Árdís - 01.01.1954, Side 11

Ársrit Bandalags lúterskra kvenna
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and main part of his teaching. He wrote a great deal at this time,
mostly on interpretations of the Bible.
On October 31, 1517, he nailed his ninety-five Theses on the
Castle Church door at Wittenburg. The content of the Theses was
in accord with his sermons but he took no steps to spread them. He
was merely inviting scholars to dispute and debate. Though written
in Latin they were soon translated into German and within two
weeks gained unanticipated notoriety—spreading to at least two
other countries. Arguments and debates ensued and Luther’s posi-
tion became highly precarious. The final judgment of the Roman
Catholic Church was pronounced in the form of excommunication
and he was summoned to the Diet of Worms. On April 17, 1521, he
was brought before the Diet. He was asked simply whether he
acknowledged his writings and whether he retracted their contents
or persisted in them. Luther requested a day for consideration and
on April 18 replied with these memorable words: “Unless I shall be
convinced by the testimonies of the Scriptures or by clear reason,
I cannot and will not recant anything, since it is neither safe nor
honorable to act against conscience. I cannot do otherwise. Here
I stand, God help me.”
Immediately following he went into concealment with the aid
of friends and entered Wartburg Castle. Here he continued to write,
always teaching, warning, exhorting and comforting in the language
of the time and people—with respect to the living issues of the
hour and always with utmost candour and without regard for the
fear or favour of men.
His most important work was the translation of the Bible. At
this he laboured so incessantly that it is hard to understand how
he found time for other literary works. Even before the New
Testament appeared from the press work on the Old Testament
was begun. In 1534 the first edition of the complete translation
was published. The Reformation having been accepted and the
Bible now being in the hands of the people necessitated a provision
for its use by the congregations with new changes and regulations.
Luther accordingly prepared such regulations as well as a paper
concerning Public Worship and a new Order for the daily services
was introduced. His next aim was to make the congregation not
mere listeners of the sermon, but active participants with heart and
voice in all the various parts of the service. This he accomplished