Martin Luther and the Inauguration

On this historic day (as is every other day that transpires), I think that words from a man who undoubtedly altered the course of Western civilization are appropriate.

No, I do not refer to our current president, Barack Obama, but rather to a foul-mouthed, hard-headed, recovering monk, one Martin Luther (1483-1546, below).

It can be safely said that Luther can be grouped with Paul in the category of men “who have upset the world.”

Luther’s commentary of Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a classic which I am currently reading and enjoying immensely. Not coincidentally, I read these words today:

In matters of politics, God wishes us to honor and respect those outward veils or persons as His instruments by whom He governs and preserves the world.

But when the question concerns religion, conscience, the fear of God, faith, and the service of God, we must not fear these outward persons; we must not put our trust in them or look for comfort from them or hope for deliverance from them, either physically or spiritually.

I should neither fear nor trust the judge but God alone, who is the true judge.

Yes, as followers of Christ we are commanded to pray for our leaders, but this in no way gives us leeway to descend into a mindless and idolatrous treatment of our political leaders.

Exhibit A comes from someone who commented on today’s events as described in a story from the Daily Mail,

Today’s momentous occasion is a time for celebration for all world citizens. It perhaps marks the rights of passage into a more tolerant and mature phase in humanity and highlights further evolution of our species into a less barbaric and hopefully more egalitarian society.

Exhibit B can be seen in stories like this one.

So, pray and pray hard for President Obama (see Dr. Mohler’s prayer), but let us not fool ourselves into thinking that perhaps today’s inauguration wasn’t complete because of the absence of a donkey, her colt, palm branches and the crowds laying down their coats before the presidential limo.

Did Martin Luther change Diapers?

With the gender role brouhaha that this post spawned, it seemed good to link up this post from the folks over at “The Silent Holocron” (gotta love the obscure Star Wars reference),

Changing Diapers to the Glory of God”

In the post you’ll find a lengthy quote from one Martin Luther which I think relevant to the discussion.

What the man’s attitude should be (according to Luther) in regards to the so-called drudgeries of fatherhood,

O God, because I am certain that thou hast created me as a man and hast from my body begotten this child, I also know for a certainty that it meets with thy perfect pleasure. I confess to thee that I am not worthy to rock the little babe or wash its diapers, or to be entrusted with the care of the child and its mother. How is it that I, without any merit, have come to this distinction of being certain that I am serving thy creature and thy most precious will? O how gladly will I do so, though the duties should be even more insignificant and despised. Neither frost nor heat, neither drudgery nor labour, will distress or dissuade me, for I am certain that it is thus pleasing in thy sight.

Then the woman’s to the so-called drudgeries of motherhood,

A wife too should regard her duties in the same light, as she suckles the child, rocks and bathes it, and cares for it in other ways; and as she busies herself with other duties and renders help and obedience to her husband. These are truly golden and noble works. . . .

On a personal note, I once was that guy that proclaimed “Never will I change a diaper” only to do it (happily I might add, though I’ve been slacking as of late) after our son was born.

Prior to witnessing our son’s birth I admired my wife for her beauty, her wit, and her mind. Afterwards said admiration grew exponentially for reasons which words cannot express.