Luther War Hier!

 Imagine the graffiti “Luther War Hier” plastered all over all over the castle walls, taverns, stables, and churches of the 16th Century Germany.  It is a protest.  It is the Reformation.  

 In fact, Martin Luther WAS there in 1517 as he nailed the Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Catholic Church in Wittenberg, Germany. He was turning religion upside down by challenging the teachings of the present day church.  

One of the outcomes from this very dangerous protest (*Martin Luther is forced into hiding because of the posting of the Theses.) is the singing of hymns which was previously simple monotones sung only by the monks.  Martin Luther would be a modern day “influencer” for sure.  As a musician and lyricist, I thank you.  

Here are some of the most famous hymns that come about from the Reformation and are in the Red ELW Hymnal:  

“A Mighty Fortress is Our God” ELW 504
Text and Music by Martin Luther (1483-1546)  

“All People That on Earth Do Dwell” ELW 883
Text:  William Kethe, d. c. 1594; Music:  Louis Bourgeois, 1510-1561  

“Now Thank We All Our God” ELW 840
Text:  Martin Rinkhart, 1586-1649; Music:  Johann Crüger, 1598-1662  

It is hard to believe that we still sing and celebrate these hymns five hundred years later.  

Martin Luther, by 21st century standards, is definitely an “influencer” who would be super popular on Tiktok and worthy of wall graffiti and murals.  “Luther War Hier!”     

*During hiding, Martin Luther translates the New Testament to German.