<= Previous | November Issues Index | Next =>
Quotes of the Day for 10 November 2004 - Martin Luther

Martin Luther was born at Eisleben, Germany on this day in 1483. His ambitious father wanted Martin to become a lawyer, but returning to the University of Erfurt after a visit home he was thrown to the ground by a nearby lightning strike. Terrified in the storm, he cried out to Saint Anne to save him, promising to become a monk. To his father's disappointment, Luther kept his promise to Saint Anne. Luther was a model Augustinian monk but began to question many practices of the Roman church, most importantly the sale of indulgences which financed the Sistine Chapel. In his battle with Pope Leo, he was excommunicated and under threat of prison or death when Duke Friedrich of Saxony "kidnapped" him and locked him up for his protection. Here he began to translate the Bible into German and began writing hymns. As a Lutheran I may be biased, but he is clearly one of those who changed Western culture in a major way.

A preacher must be both soldier and shepherd. He must nourish, defend, and teach; he must have teeth in his mouth, and be able to bite and fight.

God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees, and flowers, and clouds, and stars.

I never work better than when I'm inspired by anger: I can write, pray, and preach well. My whole temperament is quickened, my understanding sharpened, and all mundane vexations and temptations depart.

Peace if possible, truth at all costs.

The Devil does not stay where music is.

The fewer the words, the better the prayer.
     - All from Martin Luther, 1483 - 1546

Would you like to see quotes like these in your mail tomorrow morning? Our 10,000 loyal subscribers hate to miss a day, perhaps you should sign up now! No cost or obligation, just be open to the enlightenment waiting for you among our 22,500+ quotes.