Justin Taylor reminded me:
488 years ago, April 17-18, Martin Luther stood trial at the Diet [formal assembly] of Worms [a small town on the river Rhine in present-day Germany). (It's properly pronounced, I believe, something like "DEE-et of Voerms," not "DIE-et of Wirms.")
On the 17th Luther was asked whether certain writings were his and if he would revoke them as heretical. He asked for time to compose his answer--he prayed for long hours and consulted with friends, and returned the next day to give his famous answer.
On the 17th Luther was asked whether certain writings were his and if he would revoke them as heretical. He asked for time to compose his answer--he prayed for long hours and consulted with friends, and returned the next day to give his famous answer.
"Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen."
Who was eating worms? :D
Posted by: Alvin | April 17, 2009 at 12:19 PM
"Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen."
great answer.
Posted by: ?olanda Qondonassis | April 17, 2009 at 01:34 PM
And thus began the downfall of Western Civilization.
Posted by: BillyHW | April 17, 2009 at 03:23 PM
Now now, be nice BillyHW
Posted by: Brad | April 17, 2009 at 04:59 PM
Under the rubric: Never read a sentence, I believe the entire quote is the following:
"Unless I can be instructed and convinced with evidence from the Holy Scriptures or with open, clear, and distinct grounds of reasoning . . . then I cannot and will not recant, because it is neither safe nor wise to act against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me! Amen."
Hayden
Posted by: Hayden Jones | April 17, 2009 at 06:31 PM
"Unless I can be instructed and convinced with evidence from the Holy Scriptures or with open, clear, and distinct grounds of reasoning."
Nothing like putting Descartes before the horse. :-)
Posted by: Francis Beckwith | April 17, 2009 at 08:14 PM
Hi Francis, I dont get it, I mean I get the "da'cart before the horse" thing, but what did Luther do that was Descartes-ian?
Posted by: Brad | April 18, 2009 at 12:17 AM
If all would only study Luther's Bondage of the Will, and try your best to disprove any of it. Upon finding that it cannot be done, we wouldn't even begin to wonder if people like Rob Bell (currently in the other thread), or the churches we attend are worth our time or not.
Posted by: pro life | April 18, 2009 at 04:43 AM
In 1521, Luther faced harsh official punishment for his heresy. His popularity and connections saved him.
Today, Bell may be branded a heretic (in the first words of the first comment), but he's in no danger.
I hope this trend continues to spread until heretics are safe worldwide.
RonH
Posted by: RonH | April 18, 2009 at 05:59 AM