Intrepid Lutherans: Dr. Martin Luther on the Christian's obligation to evaluate doctrine

Intrepid Lutherans: Dr. Martin Luther on the Christian's obligation to evaluate doctrine

MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2011

Dr. Martin Luther on the Christian's obligation to evaluate doctrine

Share|

Dear Readers,

Now that we have attempted to clarify what is and is not adiaphora – mostly what it’s not – we need to address the following questions:

1. Who is to decide which teaching and practices are true and correct and which are not?
2. Who has the right to judge doctrine?
3. Is this something that only seminary professors and district praesidia may do?

Early in the Reformation Luther was faced with similar questions. In the following treatise he very clearly emphasizes that it is not church leaders especially, but rather everyone and all Christians equally – the sheep of Christ! – who have the power and right to judge doctrine.

This treatise was published in May of 1523, of which we publish the first half, below. The translation is from Luther’s Works, Vol.39, page 305 and following. Some sections have been highlighted for emphasis, and headings have been added for clarification.

Pastor Spencer