Concerning Christian Liberty: Includes Letter of Martin Luther to Pope Leo X The third of Martin Luther's major reforming treatises of 1520. Early in the course of the Reformation (1520) Martin Luther penned a trilogy of foundational documents addressing the Church, the Nobility and the Christian life. This document concerning the Christian life expounds the famous paradox: "A Christian man is the most free lord of all, and subject to none; a Christian man is the most dutiful servant of all, and subject to every one." Martin Luther's treatise Concerning Christian Liberty is one of the most powerful and concise presentations of the Christian life ever written - a true gem among Reformation writings. Here you will find the essence of Reformation spirituality distilled into a guide for practical, biblical living. With the bold authority of a true prophet, Luther directs his message to the average Christian in clear, simple language. The doctrine of justification by grace through faith in Christ is the heart and soul of Luther's message, founded upon a firm conviction in the authority of Scripture. Included is Luther's direct letter and treatise to Pope Leo X on his religious beliefs and a bruising analysis of the Catholic church. Luther strongly objected to making a new law of the forms and urged the retention of other good liturgies. While advocating Christian liberty in liturgical matters, he also spoke out in favor of maintaining and establishing liturgical uniformity among those sharing the same faith in a given area. "Concerning Christian Liberty" is a wonderful piece on Luther's balance between the Catholic Church and his teachings on liberty. "Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." ― Martin Luther |
