Category Archives: Martin Luther

Offices of Princes

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“The offices of princes and officials are divine and right, but those who are in them and use them are usually of the devil. And if a prince is a rare dish in heaven, this is even more true of … Continue reading →

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This Shameful Vice: Luther On Greed

Posted on June 19, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“We daily see what a shameful, cursed vice greed is and what harm it does, especially in high offices and estates both spiritual and secular. If the greed-devil possesses a pastor’s or a preacher’s heart, so that (like the rest … Continue reading →

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

Adoration of the Sacrament

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“Everything depends on these words.  Every Christian should and must know them and hold them fast. He must never let anyone take away from him by any other kind of teaching, even though it were an angel from heaven [Gal. … Continue reading →

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No Word Sounds Sweeter

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Matthew Phillips

“Your word pierced me like the sharp arrow of the Mighty. As a result, I began to compare your statements with the passages of Scripture which speak of poenitentia [repentance]. And behold — what a most pleasant scene! Biblical words … Continue reading →

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Martin Luther on Monastic Vows

Posted on July 22, 2022 by Matthew Phillips

“There is no doubt that the monastic vow is in itself a most dangerous thing because it is without the authority and example of Scripture.  Neither the early church nor the New Testament knows anything at all of the taking … Continue reading →

Posted in Martin Luther, Reformation, theology | 1 Comment

Winning Hearts and Minds

Posted on March 19, 2022 by Matthew Phillips

On March 6, 1522, Martin Luther returned permanently after an approximately ten-month stay in the Wartburg Castle.  The electoral duke of Saxony, Frederick the Wise, had sent Luther to the Wartburg after the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, issued the … Continue reading →

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God Crowns His Own Gifts

Posted on November 23, 2021 by Matthew Phillips

One day someone asked Martin Luther whether godly persons should expect merit for their good works that result from their justification.  Luther answered that even the justified were still sinners, who pray for forgiveness and live under grace.  While God … Continue reading →

Posted in Augustine of Hippo, justice, Martin Luther | Leave a comment

Arise O Lord: The Political Origins of Luther’s Reformation

Posted on October 13, 2021 by Matthew Phillips

In his sermon given at the funeral of Duke John of Electoral Saxony (John the Steadfast) in 1532, Martin Luther stated, “a prince is also a human being and always has ten devils around him where another man has only … Continue reading →

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Flattery Gets You Nowhere

Posted on June 23, 2021 by Matthew Phillips

“I prefer to be frank and not have anyone misled by flattery. I can testify that although my shell may be hard, still my kernel is soft and sweet.  I wish no one harm, but desire everyone to carefully consider … Continue reading →

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Mercy in Moderation

Posted on May 7, 2021 by Matthew Phillips

In 1534 Martin Luther published a commentary on Psalm 101.  He used this commentary as an opportunity to write a manual for the Christian prince.  In August 1532, John Frederick the Magnanimous became the Electoral Duke of Saxony with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Aristotle, Cicero, Martin Luther, Politics | Leave a comment