Luther Spiritual And Temporal Authority Analysis

Luther’s understanding of spiritual and temporal authorities in 1523 is still prominent in the modern day government. Luther believed the bureaucratic leadership is a way to maintain order in a chaotic and sinful world even though Luther realized the state could also be dictatorial. Limits to the state are necessary for fear that the secular political power will persecute the faith. Luther stated the idea that Christian’s should not have temporal authority or law since they can rule themselves with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. However those who are not Christian’s must have temporal authorities so they do not implement their wicked deeds.
Luther wrote, Temporal Authority: To What Extent It Should Be Obeyed in 1523 for the Duke of Saxony, John the Steadfast, Landgrave of Thuringia and all Christians who desired to know what extent they are required to obey temporal authority and whether a Christian can have a position in …show more content…
The Kingdom of God is composed of the Children of Adam who are the true believers and the non-Christians belong to the Kingdom of the World. Being a citizen of Christ requires us to serve the Church, pray, and follow His example. In order to be a good citizen of the world we are expected to perform our job as a member of society and obey the laws of the government. Luther reminds us to “Behave in such a way that you bear everything so that you may not need the governing authority to help you and serve you, but that you in turn may help and serve it, being beneficial to it” (Luther 436). Being a part of the Kingdom of the World requires us to know what our duties, rights, and obligations are so that we can have the correct relationship with the state. As a Christian it is our responsibility to advance the prosperity of our country and oppose the views that try to limit our salvation and our