Criolisches Wörterbuch

12. ‘The Law Written on the Heart’: Natural Law and Equity in Early Lutheran Thought

“…The ceremonial laws of the Torah (Old Testament laws respecting sacrifice, diet, ritual, temple life) were preempted by the new teachings of Christ and the apostles, and were no longer binding on anyone. 92 Contrary to some traditional teachings, Oldendorp had little place in his system for an eternal law of the created order that stood prior to and superior to the divine law revealed in the Bible. To be sure, said Oldendorp, the creation order came prior to the Bible, and was indeed a perfect expression of God's being, will, and law in Paradise.…”

“…It is a useful, but ultimately a fallible, guide to proper human living. 94 Citing the reformers' doctrine of sola Scriptura, Oldendorp wrote: "What we know of God, his will, his law, his wisdom, his purposes, his being is most fully revealed in the Bible." 95 The laws of the Bible, particularly its moral commandments and counsels, are the clearest and most authoritative source of law in this world.…”

“…"A civil law that departs in toto" from these higher laws "is not binding," Oldendorp insisted. 110 He listed a number of civil laws of his day that he considered to be per se illegitimate. He condemned, as directly contrary to divine law, human laws permitting the sale of church benefices, allowing for divorce and remarriage, and tolerating usurious rates of interest on loans.…”

“…But he described this in the Lutheran language of the "civil, theological, and educational uses" of law which enable us to "peacefully pass through this shadowy life and be led to Christ and to eternal life." 114 With Melanchthon, he emphasized the "educational use" of the law, "our teacher in the path to Christ" (pädagogus noster ad Christum), and the corresponding paternal and pedagogical role of the magistrate, the "father of the community." 115 Moreover, specific to his Lutheran sympathies, Oldendorp insisted that the magistrate must support the true faith by seeing to it (among other things) that there are enough well-qualified and well-paid preachers, so that they may "combat unbelief among the people."…”