Original Research
Marriage in the theology of Martin Luther – worldly yet sacred: An option between secularism and clericalism
Johan Buitendag
HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies; Vol 63, No 2 (2007), 445-461. doi: 10.4102/hts.v63i2.228
Submitted: 06 May 2007
Published: 06 May 2007
Abstract
Marriage, according to Martin Luther, is an institution both secular and sacred. It is secular because it is an order of this earthly life. But its institution goes back to the beginning of the human race and that makes marriage sacred, a divine and holy order. It does not – like the sacraments – nourish and strengthen faith or prepare people for the life to come; but it is a secular order in which people can prove faith and love, even though they are apt to fail without the help of the Word and the sacrament. The author applies this view of Luther in terms of two unacceptable extremes: the creation ordinances of Brunner and the analogy of relation of Barth. The dialectic of Law and Gospel should never be dispensed.
Marriage is necessary as a remedy for lust, and through marriage God permits sexual intercourse. Similar is the allegory which Paul employs: that Adam and Eve, or marriage itself, is a type of Christ and the church.
Full Text: |
PDF (131KB)
Author affiliations
Johan Buitendag, University of Pretoria, South Africa Metrics
Total abstract views: 691 Total article views: 1091
Cited-By
No related citations found
Comments on this article
Before posting your comment, please read our policy. Post a Comment
(Login required) All articles published in this journal are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
©2014 AOSIS (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. No unauthorised duplication allowed.
AOSIS OpenJournals | Perfecting Scholarship Online
Postnet Suite #110, Private Bag X19, Durbanville, South Africa, 7551
Tel: 086 1000 381
Tel: +27 21 975 2602
Fax: 086 5004 974
Please read the privacy statement.