Luther Against Philosophy

Episode Description

In this episode we walk through Martin Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation of 1518 as he delivers one of the most devastating critiques of philosophy in the history of the Church. Far from offering gentle corrections, Luther tears down the entire scholastic system built on Aristotle and calls philosophy the enemy of grace when it enters theology.

We explore:

Why Luther believed Aristotle had corrupted the Church

How philosophy created the theology of glory

Luther’s claim that human virtue and free will are deadly sins before God

The difference between a theologian of glory and a theologian of the cross

Why the cross destroys philosophical religion

Luther’s insistence that reason must be crucified and the sinner must despair of himself

The bold declaration: “The cross alone is our theology.”

If you’ve ever wondered why Luther rejected Aristotle, metaphysics, free will, and philosophical virtue in theology, this episode lays it out clearly and forcefully.

Listen now to discover why Luther believed the church must choose between philosophy and Christ crucified.

Soli Deo Gloria.