Luther on Necessity

Abstract

Among the quotations from Luther's works condemned by the pope in 1520 was the statement that free will is something that exists in name only. In his defense of this statement in Assertio omnium articulorum, published in December 1520, Luther goes one step further. Here he not only declares “free will” to be a concept without factual reference, he even insists that there is no one in the position even to think on one's own, either good or bad, as everything happens with absolute necessity.

Da Gud forlot Gud: Jesu vei til døden og dens betydning for oss

“…Det aksepteres også av dem jeg i forrige avsnitt omtalte som kirkens store nådeteologer, men med et visst forbehold når det gjelder Thomas Aquinas. 16 Guds vrede over synden rammer alle mennesker, fordi vi alle har gjort vår neste urett (Rom 3,10-20). Likevel ønsker ikke Gud at menneskene skal gå til grunne (1 Mos 6,11).…”