MARTIN LUTHER THE FREEDOM OF A CHRISTIAN (1520) 1

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Martin Luther, The Freedom of a Christian (1520)

Martin Luther, The Freedom of a Christian (1520)


1. What does the “open letter to Pope Leo X” tell us about Luther’s personality? His diplomatic skills? What should the church have done about Luther?


2. Luther uses numerous scripture passages (and most importantly, Romans 10:19) to argue that the word of God, and faith in that word, trumps all works. Why is it so inconceivable to Luther that a combination of faith and works could suffice to achieve salvation?


3. What, according to Luther, is God’s plan for human beings? What is the sequence of events, challenges, mental states, etc. that characterize the path to salvation? How do you think Luther conceives of God’s personality or character? Is his God different in character from the God of medieval and late medieval Catholicism?


4. Keep track of the metaphors Luther uses to describe the relationship between God and human beings, e.g., p. 61, Christ as the “rich and divine bridegroom” who marries a “poor, wicked harlot.” What do they suggest about his social attitudes?


5. What role does traditional body/mind material/spiritual dualism play in Luther’s doctrine of justification by faith alone?


6. Luther is developing his conception of the priesthood of all believers in The Freedom of a Christian. Yet here and later he continues to endorse some sort of professional clergy. Why? How does that clergy differ from the Catholic priesthood?


7. In the second part of The Freedom of a Christian Luther reintroduces “works” as an essential feature of human life on earth. Why? What kinds of “works” does he bring back? Why is obedience to earthly authority so key for him? How should the true Christian live his/her life?


8. What kinds of things mark The Freedom of a Christian as a transitional work? What was the political situation at the time Luther wrote the tract? To what extent is he trying to “hold back” more radical kinds of reform?


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