Status Updates From Martin Luther's Theology: I...

Ch.21 Reason & Faith (pp.196-205) - Reason is useful in understanding the world that God has made. But not in understanding God himself.

Previously read Ch.20 Sola Scriptura (pp.187-195) on 23/10/17

Ch.20 - Sola Scriptura. Wow, this densely written! Luther initially reconciled church and scripture, but the indulgences crisis persuaded him to put Scripture over the church. But seemingly he promotes oral interpretation of scripture (preaching) above the written word (!). All Scripture points to Christ, and both testaments contain law and gospel. But OT is only binding on Jews. Scripture is clear, nothing is hidden

"Luther's extraordinarily high view of reason is no mere inconsequential theologoumenon. It is an essential presupposition for his view of the authorities and temporal rule."

"It is certainly true that reason is the most important and the highest rank among all things and, in comparison with other things of this life, the best and something divine. It is the inventor and mentor of all the arts, medicines, laws, and of whatever wisdom, power, virtue, and glory men possess in this life." (From The Disputation Concerning Man)