Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 18:1 (Spring 2021)
Article: Luther’s Practical Theology Of Dying
Author: Ben Hutchison

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Luther’s Practical Theology Of Dying

Ben Hutchison

PhD., New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, 2017

Introduction

What more should God do to persuade you to accept death willingly and not dread but to overcome it? In Christ he offers you the image of life, grace, and of salvation so that you may not be horrified by the images of sin, death, and hell.

Martin Luther, A Sermon of Preparing to Die, 1519

Martin Luther was a theologian who played a crucial role in changing the dynamics of the Christian church and the world. Luther has been given titles such as prophet and hero for his role in the Protestant Reformation.1 He casts an enormous shadow over church history and the Protestant churches to this day. The day he nailed the 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, October 31, has been celebrated as Reformation Day. Therefore, to many with only a base knowledge of the Reformation, he is given credit for starting the movement. Luther played a major role in the Protestant Reformation, which should not be minimized. However, his life was not as dramatic as it has been retold in books and film. His passionate writings, defiant struggle with the Roman Catholic Church, and his own struggle of faith have inspired biographies in print and film.

Luther’s thought and belief on faith and the Christian life influenced many people of his day and subsequent generations of believers. However, Luther did not systematize his theology but revealed his beliefs in writings, sermons, and lectures.2 Current

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readers of Luther find his theological beliefs in his interpretations of Scripture and treatises along with his correspondences and table talks. Luther produced volumes of work both for the church and the academic realm that can be mined for his thoughts on many subjects of theological or practical concern.

Luther was not only a reformer but a pastor as well. His pastoral role and care of those in his congregation filled much of his time and writings. Luther functioned in a pastoral role to friends and relationships beyond Wittenberg. The pastoral role of Luther was not relegated to preaching and teaching but also to baptizing, observing the Lord’s Supper, visiting the sick and dying, and writing letters of counsel.3 Luther’s consolation and encouragement to those facing death is the central feature of Luther as a pastor for the purpose of this study.

Historical And Current Context Of Dying

The pe...