When reading over Martin Luther¡¯s Treatise on Christian Liberty one section that jumped off the page, ¡°Hence all of us who believe in Christ are priests and kings in Christ¡±(63). Luther appears to refer to the Bible stating in reference to the idea that Jesus Christ was and is the only intermediary between the human being and God. In essence, Luther seems to say that any human being can serve and pray to God directly without the need or help of the church. This frees the average Christian from everything in respect to the demands of the Church, expect obedience to God¡¯s laws. In respect to the Christians, it is stated that the priests and priesthoods are more important than kings. According Richard Hooker, ¡°we are worthy to appear before God, to pray for others, and to teach one another mutually the things which are of God. For these are the duties of priests¡±. In essence, because all Christians are consider priests of God, we must all assume the responsibilities of priesthood and spread the word of the Lord.
Martin Luther¡¯s idea that there is no higher authority than the average human besides Christ is a very interesting topic. I can understand with Luther, that the there is no need for the Church. If an individual truly believes in the Lord¡¯s teachings and follows the word of God, then there is no need for a higher authority to dictate to the masses what the Lord commands and asks of, from the Christian population. I sympathize with the idea that all of God¡¯s children are the priests and kings under the Lord. It only makes sense to believe that there is only one source of the Lord¡¯s bidding and that is Jesus Christ. On the other hand though, the use of priests helps organize the Christian religion and consolidate Christian population. Inside of having thousands of individuals spread the teachings of Lord arbitrarily, the priests can make sub-groups specialized in certain areas of the Lord, which can be more effective. Also I believe that priests are earthly embodiments of what the Lord wants wishes his children to be and act like. So priests are excellent role models and sources of inspiration for modern day people to connect concerning the Lord.
Works Cited
¡°Martin Luther: The Freedom of a Christian¡± Hooker, Richard. April 17,2006 http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/REFORM/FREEDOM.HTM Updated 6-6-1999
¡°Martin Luther¡±. Published: 3/17/04.updated: 2/24/05. 2004-2006 ReligionFacts. http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/people/luther.htm
Martin Luther: Selections from His Writings. Martin Luther. Edited John Dillenberger. New York. Anchor Books Double Day. 1962. pp. 63
Cited: ¡°Martin Luther: The Freedom of a Christian¡± Hooker, Richard. April 17,2006 http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/REFORM/FREEDOM.HTM Updated 6-6-1999 ¡°Martin Luther¡±. Published: 3/17/04.updated: 2/24/05. 2004-2006 ReligionFacts. http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/people/luther.htm Martin Luther: Selections from His Writings. Martin Luther. Edited John Dillenberger. New York. Anchor Books Double Day. 1962. pp. 63
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