Martin Luther, The Reformation and the Jews
2017 was the anniversary of the 500th year of the “Protestant Reformation” of which no man was more prominent or revered than Martin Luther. After centuries of theological abuse by the Catholic Church and the Popes, Luther rose up and nailed his 95 theses (complaints against the church) to the wall. Today history has judged Martin Luther as a hero for standing up against the Catholic power of the day.
How did Martin Luther treat those whom he had power over? At first, he supported the Jewish communities as he expected them to convert to his form of “Christianity” after his split with the Roman Pontiff and Church. To his dismay the Jewish community continued in Judaism. This apparent lack of understanding and gratitude on the part of European Jewry enraged Martin Luther.
Martin Luther wrote a book entitled, “On the Jews and Their Lies” after their refusal to convert to his new form of Christianity. Adolph Hitler used this book as a basis for parts of his book, “Mein Kampf.” What Luther said of the Jews should leave NO doubt about his lack of Christianity and ethics. The following are seven quotes from Luther’s book, On the Jews and their Lies.”
-“First, to set fire to their synagogues or schools and to bury and cover with dirt whatever will not burn, so that no man will ever again see a stone or cinder of them. This is to be done in honor of our Lord and of Christendom…
–Second, I advise that their houses also be razed and destroyed…
–Third, I advise that all their prayer books and Talmudic writings, in which such idolatry, lies, cursing, and blasphemy are taught, be taken from them…
–Fourth, I advise that their rabbis be forbidden to teach henceforth on pain of loss of life and limb…
–Fifth, I advise that safe-conduct on the highways be abolished completely for the Jews…
–Sixth, I advise that usury be prohibited to them, and that all cash and treasure of silver and gold be taken from them and put aside for safekeeping…
–Seventh, I recommend putting a flail, an ax, a hoe, a spade, a distaff, or a spindle into the hands of young, strong Jews and Jewesses and letting them earn their bread in the sweat of their brow, as was imposed on the children of Adam…”
Luther also wanted the book of James ripped from the Bible because it did not agree with his beliefs. James was the physical half-brother of Jesus, yet Luther wanted his book ripped from the pages of the Bible.
The Protestant Reformation was not a Christian Godly change but simply a rebellion against the abuses of the great false Catholic Church. After the Reformation, the Protestants continued in the same heretical doctrines as the Catholics only without the Pope as a leader. It should be understood the Sabbath Keeping, Law abiding Church of God would have fallen under these seven “advisements” of Martin Luther and been persecuted by him.
Gal. 1:6. False gospels and false Christians were around even in Paul’s day. Beware wo we follow.
Bibliography: Luther, Martin: On The Jews and Their Lies. River Crest Publishing 1708 Patterson Road, Austin, TX 78733. 2015. Quotes from pages 185-189. Note: This book is NOT recommended reading.
Mike Wallace
