I am sitting with Martin Luther outside of a tavern on a cool, autumn evening. We both are enjoying our drinks as we get to talking about various subjects. He is eager to answer my questions regarding To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation and The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, so we begin the interview. I plan to ask a few main questions and any follow up questions that arise as we go.
Q: Immediately, you attack the general power structure of Christendom that exists between the spiritual estate and the temporal estate. You make some strong arguments against a separation between the estates. Why do you feel the church is mistaken on this issue?
A: It all comes back to the scripture. I only wish to follow the meaning of the scripture …show more content…
A priest may choose to forgo marriage in order to better devote themselves to their work; however, priests should not be forced away from marriage. It is simply denying a part of human nature to require priests to remain celibate and to avoid marriage altogether. As I write, “… since God has not bound them, no one else ought to bind them or can bind them, even if he were an angel from heaven, let alone a pope.” That ministry established by God should be granted the freedom of marriage. It is already an all too common practice that only manages to weigh down a priest’s conscience. If a priest is allowed to keep a woman at home, he should be allowed to succumb to human nature and marry her.
Q: Later on, you bring the problem of beggars. Why do you believe towns should od more to help the poor?
A: As I see it, begging is a simple problem that cities are already equipped to handle. I do not believe that is right that begging exist in any Christian town or city. Begging is bad for both the beggars and the common folk and townspeople. Of course, this all must be within reason. We must still listen to what the scripture tells us. If a poor man wishes to be wealthy, he must not refuse work and expect riches. Overall, caring for one’s poor is just another way to follow what the scripture lays out. “It is enough if the poor are decently cared for so that they do not die of hunger or cold.”
Q: In regards to The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, why do you feel so strongly about both kinds of communion being administered to the
Q: Immediately, you attack the general power structure of Christendom that exists between the spiritual estate and the temporal estate. You make some strong arguments against a separation between the estates. Why do you feel the church is mistaken on this issue?
A: It all comes back to the scripture. I only wish to follow the meaning of the scripture …show more content…
A priest may choose to forgo marriage in order to better devote themselves to their work; however, priests should not be forced away from marriage. It is simply denying a part of human nature to require priests to remain celibate and to avoid marriage altogether. As I write, “… since God has not bound them, no one else ought to bind them or can bind them, even if he were an angel from heaven, let alone a pope.” That ministry established by God should be granted the freedom of marriage. It is already an all too common practice that only manages to weigh down a priest’s conscience. If a priest is allowed to keep a woman at home, he should be allowed to succumb to human nature and marry her.
Q: Later on, you bring the problem of beggars. Why do you believe towns should od more to help the poor?
A: As I see it, begging is a simple problem that cities are already equipped to handle. I do not believe that is right that begging exist in any Christian town or city. Begging is bad for both the beggars and the common folk and townspeople. Of course, this all must be within reason. We must still listen to what the scripture tells us. If a poor man wishes to be wealthy, he must not refuse work and expect riches. Overall, caring for one’s poor is just another way to follow what the scripture lays out. “It is enough if the poor are decently cared for so that they do not die of hunger or cold.”
Q: In regards to The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, why do you feel so strongly about both kinds of communion being administered to the