Luther on righteous government
theology quote of the week
Since the beginning of the world it has been true, and it remains true, that spiritual and temporal authority are more often given to the Pilates, Herods, Annases, and Caiaphases than to godly men such as Peter, Paul, and others. There are always more evil men than godly ones in the government as in all other estates. Moreover, . . .
Anselm's prayer for love and friends
theology quote of the week
O blessed Lord and Savior, who has commanded us to love one another, grant us grace that, having received your undeserved bounty, we may love every man in you and for you. We implore your clemency for all; but especially for the friends whom your love has given to us. Love them, O Fountain of Love, and make them to love you . . .
Come to me, all who labor...
theology quote of the week
Christ himself exclaims in Matthew 11 [:28], “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will help you.” In this way you may view your sins in safety without tormenting your conscience. Here sins are never sins, for here they are overcome and swallowed up in Christ. He takes your death upon himself and strangles it so . . .
Luther on the Gospel
theology quote of the week
The truth of the Gospel is this, that our righteousness comes by faith alone, without the works of the Law. The falsification or corruption of the Gospel is this, that we are justified by faith but not without the works of the Law. The false apostles preached the Gospel, but they did so with this condition attached to it. The . . .
on mystery and the modern life (quote)
The lack of mystery in our modern life is our downfall and our poverty. A human life is worth as much as the respect it holds for the mystery. We retain the child in us to the extent that we honor the mystery. Therefore, children have open, wide awake eyes, because they know that they are surrounded by mystery...We destroy the . . .
on individuality (quote)
True individuality is measured by this: how long or how far one can endure being alone without the understanding of others. The person who can endure being alone is poles apart from the social mixer. This person is miles apart from the one who manages successfully with everyone – the one who possesses no sharp edges. God never . . .
on constant chatter (quote)
I avoid public gatherings as much as possible, for the discussion of worldly affairs so quickly snares and encumbers the soul.…Why is it that we are so ready to chatter and gossip with others, when we so seldom return to silence without some injury to our conscience? Perhaps the reason we are so fond of talking is that we think . . .
