Martin Luther, Theologian

“Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us” -- Martin Luther



Today, February 18th, the ELCA commemorates Martin Luther, theologian and reformer. An Augustinian monk who eventually effected cataclysmic changes in the Church, Luther thoroughly appreciated and understood the power of music. Unlike some reformers who were afraid of the power of music to move people, Luther believed that power was a gift, not a curse, and sought to use music to further the spread of the gospel.



Luther wanted the people to be able to sing the gospel, to proclaim the faith in song. He also believed music would help to catechize the people -- to teach them the truths of the faith. To accomplish this goal, he engaged some of the finest musicians of his day to write new music for the church, and even sat down to write a tune or two himself. This was the beginning of the wonderful tradition of chorales that the Lutheran church still uses and cherishes.



For more information on Luther's life, you can go to these web sites:
http://christianity.about.com/od/lutherandenomination/a/martinlutherbio.htm

http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/wittenberg-home.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther