Martin Luther Letter to Pope Leo X

This is the English translation of a letter sent by Martin Luther to Pope Leo X in 1518. Martin Luther had previously published his “95 Theses” and was starting to get into trouble with Rome. This letter accompanied his “Resolutions to the 95 Theses”.

Martin Luther tells the Pope that clergy are using the Pope’s name to intimidate people into giving money they cannot afford to give. He also tells the Pope he will follow whatever punishment the Pope declares for Martin Luther speaking out.

My favorite quote from this letter is: “But necessity compels me to be the goose that squawks among the swans.”

Here is the full letter in context:

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Martin Luther’s 95 Theses in Latin and English

The original text of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses in original Latin and translated English text. More correctly the 95 Theses was actually called the “Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences” by Dr. Martin Luther (1517).

English text first, Latin text follows:

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Martin Luther Tells Nuns OK to Lose Chastity

Ok, so my post title is a little dramatic, but not far from the truth. On August 6th, 1524 Martin Luther writes an open letter to nuns which includes the words:

“Though womenfolk are ashamed to admit to this, nevertheless Scripture and experience show that among many thousands there is not a one to whom God has given to remain in pure chastity. A woman has no control over herself.  God has made her body to be with man, to bear children… He has also ordered man and woman to be in marital union. Suffice it to say that no one needs to be ashamed over how God has made and created him, not having been given the high, rare mercy to do otherwise.”

I can understand why the Catholic church does not care for him even some 500 years later. I can also understand why I find him sometimes frustrating, sometimes embarrassing, and sometimes utterly delightful…

The full letter appears below with the full passages in context translated from the original German.

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Martin Luther – Let Your Sins Be Strong

Is it true that Martin Luther of the Reformation said “Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong.” Yes, it is. But the second half of that sentence was “but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world.”

Here is that passage in it’s original context; a letter from Luther to Melanchthon on August 1, 1521. If you like you can scroll directly to number paragraph thirteen for the complete passage.

This is also the letter where Martin Luther expresses his favor for allowing monks to marry.

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The Wit of Martin Luther

Wit of Martin Luther
Wit of Martin Luther

“I’m like a ripe stool and the world’s like a gigantic anus, and we’re about to let go of each other.” – Martin Luther?

Some of the last words spoken by Martin Luther? I ran across this online and searched to verify it. I know Martin Luther to be crass, but THIS crass? Sure enough, it’s quoted in “The Wit of Martin Luther” which I happen to own a copy of here in China. It was purchased at a church sheet music conference hosted by Augsburg Press. So for the moment this seems legit. Can anyone find a cross reference on this? I still have my doubts…

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Catholic Church stand on cloning of Neanderthals?

This was posted on one of my discussion forums. They poster claims the classic church is against the cloning of humans, but not the cloning of animals. So they wonder what the stance of the Catholic Church will be on the latest rumors of upcoming cloning of Neanderthal DNA. The point in question – are Neanderthals a separate species that died out or close enough in DNA to count as “human”?

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Opening the Door to Luther with Rick Steves

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GkyptKvtKQ

Join public television host, author and ELCA Lutheran Rick Steves as Mosaic takes you on a journey through Lutherland! Travel from Eisleben where Luther was born to the university town of Wittenberg where he taught and preached. After a pilgrimage south to the Vatican in Rome, the program follows the tumultuous events of the Reformation at Worms, Erfurt, Eisenach, Marburg and Augsburg.

Katie Luther: The Morning Star of Wittenberg

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4h6NoxNhmE

Video produced by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Katie Luther: The Morning Star of Wittenberg looks at the life of the woman Katie Luther, the woman who helped 16th century reformer Martin Luther change the course of history. Katarina von Bora Luther (1499-1552).

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16th Century German Folk Song

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xQwUL71PAY

From the author:
This is a german folk song from the 16th century. My singing sucks, I still have to rehearse the accompaniment I developed on the guitar. Singing will be next. Maybe I’ll come up with a better version soon.

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Keyed Fiddle – Alter Reigen

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bpcDe7mEXM

From the video author:
My new keyed fiddle (“Schlüsselfiedel” in German, “nyckelharpa” in Swedish). This instrument was common throughout the German speaking areas until the 17th century – from then on, it was kept only in the area of Uppland in Sweden, where the art of the instrument was rediscovered in the 20th century.

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