Luther: Five Myths

Most Luther myths take his actions, some bold and some ordinary, and stretch them larger than life. Yes, Luther may have nailed 95 Theses to the door, but this was not the act of an angry radical railing against a church he intended to leave. In historical context, nailing theses to the door—next to the announcements about upcoming weddings and other events—was simply one way to begin a public debate.Yes, Luther struggled mightily with what he called “the devil’s” temptations to believe he was damned, but there’s no evidence he actually hallucinated the devil’s presence in the tower at Wartburg castle.Yes, Luther defended his teachings publicly and refused to back down under threat from excommunication, but his refusal was more formal and nuanced than the quotable quote that has been passed down.

The other danger of Luther myths is that they engrave in stone a few shaping moments of a long and complex life. Luther was not always the young monk on fire to reform the erring Roman church. He was also a reformer in hiding, a teacher struggling to spread his message, a husband and father, and an aging man who saw the movement he started move far beyond what he might ever have imagined. Like us, he grew and changed, and like us, he had different roles to play at different times. No one can always be the defiant
reformer saying,“here I stand,” nor should we be. Sometimes we have to be the human beings who are ready to change our minds in dialogue with others. Sometimes we are the peacemakers helping other warring parties to reconcile. Sometimes we are simply weak and dying human beings (as Luther was), praying for God’s help and mercy because we can do nothing more with our lives.

The Myth’s Stories ….

1. Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg church because that was the place to post information and announcements. He didn’t do it to cause a riot, but because he knew that people would read it. If you strongly believe in something and want to begin an open discussion about it, how would you go about advertising it?

2. Martin Luther believed so strongly in the books that he wrote that he couldn’t renounce them. He wasn’t purposely trying to defy the authority of Teaching Time the pope. He simply believed in what he wrote, and that belief was based in God’s word. The Fourth Commandment tells us to honor our mother and father. Name one example of how you can honor them if you don’t agree with them about something.
3. Luther never intended to start his own church. He didn’t want people to call themselves, “Lutherans,” but rather “Christians,” because we belong to Christ and not Luther. Although it’s okay to call yourself a Lutheran, remember that you are, first and foremost, a Christian.

4. For some Christians, the Christmas tree is an important part of their Christmas season. For some, it’s not. What role does the Christmas tree play in your family and how can you relate that to the birth of Christ?

5. Metaphorically speaking, Luther once threw his inkwell at the devil. What can you say or do to chase the devil out of your thoughts?

In the comment section, share some of your answers (click on comments and comment away)

Key Words

TRUTH means the actual state of a matter—a verified or indisputable fact.
MYTH is a traditional or legendary story that is handed down from one generation to another.
FAITH is trust in a person or thing—belief in God and in the doctrines and teachings of religion.
SALVATION means deliverance from the power and penalty of sin.

** FAMILY TIME ***

• Open a Bible to Psalm 86:11. Choose someone to read the verse aloud.Then have everyone share an Example of how you can walk in God’s truth.

• What myths do you have as a family? Are there any that have a deeper meaning even though, on the surface, they might not seem to? Were any passed down from a previous generation?

• Share with your parents the finger labyrinth you received in large group. As a family memorize Psalm 86:11.After you have all “walked” through the labyrinth, talk about some thoughts you had as you
focused on Psalm 86:11.

• Have each family member write the name of one person with whom they could share their faith during the following week. Commit to praying for those individuals, asking God to give you an opportunity to share how God has changed your life.

Please share what you did during family time on the comment page (once again, click on comment page and type away)