Die!
Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary
Scripture Text: Galatians 2:19 and Romans 14:7-9
Series: Comments on Galatians
Strict adherence to reason, when reason cannot or will not comprehend, is a tool of the devil. This is why Luther said that “reason is the devil’s greatest whore.” When reason becomes one’s religion it can keep you from faith. Even so, reason is fine, up to a point: the point of reason without faith. Luther did not mean that a Christian should detest reason. Reason should be employed where useful. Luther himself used reason in his writing and preaching. Yet faith defies reason. “Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe” (Voltaire). Faith says to die so that you may live. This seems unreasonable and yet faith understands the statement. Augustine said, “crede, ut intelligas” — ”believe so that you may understand” (Tract. Ev. Jo., 29.6).
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Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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