Gene Veith posts on Pope Benedict XVI’s upcoming meeting to discuss Martin Luther.
Pope Benedict XVI is to rehabilitate Martin Luther, arguing that he did not intend to split Christianity but only to purge the Church of corrupt practices.
Pope Benedict will issue his findings on Luther (1483-1546) in September after discussing him at his annual seminar of 40 fellow theologians — known as the Ratzinger Schülerkreis — at Castelgandolfo, the papal summer residence. According to Vatican insiders the Pope will argue that Luther, who was excommunicated and condemned for heresy, was not a heretic.
I wonder what Doktor Luther would have to say about this!
If only “Luther at the Movies” were still blogging. Surely, he would comment in Martin’s stead.
March 7, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Something tells me Luther would have a good sharp and snide remark to Ratzinger something along the lines of, “Ohhh why thank you for ‘assuring’ me that I didn’t split Christianity, I’m just wondering if you are willing to admit that you and your religion of snakes are the ones who split Christianity”. OR
“Why thank you for telling me something I’ve known since I stood on the Word of God.”
But it would definitely be a nice stinging-biting remark that would leave Ratzinger feeling like a fool.
March 7, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Yes, Luther does seem to have been full of biting comments. Not one of the things that has endeared him to me.
It certainly seems proper for the pope to do this. I realize he’s going to hold to views that aren’t seen as Biblical, but acknowledging the truth (Luther didn’t want to split the church) is virtuous whether or not one is a Christian. So you have to give that to him.
On the other hand, there still seem to be some issues outstanding: Pope as successor of Peter, indulgences, faith, grace, works and salvation, and so on…
March 8, 2008 at 2:04 pm
It still cannot be denied that from his deathbed, Luther was pleading, begging and screaming for a Catholic Priest to hear his confession. His followers would not allow a priest anywhere near Luther, so sadly, he died without the sacraments.
March 8, 2008 at 3:58 pm
“Luther at the Movies” was channeled by Anthony Sacramone, the Lutheran editor at First Things, and he DID comment on this briefly as a contributor at the First Things blog:
http://www.firstthings.com/blog/2008/03/06/pope-to-luther-oops/
March 8, 2008 at 4:00 pm
And, James, where did you get that? His final words were saying “Ja!” when a pastor asked if he continued in his confession. . . I’ve read the scholarly biographies and there is nothing about what you say. I suspect this is a Catholic urban legend, unless you can give me a source.
March 8, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Whoa! Dr. Veith is in the Planet! Excuse me while I go geek out. Thanks for posting!
March 8, 2008 at 5:02 pm
I was under the impression that Luther’s final words were something to the effect as saying, “We’re all beggars in the kingdom”. I hope it is, because I love that line. In sense it really sums up our theology as people “of the empty hand”. Always understanding the poverty of spirit, and always finding our riches, our hope, and our righteousness in Christ.
March 8, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Oh wow, I just realized that! Dr. Veith, welcome to the Planet!! I’m going to join OB1-K in “geeking out”.
March 9, 2008 at 1:15 am
Just to be clear, the two James above are different James. I will now go by Janky-o.