Posted by Chris Kilgour, 8 May 2014
Lee Gatiss’ 2009 article, The Manifesto of the Reformation: Luther vs. Erasmus on Free Will, brings out two topics that have a remarkably contemporary significance. The first is the question of the clarity of the Bible; the second is the importance of salvation by grace alone. The charge that the Bible is ‘obscure’ or ‘ambiguous’ arises with alarming regularity in discussions of Christian doctrine and ethics. The result is that human voices and experiences receive authoritative status. In other words, Luther ‘may as well return to Rome and to the safety of the Pope’s “infallible” interpretations’! Luther argues that since the Bible is clear, it can be used as a standard by which to measure all teaching (whether by popes, bishops, clergy, or even politicians). It is available to be read and used by all, not just a chosen ‘priestly’ group. Ultimately, Erasmus wanted to censor parts of the Bible’s teaching, and to submit it to the pope’s authoritative interpretations. Luther, however, wanted the Bible to be taught in its entirety, without censorship. The nature of free will is ‘the question on which everything hinges’. Both Erasmus and Luther opposed the abuses in the church, but their views of salvation were completely different. The understanding of human freedom (or lack of it) was the critical part of Luther’s battle with Erasmus, because it undermined salvation by grace alone. There is a current danger that we can see opportunities to work together on ‘hot’ issues (e.g. human sexuality, gender roles), without recognising the consequences of differing views of salvation. This article is a timely reminder of the importance of the clarity of scripture, and the inherent risks of ignoring differences over salvation by grace alone in the pursuit of ‘unity’ or even co-belligerence. Luther is never dull to read, and Lee allows the great ‘elephant’ of a reformer to speak his mind with clarity and freedom! Read it here: Lee Gatiss, The Manifesto of the Reformation: Luther vs Erasmus on Free Will – Churchman 123/3 (2009): 203–25. See http://churchsociety.org/docs/churchman/123/cman_123_3_gatiss.pdf
Chris Kilgour is Curate of St Mary's Church, Chalk, near Gravesend. -
See more at: http://churchsociety.org/blog/entry/theology_thursday_the_question_on_which_everything_hinges#When:06:00:00Z
Lee Gatiss’ 2009 article, The Manifesto of the Reformation: Luther vs. Erasmus on Free Will, brings out two topics that have a remarkably contemporary significance. The first is the question of the clarity of the Bible; the second is the importance of salvation by grace alone. The charge that the Bible is ‘obscure’ or ‘ambiguous’ arises with alarming regularity in discussions of Christian doctrine and ethics. The result is that human voices and experiences receive authoritative status. In other words, Luther ‘may as well return to Rome and to the safety of the Pope’s “infallible” interpretations’! Luther argues that since the Bible is clear, it can be used as a standard by which to measure all teaching (whether by popes, bishops, clergy, or even politicians). It is available to be read and used by all, not just a chosen ‘priestly’ group. Ultimately, Erasmus wanted to censor parts of the Bible’s teaching, and to submit it to the pope’s authoritative interpretations. Luther, however, wanted the Bible to be taught in its entirety, without censorship. The nature of free will is ‘the question on which everything hinges’. Both Erasmus and Luther opposed the abuses in the church, but their views of salvation were completely different. The understanding of human freedom (or lack of it) was the critical part of Luther’s battle with Erasmus, because it undermined salvation by grace alone. There is a current danger that we can see opportunities to work together on ‘hot’ issues (e.g. human sexuality, gender roles), without recognising the consequences of differing views of salvation. This article is a timely reminder of the importance of the clarity of scripture, and the inherent risks of ignoring differences over salvation by grace alone in the pursuit of ‘unity’ or even co-belligerence. Luther is never dull to read, and Lee allows the great ‘elephant’ of a reformer to speak his mind with clarity and freedom! Read it here: Lee Gatiss, The Manifesto of the Reformation: Luther vs Erasmus on Free Will – Churchman 123/3 (2009): 203–25. See http://churchsociety.org/docs/churchman/123/cman_123_3_gatiss.pdf
Chris Kilgour is Curate of St Mary's Church, Chalk, near Gravesend. -
See more at: http://churchsociety.org/blog/entry/theology_thursday_the_question_on_which_everything_hinges#When:06:00:00Z
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