Category Archives: Martin Luther

Dr. Luther on War and Peace

Posted on December 3, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“It is indeed a splendid and needful thing to build strong castles against one’s enemies; but that is nothing when compared with the work of a prince who builds a stronghold of peace, that is, loves peace and administers it. … Continue reading →

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The Languages and the Gospel

Posted on November 21, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“Although the gospel came and still comes to us through the Holy Spirit alone, we cannot deny that it came through the medium of languages, was spread abroad by that means, and must be preserved by the same means.  For … Continue reading →

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The Freedom of the Christian

Posted on November 7, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“To make the way smoother for the unlearned—for only them do I serve—I shall set down the following two propositions concerning the freedom and the bondage of the spirit:                 A Christian is … Continue reading →

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Swine for the Slaughter

Posted on September 8, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“God gives the ungodly mighty kingdoms, riches, lands and houses, making them to enjoy greatness and abundance.  But when swine are fed and fat, the question of bacon and sausage introduces a struggle.  A slaughterer–a sausage-maker–appears, perchance, to slaughter the … Continue reading →

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God Makes Rulers Mad

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“For God the Almighty has made our rulers mad; they actually think they can do–and order their subjects to do–whatever they please.  And the subjects made the mistake of believing that they, in turn, are bound to obey their rulers … Continue reading →

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Luther on the Crusades

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“The popes have never seriously intended to wage war against the Turk; instead they used the Turkish war as a cover for their game and robbed Germany of money by means of indulgences whenever they took the notion….If they had … Continue reading →

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God’s Little Puppet Show

Posted on June 6, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“Now the blind world, because it does not know God and his work, concludes that it is owing to its own cleverness, reason, and strength that a community or dominion endures and thrives.  Accordingly, they gather together great treasures, stuff … Continue reading →

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Luther on Rulers and History

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Matthew Phillips

“A prince must also be very wise and not always try to impose his will, even if he has the right and the best of all reasons to do so.  For it is a far nobler virtue to put up … Continue reading →

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The Word Became Flesh

Posted on December 27, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“…we believe the Scriptures and confess with holy Christendom, which existed at all times and will endure till the end of the world, that this article of our holy Christian creed, together with all others, is firmly and solidly established … Continue reading →

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Martin Luther, Augustine and the Languages

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Matthew Phillips

“And, further, if I could bring it to pass among you, I should like to ask that you do not neglect the languages but, since it would not be difficult for you, that you have your preachers and some of … Continue reading →

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