Apr 03, 2007 six points on luthers epistle of straw almost five hundred years after the fact, roman catholics still scrutinize martin luther. You wrote in 1522, in the preface of your german translation of the new testament, st. Im a protestant as ive pointed out many times, and i agree with a lot of luther did, but wasnt it a little disingenuous of him to want to remove the book of james and hebrews because he thought he thought it contradicted his theology. Martin luthers revelation of saved by faith is the foundation for his split from his. James martin sj books list of books by james martin sj. Nestingen is the author of numerous books, including the faith we hold and editor, with robert kolb, of sources and contexts of the book of concord. Aug 27, 2011 martin luther king and the king james bible martin luther king memorial, august 2011.
King took his theme from the book of revelation and john. Martin luther struggled greatly with james not by faith alone jam. In this case the works james was speaking of was merely controlling your tongue. Nestingen is professor of church history emeritus at luther seminary in saint paul, minnesota.
Martinschramm 3 curriculum vitae population perils and the churches response, geneva. Not most troubling, but perhaps most in need of clarification today among some lutherans and reformed types, is what you said about the epistle of our lords brother, james. The believers study bible states that luther, at least for a period of time, thought that the book of james contradicted what he believed was the apostle pauls teaching that justification came by faith alone article on the canonicity of the manuscript. Martin luther and the book of james shameless popery. Im a protestant as ive pointed out many times, and i agree with a lot of luther did, but wasnt it a little disingenuous of him to want to remove the book of jamesand hebrews because he thought he thought it contradicted his theology.
Perhaps none of martin luthers writings on the bible are as harsh as what he wrote about the revelation of jesus christ revelation 1. See all books authored by james martin, including objectoriented methods. And the key word to come to terms with is word, which appears four times in the passage verses 18, 21, 22, and 23. We personally assess every book s quality and offer rare, out of print treasures. Martin luther s hostility to the book of james is wellknown, and ive mentioned it in other contexts, but i wanted to consider today the implications for the lutheran view of justification, at the heart of the reformation and of modern catholicprotestant disputes. He was a prominent leader of the civil rights movement and a nobel peace prize laureate who was known for his use of nonviolence and civil disobedience. James martins most popular book is the jesuit guide to almost everything. Why he said, god resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Tobit, judith, 1st and 2nd maccabees, wisdom, sirach and baruch, as well as sections from the books of esther and daniel. James is the first of the catholic or general epistles which gain their name because they lack any specific address. Although the name michael appeared on his birth certificate, his name was later changed to martin luther in honor of german reformer martin luther as king was growing up, everything in georgia was segregated, 70 years after the confederacy was defeated and blacks were later separated away from white people. We personally assess every books quality and offer rare, outofprint treasures. Martin luther king was born in atlanta, georgia, on january 15, 1929.
The following is the translation from luthers works, vol. Thats where the foundation of jamess call to action is plainest. Early in his work as bible lecturer and translator luther expressed doubt as to whether james, hebrews, and revelation are truly apostolic part of the inspired new testament. According to a book by james nestingen, on luthers gospel discovery, his tower experience, i agree with nestingen and lohse that it probably coincided with his name change from luder the luther, a small change based on the greek word for freedom, elutherius. While the lutheran confessions specifically did not define a canon, it is widely regarded as the canon of the lutheran church. Why did martin luther discard the book of revelation. Nestingen has taught church history at luther seminary in st. In fact, he once offered his doctors cap to anyone who could reconcile it with romans 3. In other words, luther taught that the book of james contradicted the doctrine of sola fide, or justification by faith alone. He is a nationally recognized luther scholar as well as a popular speaker and lecturer. This scripture must have posed quite a problem for martin luther. August 28 remains, of course, the anniversary of kings.
Martin luther, founder of the protestant reformation, referred to the book of james as an epistle of straw. Luthers controversial writing concerning the epistle of james and the revelation can be found in volume 35 of luthers works, american edition, pages 395397 and 399400. After his assassination, he was memorialized by martin luther king jr. Some question whether origen doubted the authenticity of james, 1 but his. Protestant reformer martin luther cogwriter although protestants like to think positively about martin luther because of his supposed belief in sola scriptura the bible alone, the truth is that martin luther changed parts of the bible and discounted the value of many books notice a change he admitted to regarding romans 3. Five hundred years ago, luther reclaimed the gospel from the medieval church, but did he leave the book of james behind. He didnt think it expressed the nature of the gospel, it appeared to contradict pauls statements about justification by faith, and it didnt directly mention christ. Now in green are some comments that luther originally made that were in editions of his bible prior to 1530. It really is amazing how frequently this citation appears. Luther was also frustrated by the worksemphasis of the book of james, calling it the epistle of straw, and questioning its canonicity.
