Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 61:2 (Jun 2018)
Article: Where are the Nail Prints? The Devil and Dr. Luther
Author: Timothy George

JETS 61:2 (June 2018) p. 245

Where are the Nail Prints?
The Devil and Dr. Luther

Timothy George*

* Timothy George is the founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229. He can be contacted at [email protected]. This essay reflects the oral character of the initial presentation delivered to the 2017 annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society in Providence, RI.

Abstract: The 500th anniversary of the Reformation has prompted much reflection on the nature of Martin Luther’s reform movement and its effects on the modern world. Some celebrate Luther’s life and work as the herald of modernity while others lament Luther and his legacy as more medieval and backwards than modern and progressive. Luther and his reform did indeed look backwards to the Scriptures and the patristic era in order to re-form the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church. Luther’s struggle with the devil is a neglected aspect of his life that shows Luther in his medieval context, his perception of himself and his movement, and his dependence upon the incarnate and crucified Christ. In this modern, disenchanted world, Luther’s wrestling with the evil one can help the heirs of the Reformation recognize the pervasive reality of evil and the ultimate victory Christians have through the cross of Christ.

Key words: Luther, devil, Satan, demonology, cross, Reformation 500, Anfechtungen, Middle Ages/medieval

“I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, born of the Father in eternity, and also true human being, born of the virgin Mary is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned man. He has purchased and freed me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil.”1

Martin Luther, “The Small Catechism” (1529)

“To this end, I am born. To wage war against hordes and devils and go out to battle.”2

Martin Luther, “Preface to Melanchthon’s Lectures
on Ephesians and Colossians” (1529)

Five hundred years ago, on October 31, 1517, a thirty-three-year-old German professor named Martin Luther called for an academic debate on the commercial trade in papal indulgences—and all the bats in hell came screeching out of their cages. It was All Saints’ Eve, but it became the Horrible Halloween from Hades.

JETS 61:2 (June 2018) p. 246

There is a word in German, Aufruhr, often used to describe the Reformation. It means commotion, disturbance, revolt, rebellion, riot, revolution. It cannot be emphasized too strong...