptures at a deeper level. His studies placed him before the high Roman Catholic court, where he argued each and every one of the faults he found within the church. Martin Luther argued against, and succeeded, in all of his accusations against the Roman Catholic Church having presented biblical evidence and clear reason which supported his beliefs concerning God, faith, and eternity.
Luther argued vehemently against the ChurchŐs views on GodŐs position in the church concerning the scriptures, theology regarding God, and GodŐs authority. One of LutherŐs most persuasive arguments focused around the interpretation of the scriptures. Luther denied that the pope should be the final analyst of the scripture. The Bible, GodŐs word, inspired by God, could be interpreted freely by GodŐs people (With regard to plain reason, common sense, and scriptural evidence). Luther further deciphered the reason why the scriptures should be translated by God alone. The Pope, being a mere human, could be prone to mistakes, and an unstable voice in this matter. No matter what the church stated about the scriptures, the church could not change the truth which the scriptures proclaim. ŇThe gospel is not believed because the church confirms it, but rather because people sense that it is the Word of GodÓ (Luther). In this quote, Luther stressed the power which GodŐs Word contains. The Church translated the Bible allegorically, meaning the Church interpreted scripture according to their presiding doctrines. Luther however, insisted in this quote the fact that the Bible should be explained literally, the way God intended. This being the case, Luther felt determined to not only expose the reality of the scriptures, but even the very theology which concerned God himself. During 1532 Luther declared, ŇTrue theology is practical and its foundation is Christ, whose death is appropriated through faithÓ (Luther). Three particular aspects of this statement, contain vital importance in regards to this Ňtrue theology.Ó : 1) The foundation of theology can be found in Christ. 2) The work of Christ can only be understood through faith. 3) True theology should be practically oriented, its sole focus being the redemption of mankind. LutherŐs bold statement created uproar in the Catholic Church, since Luther did not pursue the popular presiding theology of the imitation of Christ. Other concerns were held by Luther, in relation to God; even regarding GodŐs say-so within the confines of the religious institutions of LutherŐs time. His beliefs as to GodŐs authority (more specifically GodŐs sovereign authority) went against the views held by the church. Luther denied the fact that the pope could act as the supreme authority of the church. Moreover, no one in the Church must be allowed absolute authority. Since Luther believed this responsibility was GodŐs alone. The popes and ecclesiastical counsels must be held accountable to God. After all, church members, being servants of God, should their lives under the guidance of GodŐs word and authority. Luther also said that since God and the scriptures are the cornerstones of the Catholic religion, then they (the scriptures) should dictate the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church (Luther). This statement, made by Luther, stated clearly, that whatever president may have existed within the Catholic Church, must be replaced with absolute biblical truth. After all, the Church cannot be based on doctrines of man, but rather, on the word of God.
LutherŐs views on
the Catholic faith differed greatly with those of the Catholic Church;
specifically in regards to the scriptures, the church, and marriage. In the
1500Ős the only translation of scripture available to Europe, was written in
Latin, a language incomprehensible to the commoners. Moreover, citizens were
not even permitted to own a Bible, read scripture, or meditate on GodŐs word.
Therefore many relied on whatever popes as well as other church leaders
asserted as biblical truth. Luther
believed the BibleŐs purpose was to be read, and understood by all.
(Luther) This statement, made by
Luther, summarized his views and opinions regarding the intended purpose of the
scriptures. His ideas about the way the Church should be run only furthered the
gap between himself and the Roman Catholic Church. He believed that every follower
of Christ belonged to part of the church and possessed a specific role. Luther
used biblical scripture to prove his point concerning the body of Christ. ŇJust
as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is
with Christ's body. We are all parts of his one body, and each of us has
different work to do. And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to
each other, and each of us needs all the othersÓ (New International Version,
Romans 12:4-5).This verse reflects the importance of each person within the
church, and how the church cannot function with a part missing, just as the
body cannot function without all of its parts being complete and in harmony
with each other. The Church obstinately disagreed with Luther, since their system
of beliefs focused mainly around the pope and other church officials. In
coherence with his beliefs regarding the Catholic faith, Luther presented a powerful
argument concerning the subject of marriage. Luther presented this statement because
the Catholic Church did not see marriage fondly, especially for those
associated with the priesthood. As for himself, Luther married a nun and did
not see any issue with the proposition of marriage. In fact, he conferred
marriage as being a gift from God. Furthermore, contrary to the beliefs held by
the Catholic Church at the time, Luther also stated that even though marriage
and children were intertwined, he did not see in any way the purpose of
marriage limited to only procreation. The Church opposed Luther fervently,
stating that celibacy best expressed Gods desire for all nuns, priests, and men
of the cloth. Yet, Luther knew God had created marriage to be a beautiful
relationship between a man and a woman. CelibacyŐs design was intended only for
those few, with the specific spiritual calling which came along with being
celibate (Luther). This being the
case, one can see that itŐs increasingly obvious that God designed men and
women to be attracted to one another with the purpose of wanting his creation
to multiply. These facts alone,
point towards GodŐs pleasure and approval of marriage.
LutherŐs views on eternity stood in direct opposition with those of the Roman Catholic Church concerning purgatory, indulgences, and salvation. Purgatory remained a huge controversy in the 1500Ős. Purgatory which when defined, describes the waiting place between heaven and hell, a state of limbo in which one would be confined in until deemed worthy to enter heavenŐs gates. Luther argued that the Bible states only the validity of heaven and hell; a belief which leaves no room for any sort of middle ground. Therefore, if the Catholic Church believes the Bible to be the complete, infallible word of God, then they must believe every aspect of the Bible to be true. The Catholic Church preached that purgatory served the purpose of being a place where one remained until they became able to gain complete forgiveness for their wrongdoings. The Bible, however, clearly states that the atonement of Christ contains every necessity, so that any man to be forgiven and enter the gates of heaven. ŇThere is forgiveness of sins for all who turn to ChristÓ (Luke 24:49). This verse supports LutherŐs stance, since its origin lies within the scriptures itself. Luther further addressed the subject of eternity in regards to the issue of the sale of indulgences. Indulgences were very popular among many at the time, who eagerly wished to enter the immaculate gates of heaven. Luther knew that truth lied solely in the fact that God forgives all who ask for forgiveness for any sin. ŇBut if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrongÓ (1 John 1:9). This verse points out the truth that any sin can be forgiven if confessed to God. The purchase of indulgences had no benefit to anyone; expect the Church, who made quite the profit from the sale of indulgences. Luther believed salvation could not be purchased, the same way which forgiveness could not be bought. He reprimanded the Catholic Church, and advised them to stop their sale of indulgences, for one cannot buy entrance for himself or anyone else into heaven. Faith in God, and belief in the person of Christ, provides the only path to heaven. ŇFor God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal lifeÓ (John 3:16). This verse shows how eternal life can be granted to any human who has faith in Christ.
Thus through biblical evidence and clear reason, Luther proved each and every one of his claims about God, faith, and eternity for which he argued so passionately against the Roman Catholic Church. The focus of LutherŐs teachings challenged believers to pull away from the Catholic ChurchŐs false doctrines of religious relics and holy indulgences. That salvation only had one condition, which came through a faith and belief in the person of Jesus Christ. LutherŐs teachings are as true and real today as they were over five hundred years ago, and they will continue to stand the test of time.
