Martin Luther: Catholic Critical Analysis and Praise

by Dave Armstrong

Publisher:

Dave Armstrong

, 2008

The views set forth in this volume are certainly one-sided—and purposely so, in order to form a conscious counter-argument to the accepted Protestant “mythology,” of Martin Luther. The objective Christian student of 16th-century Church history needs to consult works written from a critical Catholic (as well as Protestant) perspective, in order to foster a closer examination—and perhaps a partial reappraisal—of Luther. The full, multi-faceted truth concerning important historical figures is invariably more fascinating than the usual myths that circulate about. Dave Armstrong aims to present Luther as he was: no more, no less.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Luther is often greatly misunderstood on this point, with his soteriological doctrine of sola fide (faith alone) often being criticized by those who don’t properly comprehend its fine points, as somehow recommending that good works in the Christian life are worthless and thus, not to be urged. Nothing could be further from the truth.” (Page 231)

“It’s one of the plainest and most striking instances of the necessity of binding Church authority: so much so, that even Protestants accept this authority, whether they are aware of it or not (at least in the case of 66 out of the 73 biblical books). It can’t possibly be based on biblical authority, because the Bible never names its own books. Thus it can’t be a function of sola Scriptura, and there must be an exception made in this case. Authority lies solely with the Church, not the Bible Alone.” (Page 59)

“The ‘Reformation’ (as it is usually referred to) was indeed a ‘Revolution’ or ‘Revolt’ insofar as it departed from passed-down Christian Tradition. The early church did not resemble Protestantism all that much, yet Protestantism claimed to be restoring it, or hearkening back to that earlier ‘golden era’: the literal meaning of ‘Reformation’. One can’t re-form something that never existed in any form (as we Catholics would argue).” (Page 12)

“interior, organic process, Luther is beginning to take it as something exterior and mechanical” (Page 64)

“Luther’s revolutionary notion of bene operando peccamus is similar to John Calvin’s more developed doctrine of total depravity. Both are expressly unbiblical. The Bible (as I will seek to demonstrate below) teaches no such doctrine of ‘sin is present no matter what good works we do, if we don’t do them with absolutely perfect intentions and sanctity’. Nor does it teach that unregenerate men or those who haven’t heard the gospel can do no truly (intrinsically) good works whatsoever, nor that they cannot be saved. This needs to be dealt with at some length also, because it is such a crucial plank of Luther’s, Calvin’s and historic Calvinism’s soteriology.” (Page 69)

Product Details

• Title: Martin Luther: Catholic Critical Analysis and Praise
• Author: Dave Armstrong
• Publisher: Dave Armstrong
• Print Publication Date: 2008
• Logos Release Date: 2012
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Luther, Martin, 1483-1546
• Resource ID: LLS:MRTNLTHRCTHLCCR
• Resource Type: text.monograph.biography
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T20:23:04Z

About Dave Armstrong

David Armstrong is a Catholic apologist and author (convert from evangelical Protestantism in 1991). His conversion story is in Surprised by Truth (1994). He has been published in The Catholic Answer, This Rock, Envoy, and other periodicals. His many radio appearances include “Catholic Answers Live” and “Faith & Family Live.”