"Here I Stand" (a biography of Martin Luther)

I highly recommend the movie “Luther” which clarified some of the confusion I had while I was reading Luther’s biography. Probably his most famous words are those that give this biography its title. Here are some excerpts from the book, during his first hearing at Worms when he was asked whether he defended all of his writings which were displayed on the table in front of him. They are exemplary words for us to embrace and imitate as we begin this New Year.

“The door was closed, but Eck opened it again. ‘Do you defend them all, or do you care to reject a part?’ Luther reflected aloud, ‘This touches God and his Word. This affects the salvation of souls. Of this Christ said, ‘He who denies me before men, him will I deny before my father.’ … ‘If I am shown my error, I will be the first to throw my books into the fire. … I must walk in the fear of the Lord. … I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other-my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise.’”