Author Archives: Matthew Phillips

The Complaint of Professor Luther

Posted on September 30, 2024 by Matthew Phillips

“I am a very busy person. Four persons are dependent on me, and each of them demands my time for himself. Four times a week I preach in public, twice a week I lecture, and in addition I hear cases, … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, teaching | Leave a comment

The Big Lie and the Truth

Posted on August 25, 2024 by Matthew Phillips

“I know it is the fashion to say that most of recorded history is lies anyway. I am willing to believe that history is for the most part inaccurate and biased, but what is peculiar to our own age is … Continue reading →

Posted in George Orwell, grammar, philosophy, reason | Leave a comment

A Burning Passion for Domination

Posted on July 31, 2024 by Matthew Phillips

“There is a clear difference between the desire for glory before men and the desire for domination. There is, to be sure, a slippery slope from the excessive delight in the praise of men to the burning passion for domination; … Continue reading →

Posted in Augustine of Hippo, government, Politics, Rome, Sallust | Leave a comment

Speaking Before Kings

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Matthew Phillips

“I am tremendously pleased to have lived to this moment when Christ, by his staunch confessors, has publicly been proclaimed in such a great assembly by means of this really most beautiful confession. And [so the word] is fulfilled: ‘I … Continue reading →

Posted in Augsburg Confession, government, Martin Luther | Leave a comment

Helena Found a Cross

Posted on May 21, 2024 by Matthew Phillips

“For in the night a glowing man appearing to [Constantine] showed him the sign of the Holy Cross, and promised a victory to him through this sign. After he was awakened, he recalled the dream to friends, and the cross … Continue reading →

Posted in Cross, Honorius Augustodunensis, medieval, theology | Leave a comment

Hanging Thieves

Posted on April 23, 2024 by Matthew Phillips

“Kings and princes ought to look into this matter and forbid them by strict laws. But I hear that they have a finger in it themselves, and the saying of Isaiah [1:23] in fulfilled, ‘Your princes have become companions of … Continue reading →

Posted in government, Martin Luther | Tagged | Leave a comment

Court In Session

Posted on March 8, 2024 by Matthew Phillips

“And if those three should come to court, namely God, man, and the devil, the devil and man would have no objection to make against God. For the devil would be convicted of the injury which he did to God … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ, medieval, Peter Lombard, theology | Leave a comment

Liberty, Fraternity, Equality

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Matthew Phillips

“The process of execution was also a sad and heartrending spectacle.  In the middle of Place de la Revolution was erected a guillotine, in front of a colossal statue of Liberty, represented seated on a rock, a cap on her … Continue reading →

Posted in French Revolution, government, Politics, virtue | Leave a comment

Ceremonies

Posted on December 26, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“In the meantime, I have considered your wish, and it seems wise to me that I should shortly publish something setting forth (as I have written) a form of the celebration of the mass.  Meanwhile, abolish all private masses if … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, Reformation, theology | Leave a comment

In Remembrance of Amalek

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

On October 28, 2023, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his speech to announce the invasion of Gaza in response to an attack by Hamas with a reference to the enemy of the ancient Israelites: Amalek. He referred specifically to King … Continue reading →

Posted in Crusades, Honorius Augustodunensis, preaching, Urban II | Leave a comment