Martin Luther Begins

Invitation To a Debate

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By Mark Connolly

MARTIN LUTHER CONTINUES:

Out of love for the truth and the desire to bring it to light,
the following propositions will be discussed at Wittenberg,
under the presidency of the Reverend Father Martin Luther,
Master of Arts and of Sacred Theology, and Lecturer in
Ordinary on the same at that place. Wherefore he requests that
those who are unable to be present and debate orally with us,
may do so by letter.

In the Name our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

It is clear to me from the above opening statement that Martin Luther had some issues that he felt strongly about, and was wanting to bring into some discourse, and ideally some resolution. I do not know at this point whether or not the above referenced meeting took place. I was unable to be present at the time and debate orally with them, so I now take up his offer of doing so by letter.

Dear Reverend Father Martin Luther, I take up your offer to debate with you by letter. Thank you for your courtesy.

It is my understanding that at the writing of these propositions you were a bishop in the Roman Catholic Church. Consequently, you are no doubt far more familiar with the circumstances leading up to your posting of these propositions than I am, or probably will ever be. A cursory overview of your propositions leads me to believe many of the circumstances of the day are no longer extant. Whether this will bear out will be seen as we go through these one by one. I close now by saying I look forward to the debate. Ψ

disclaimer: I have no doctorate in theology, and no formal training. I do not speak for the Catholic Church, and the subsequent views and opinions expressed here should not be taken as anything other than the musing of someone who is interested in the debate. msc

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