Perhaps none of martin luther s writings on the bible are as harsh as what he wrote about the revelation of jesus christ revelation 1. This group of books begins with the book of hebrews, and in its preface luther states, up to this point we have had to do with the true and certain chief books of the new testament. Here are a couple quotes from him from luther works vol. Martin luthers hostility to the book of james is wellknown, and ive mentioned it in other contexts, but i wanted to consider today the implications for the lutheran view of justification, at the heart of the reformation and of modern catholicprotestant disputes. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone james 2. Here we see the apostate priest, martin luther, denigrating the book of james because it contradicts his new idea of justification by faith alone. I basically felt like i was the object of a barrage of facts. James does not mention the passion, the resurrection, and the spirit of christ is inane, for his readers knew the apostolic deposit there was no need to mention the very basis and essence of the living faith which was known to those reading the epistle. Martin luther king jr was assassinated on 4th april 1968. A vital blueprint for ensuring our future, and more on. Tomorrow august 28 was to have been the day for officially opening the new and longawaited martin luther king memorial in washington, dc. If im not mistaken, martin luther discarded the book of james and revelation in his initial version of the bible. In some cases, luther argues that it was not written by an apostle. He called james a straw epistle because he thought james was opposing paul on justification through faith alone.
Jun 27, 2014 james is an intensely practical book, filled with exhortations to christians about the way they should live their lives now that they have been given new life in jesus. To martin luther, james was an epistle of straw that had nothing of the nature of the gospel about it. Nestingens book gave me valuable insight on the life of martin luther and the reformation. However, to state my own opinion about it, though without prejudice to anyone, i do not regard. James does not imagine that work is at odds with faith. The bible knowledge commentary admits, in its preface to this biblical book, that it was well known that martin luther had problems with this new testament work. That epistle of james gives us much trouble, for the papists embrace it alone and leave out all the rest. It differs from the 1546 roman catholic canon of the council of trent in that it rejects the deuterocanonical books and. Jul 09, 2009 early in his work as bible lecturer and translator luther expressed doubt as to whether james, hebrews, and revelation are truly apostolic part of the inspired new testament. Including famous quotes from his speeches, stirring photographs from his many public appearances, and a timeline of important events, this book introduces kings message of nonviolence in an engaging way. While there were others who voiced exception to the views of the two. Luthers comment about james being an epistle of straw, as compared to the theological signifiance of pauls writings, is his most well known comment on the book.
However, a careful look at the context of the book of james reveals that the author is reminding christians that good works flow from saving faith. James martin books list of books by author james martin. Except for 1 peter and 1 john the catholic epistles have played more of a part in molding the christian church than pauls letters. James is the first of the catholic or general epistles which gain their name because they lack any specific address 2. Martin luther was born to hans and margaretha luder on 10 november 1483 in eisleben, germany and was baptised the next day on the. Hurricane irene delayed these plans along with so much else. Now in green are some comments that luther originally made that were in. To luther, the book of james seemed to support the idea that people contributed to their salvation by their good works. James martin has 40 books on goodreads with 42653 ratings. Luther removed seven books from the canon of scripture.
Nestingen was one that i read for work and while i feel like i learned a lot, i dont think it was all that enjoyable. In fact, luther referred to the book of james as an epistle of straw and. The book of james is so clear that it even says that your religion is worthless if it does not include the proper works. Six points on luthers epistle of straw almost five hundred years after the fact, roman catholics still scrutinize martin luther. Why did martin luther change his surname from luder to. However, to state my own opinion about it, though without prejudice to anyone, i do not. James epistle is really an epistle of strawfor it has nothing of the nature of the gospel about it luther, m. Many people believe that james earl ray wasnt acting alone and that there was a conspiracy to have king assassinated.
These changed dramatically from his early career, where he showed concern for the plight of european jews to his later years, when embittered by his failure to convert them to christianity, he became outspokenly antisemitic in his. He famously described james as an epistle of straw, because it talked about law and good deeds rather than faith, the keystone of luthers theology. The edition of 1530 omitted in spirit, thought, and words. The biblical book of james is full of wisdom and is regularly quoted by ministers preaching against gossip the section on taming the tongue in chapter three is powerful stuff. Luthers canon is the biblical canon attributed to martin luther, which has influenced protestants since the 16thcentury protestant reformation. Still, luther had concerns about the book of james, as well as the books of. Namnet luther kommer ursprungligen fran det tyska namnet lothar. Ive asserted that luther appears to have held lifelong doubts about the canonicity of james.
Christians, why did martin luther want to remove the book. Martin luthers description of the epistle of james changes. Six points on luthers epistle of straw james white. But many people know martin luthers opinion of the book, or think they do, and wonder whether james is really to be placed on the same level as the gospels or paul. A high point in jamess life in relation to his belief in. Be that as it may, here is a quick overview of this intensely practical epistle. He was best known for improving civil rights by using nonviolent civil disobedience, based on his christian beliefs. Luther wrote that johns gospel and his first letter, pauls letters and peters first letter are the books that show you christ and teach you all that is necessary and salvatory for you to know, even if you were never to see or hear any other book or. A life 2003 and sources and contexts of the book of concord coeditor, 2001. One the most popular quotations from luther is the infamous epistle of straw remark, directed at the canonicity of the book of james. Study james using martin luthers bible commentary to better understand scripture with full outline and verse meaning.
