Luther

After hearing Lauren’s presentation on Martin Luther, I realized how well the 2003 film “Luther” was done. Almost every major point she highlighted was present in the film, and as she mentioned them I was able to visualize the film and remember the major events in his life. I find history so much easier to remember when it “comes to life” through historical novels or films, and I was really pleased that “Luther” was very accurate (according to Lauren’s presentation, at least ☺).

I think the film does an especially good job of showing Luther’s “inner turmoil.” The scenes were he is battling himself and his demons by pacing around the room and talking aloud are powerful. It shows quite clearly his humanity and desperation. He has his struggles like everyone. It is also moving when his spiritual father comes in to guide him, and tells him to offer himself before the mercy of the cross. Luther then stretches himself out on the ground with his arms spread apart and offers his humble plea, “I am yours. Save me.”

As Dr. Redick pointed out, Luther’s biggest legacy was the idea of our conscience and that we cannot be faulted for following our conscience. This is evident in his speech before the German princes (shown in the film) when he said, “Unless I am convinced by Scripture and by plain reason and not by Popes and councils who have so often contradicted themselves, my conscience is captive to the word of God. To go against conscience is neither right nor safe. I cannot and I will not recant. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me.”

I think that following your conscience is a really important theme in Christianity. We are called to follow God first and foremost, and not an established church. How do we know how to follow God except through our conscience? Jesus obviously left a lot unsaid, and I think that he wanted us to search out the truth for ourselves through inspiration by the Holy Spirit. This was not just for the Apostles or church leaders, however. I think it is everyone’s place to continue to seek the truth for themselves. This becomes really “sticky” really fast, however, because consciences can contradict one another, and someone can claim to be following their conscience when they’re really just after selfish gain.

For all the challenges it brings, I think it is a gift that followers of Christ are called to listen and adhere to our consciences (when they are captive to God). I am so glad that Luther stood strong in his beliefs and led the way for a revival of conscience, and am pleased with how well this is presented in the 2003 film.

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