Author Archives: Matthew Phillips

Augustine, Luther, and the Sacraments

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“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 →

Posted in Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, sacraments | 2 Comments

Humanity, Reason, and Education

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“Nature, the mother of all things, has equipped brute animals with more means to fulfil the functions of their species; but to man alone she has given the faculty of reason, and so she has thrown the burden of human … Continue reading →

Posted in education, eloquence, Erasmus, teaching | Leave a comment

Luther on Faith and Love

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“The truth of the Gospel is this, that our righteousness comes by faith alone, without the works of the Law.  The falsification or corruption of the Gospel is this, that we are justified by faith, but not without the works of … Continue reading →

Posted in gospel, grace, Love, Martin Luther | Leave a comment

Family is the seed-bed of political community

Posted on April 20, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“For since it is by nature common to all animals that they have a drive to procreate, the first fellowship exists within marriage itself, and the next with one’s children.  Then, there is the one house in which everything is … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, community, Politics | Leave a comment

Luther at the Diet of Worms

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“To see excitement and dissension arise because of the Word of God is to me clearly the most joyful aspect of all in these matters.  For this is the way, the opportunity, and the result of the Word of God, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christ, Martin Luther, Worms | Leave a comment

Natural Fellowship

Posted on April 6, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“Perhaps, though, we should examine more thoroughly what are the natural principles of human fellowship and community.  First is something that is seen in the fellowship of the entire human race.  For its bonding consists of reason and speech, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicero, eloquence | Leave a comment

Wisdom, knowledge, and information

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“The Eagle soars in the summit of Heaven, The Hunter with his dogs pursues his circuit. O perpetual revolution of configured stars, O perpetual recurrence of determined seasons, O world of spring and autumn, birth and dying! The endless cycle … Continue reading →

Posted in poetry, T.S. Eliot | Leave a comment

Luther on Depression and Consolation

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“When I’m morose I flee above all from solitude.  Christ was himself tempted by Satan when our Lord was alone in the wilderness….in short, spiritual anguish exceeds bodily suffering by far.  The anguish of Judas–‘you have betrayed innocent blood’–became for … Continue reading →

Posted in depression, gospel, Martin Luther | 1 Comment

Luther Discusses Lombard

Posted on March 10, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“Peter Lombard was adequate as a theologian; none has been his equal.  He read Hilary, Augustine, Ambrose, Gregory, and also all the councils.  He was a great man.  If he had by chance come upon the Bible he would no … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, Peter Lombard | 1 Comment

She Has Talent without a Woman’s Weakness

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“There are now many honorable ladies who surpass the daughters of Thomas More in all kinds of learning; but among them all the most shining star, not so much for the clarity of her mind as for the splendor of … Continue reading →

Posted in Elizabeth I, Johann Sturm, Learning, memory, Roger Ascham, teaching | 2 Comments