According to a book by james nestingen, on luther s gospel discovery, his tower experience, i agree with nestingen and lohse that it probably coincided with his name change from luder the luther, a small change based on the greek word for freedom, elutherius. Discount prices on books by james martin sj, including titles like the religious monitor, and evangelical repository, 18367, vol. Jun, 20 luther famously referred to the book of james as an epistle of straw, purportedly because of its lackluster portrayal of the gospel and the ease with which it might be used to foster doctrines of worksrighteousness. Martin luther november 10, 1483 february 18, 1546 was the first and most distinguishable leader of the great religious revolt of the sixteenth century in germany. Though not decisive, there is good evidence for the epistle of james. January 15, 1929 april 4, 1968 was an american pastor, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the africanamerican civil rights movement. Did martin luther really want james taken out of the bible. While the lutheran confessions 1 specifically did not define a canon, it is widely regarded as the canon of the lutheran church. Revisited ive written a lot on luthers opinion on the book of james and the canon. Yet, the book of james explains just the opposite concerning salvation.
Thriftbooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. Martin luther, the licentiate examination of heinrich schmedenstede, july 7, 1542. A festschrift in honor of larry rasmussen, coedited with daniel t. Martin luther king and the king james bible manifold. Nestingen is the author of numerous books, including martin luther. Howard hendricks of dallas theological seminary often said that when one reads this book, he or she has the uneasy feeling that james had been reading hisher mail. The book is concise and to the point, easy to read and understand for the layman as well as the clergyman.
Except for 1 peter and 1 john the catholic epistles have played more of a part in molding the christian. Luther and the epistle of straw the calvinist international. Heres the full context of luthers evaluation from his preface to the new testament. Books by james martin author of the jesuit guide to. Check the memorials website for updates on the ceremony plans for the future. I understand the he discarded james because of the problematic verse james 2. He famously described james as an epistle of straw, because it talked about law and good deeds rather than faith, the keystone of luthers. A foundation, uml edition 2nd edition, and the meaning of the 21st century. His down to earth descriptions are gems, this is the work of a great mind. Books by james martin author of the jesuit guide to almost. Martin luther changed andor discounted 18 books of the bible. Martin luther 14831546 was a german professor of theology, priest and seminal leader of the reformation.
Martin luther var son till hans luder eller ludher, senare luther 20 och margarethe fodd lindemann. Martin luther 14831546 martin luther november 10, 1483 february 18, 1546 was a christian theologian and augustinian monk whose teachings inspired the protestant reformation and deeply influenced the doctrines of protestant and other christian traditions. His positions on judaism continue to be controversial. Heres what luther had to say about the book of james. Christians, why did martin luther want to remove the book of. The james to whom the book is traditionally ascribed is not the brother of john martyred by herod acts 12.
Luther famously referred to the book of james as an epistle of straw, purportedly because of its lackluster portrayal of the gospel and the ease with which it might be used to foster doctrines of worksrighteousness. Luther s canon is the biblical canon attributed to martin luther, which has influenced protestants since the 16thcentury protestant reformation. An augustinian monk, priest, and professor of theology, he launched the protestant reformation and founded the lutheran church. This new celebration of the unique food of the british isles sees james travel from islands to highlands, cooking and eating everywhere from cornwall to scilly, jersey and guernsey, isle of man to shetland, the peak district, lake district and yorkshire moors, and from wales to skye. It is filled with allusions to and quotations of the teachings of jesus, and it includes more imperatives per word than any other new testament book. Its written in the style of an academic conference paper and so lacks some pep. Although we cannot go into the long debate about luther and the book of james here, we can inquire briefly whether jamess emphasis on work is at odds with the protestant rejection of justification by works. Martin luther, the celebrated catalyst of the protestant reformation, famously took issue with the book of james. Martin luther was openly critical of james, and he wondered whether the epistle belonged in our bibles. Martin luther facts, quotes, timeline, 95 theses, reformation. Also irritated with the complex symbolism of the book of revelation, he once said that it too, was not canon, and that it should be thrown into the river. James is an intensely practical book, filled with exhortations to christians about the way they should live their lives now that they have been given new life in jesus. Luthers comment about james being an epistle of straw, as compared to the theological signifiance of pauls writings, is his most wellknown comment on the book.
699 1297 1015 1251 246 725 1452 785 337 775 80 880 353 196 1150 639 133 1368 1317 281 278 99 1507 478 409 225 608 186 1016 999 230 520 149 719 520 1099 800 825 231 686 1389 156 1479 1257 1457 736 821