Study guide Luther: Bust some myths I
t’s not surprising that a few misconceptions and larger- than-life legends would persist around the person and work of Martin Luther, who stands tall as one of the most important figures in Christian history. But getting to the truth means more than just fact-checking and “setting the record straight.” It means discovering anew the genius of Luther’s insights and his lasting influence in the world.
Exercise 1: ‘My myth’ • How many of the myths that author Timothy J. Wengert unravels did you formerly believe? • Where did you learn the myth? • How did the truth change your perceptions of the life and times of Luther? • Why are myths so enduring?
Exercise 2: Myth and truth • What is a myth? • What is the truth? • What are the differences between myth and truth? The similarities? • Which comes first, myth or truth? • What is their common connection to reality? • What purpose does each serve? • How are they complementary? • Do we need both?
Exercise 3: Fact and fiction How many of the 10 Lutheran “myths” have some basis in fact? For each, explore how bits of truth or fragments of accurate information morphed into misunderstandings that have survived for generations. Discuss: • Do most myths or legends have some basis in reality? • What others come to mind? • What cautions does that raise for church leaders today?
Exercise 4: Our myths • What are some of the stories that are told and retold in your congregation concerning events or people of the past? • Are all of them entirely truthful?
• Which have been fossilized as myths or legends, and why? • What purpose do they serve? • What legends or myths need to be “busted” for the good of your faith community?
Exercise 5: ‘Bar song’ bunk Wengert busts the myth that the tune of Luther’s best-known hymn is based on a barroom song, but the truth remains that “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” is an artistic and theo- logical tour de force whose message has resonated for 500 years. As a study group examine the “bar form” structure of the hymn. Then look at the poetry of the hymn as translated in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, pages 503-505. Discuss: • What gospel messages of hope can you distill from the poem? • What theology of Christianity is encapsulated there? • What are the quintessentially “Lutheran” elements? • As an extra step, ask these same questions of other hymns for which Luther is credited (there are 19 listed on the index in ELW, page 1191).
Exercise 6: The 95 Theses Putting aside the issue whether Luther posted the them on the door of the Castle Church and whether he intended them to spark the Reformation, the 95 Theses still ask the critical questions of faith that have defined Lutheran theology for a half millennia. As a study group, tackle the 95 Theses (see
www.thelutheran.org and click on “Resources”). Prepare by asking group members to research the con-
text and meaning of the 95 Theses. Together discuss how they cut to the heart of these issues: God’s grace, God’s for- giveness, God’s mercy, the authority of Scripture, the power of Jesus, the work of the Spirit, the role of human church authorities. Look especially for how three bedrock Lutheran concepts emerge from the 95 Theses: Scrip- ture alone, faith alone, grace alone.
This study guide is offered as one example of the more than 400 that are currently available on The Lutheran’s website. Download guides (includ- ing a longer version of this one)—free to print and Web subscribers—at
www.thelutheran.org (click “study guides”).
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www.thelutheran.org
Author bio: Blezard is an assistant to the bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod. He has a master of divinity degree from Boston Uni-
versity and did subsequent study at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (Pa.) and the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.
By Robert C. Blezard
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