Luther's Sermon on Infant Baptism

Top 2. Aug 13, 1999 7:22 AM

» H2O - Support for position

Catherine:

Can you cite example of where you feel Luther places himself above the apostles and Mary, Jesus' mother? It is extremely difficult to respond to such a vague statement--and you may be entirely correct.

As a whole, I find that Luther goes back to Scripture. And while God used the Apostles to convey His saving message to the New Testament Chucrh, Mary was simply the person--yes, a sinful person who "rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:47)--who carried our Lord for nine months and then nurtured and raised Him to adulthood.

-- posted by H2O

Top 3. Aug 14, 1999 5:37 AM

» StCatherine - Hi John

My post should have started with a "You know . . ." That's what I was thinking. No a "You." Just a "you" sounds cross, doesn't it? I did not mean to convey "grouchiness." Sorry, about not proofreading my post.

In the very first paragraph of this article, I think the number is 18, I thought Luther sounded a little patronizing to the Apostles and Mary.

I've read most of your articles which are excerpts of Luther's work and found I didn't like the "tone." Its is harsher that what I expected from what I have read in history texts. (Protestant and Catholic - I went to a Protestand seminary.) I don't know if Luther intended to come across so strongly or if its a cultural or translation issue. Maybe that's the way they talked or maybe the translation isn't good.

Does Luther sound angry to you?

-- posted by StCatherine

Top 4. Aug 16, 1999 6:25 AM

» H2O - Luther's tone

One of the weaknesses of Luther (and we all need to keep in mind Luther was a sinful human being just like we all are, and he was also justified through the blood of Christ just like we all are) is his frank and blunt speech. Many translators have sought to tone down Luther's quotes, but does that do the man justice? One of the benefits which Melanchthon provided Luther was his ability to convey Luther's thoughts and ideas in a more evangelical manner. Luther especially had harsh words and, yes, used cynicism and a tart tongue, for what he felt were abuses and false doctrine. Sometimes you wonder how such a man could teach in a university or be considered a church leader. But once again, God uses the improbable to do the impossible.

-- posted by H2O

Top 5. Aug 16, 1999 8:05 AM

» ears4u - Luther & Infant baptism

Would that we had more today who spoke with such straightforwardness. We must also remember that words have changed meanings a great deal in the past 450+ years.

I seem to recall that Jesus tended to speak to the established churchmen of His day with a rather sharp tongue.

-- posted by ears4u

Top 6. Aug 17, 1999 4:19 AM

» StCatherine - I enjoy

the laughter and ease with which I converse with most Protestants today over our differences.

The joy of salvation is important to me.

I wish someone would do an "Essential Luther" with the extremes in emotion taken out, leaving the facts, only the facts.

-- posted by StCatherine

Top 7. Aug 20, 1999 6:16 AM

» H2O - Regarding Mary

I picked up a book, which came with a CD, called "Mary Did You Know?" A small book, set up as a gift for Christmas, with blurbs from different Christian writers about Christmas (I was disappointed that they didn't use any quotes from Luther. He was always mezmerised like a child by the events in and around Bethlehem). The CD has a very touching song whose lyrics comprise the book. Thoroughly enjoyable!

-- posted by H2O