Luther's teaching was closely linked to his belief in the Bible, as well as unconsciously, his interpretations were closely tied to medieval tradition. Its rebellion was against Catholic organization and ritual but not against Catholic doctrine.
(1) Agreement with the basic principles of the Bible
Luther's doctrines were based on a new edition of the Holy Bible. He accepted many such rules which were not explicitly prohibited by the sacred text. Luther's principles were based on 'divine love'. He declared the authority of religious scriptures to be supreme. He placed more emphasis on pre-determined fate.
(2) Emphasis on the Jewish concept of God
Luther believed in the Jewish concept of God. His God was as eloquent of mercy and grace as the Avenger, he believed that an angry God had drowned almost all mankind in a flood, and the land with the breath of his anger and the wave of his hand, Peoples and kingdoms were destroyed. God appointed wild animals, insects and evil women to punish men for their sins. When a troubled young theologian asked him where God was before the creation of the world, he replied: "He was building hell for arrogant, fluttering and inquisitive souls like you."
(3) Belief in the concept of heaven, hell and devil
He believed in heaven and hell. He described a paradise of pleasures, including pet dogs, "with golden hair shining like precious stones". He spoke with the confidence of Aquinas about angels who were incorporeal. He fully accepted the medieval concept of devils wandering the earth, who bring temptation, sin, and misfortune to man, and ease man's way into hell. He accepted witchcraft as a reality, and considered the burning of witches to be a simple Christian duty.
(4) Amendment in Sacraments
Martin Luther, while criticizing the Catholic Church's ritual system, called only the Baptism, Penance and Holy Eucharist necessary.
(5) Change in worship method
He also tried to change the method of worship. At that time, the 'Transubstantiation' method was prevalent in which wine was sprinkled on the bread and it was believed that due to the special power of the religious priests, this bread and wine change into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Luther opposed this and propounded another theory which was named 'Consubstantiation'. According to this, bread and wine do not change into the body and blood of Christ, but another element gets mixed in it. He said that the power of the religious leaders has no effect in this ritual.
(6) Means of salvation
God already grants forgiveness to Christians who are truly repentant of their actions and they do not need to buy 'indulgence' that can free them from temporal punishment. Thus he opposed the Pope and the church organization and said that the Pope had no privilege. Luther said about the attainment of salvation that it cannot be achieved by 'good deeds' but by complete devotion and faith in God. Good works are only a ladder to move towards this. Only by having faith in God can one lead a real Christian life.
(7) Repentance for the atonement of sin
He called fasting, pilgrimage and worship of saints unnecessary. He said that salvation is dependent only on the mercy of God which can be achieved by devotion to God. Luther also described service-religion as an essential principle. He said that one can attain salvation by serving one's neighbors believing in the grace of God.
(8) Householder religion instead of quietness
Declaring asceticism invalid, Luther said that even priests can marry and lead a life. He also married himself. Martin Luther said that this world belongs to God as much as heaven. That's why spiritual thinking can be done by a man even while doing daily tasks.
(9) Emphasis on the establishment of the National Church
He laid more stress on the establishment of a national church. He also changed the language of the methods of worship. The language of worship was changed from Latin to German and the Bible was also translated into German.
Explaining these principles of Luther, We can be said in conclusion that he mainly explained the above mentioned principles and establish the authenticity of the Bible. Started opposing the indulgence. However, on some occasions Luther appears to be retrograde to other critics of the Renaissance.
कोई टिप्पणी नहीं:
एक टिप्पणी भेजें