Category Archives: Martin Luther

Augustine, Luther, and the Lord’s Supper

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“Holy Christendom has, in my judgment, no better teacher after the apostles than St. Augustine.  Should this dear and holy teacher be so reviled and defamed by the fanatics as to be regarded as the cloak and support of their … Continue reading →

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Luther on Writing

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“Some think that the office of writer is simple and easy, that real work is to ride in armor and suffer heat, cold, dust, thirst, and other discomforts.  It is always the same old story: no one sees where the … Continue reading →

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Luther, Persecution, the Cross, and Martyrdom

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

I am working on a presentation for a symposiusm at Saint Louis University from June 17 through June 19, 2013. http://smrs.slu.edu/ My paper will examine the relationship between Martin Luther’s understanding of martyrdom and the theology of the cross.  Particularly, it will … Continue reading →

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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

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 →

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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 →

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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

He almost loved Luther

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Matthew Phillips

“I know of no one who loathes the ambition, the avarice, and the sensuality of the clergy more than I–both because each of these vices is hateful in itself and because each and all are hardly suited to those who … Continue reading →

Posted in Francesco Guicciardini, Martin Luther, papacy, Renaissance | Leave a comment

Schools, Pastors, and Preachers

Posted on December 6, 2012 by Matthew Phillips

“Now I have preached and written a great deal urging that good schools should be established in the cities in order that we might produce educated men and women, whence good Christian pastors and preachers might come forth so that … Continue reading →

Posted in education, Martin Luther, teaching | Leave a comment