Thoughts On Martin Luther And His Attitude On Jews

by Trish Ramos

Recently, some of the readers of my blog have expressed concern over my offer of "Luther Gold" compiled by Ray Comfort. Specifically, some of my critics have felt it was inconsistent to advocate Christianity and also feature the writings of an alleged anti-semitism such as Martin Luther.

I want to be as clear as possible that I do not support anti-semitism in any capacity. In fact, I love the Jewish people very much.

Remember, Jesus Christ of Nazareth was himself a Jew and I worship that Jewish Carpenter from Galilee. But as Josh McDowell said, “Jesus is more than a carpenter” He is the Son of God and Lord over all and He calls all men to repent and call on His name.

Now regarding Martin Luther and his attitude towards the Jews, as I said previously I do not support anti-semitism and do not advocate or agree with what Martin Luther said about the Jews. So then, is this a contradiction? Is it an inconsistency? Not at all. I believe that Martin Luther was dead wrong about the Jews but dead right about other things.

He was a simple man and was the product of the doctrine that he believed in. In that, despite being sinful, God saved him through the grace of Jesus Christ – apart from any works or righteousness of his own.

Martin Luther courageously stood up against the corrupt medieval Roman Catholic Church and defended the biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone at the risk of his own life. Martin Luther rediscovered that men and women are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone, based on the authority of the Bible alone, for God’s Glory alone. And I agree with this view of salvation with all my heart.

Was Martin Luther perfect? No, not at all. In fact, he was wrong in many things. His view of infant baptism was not biblical (I believe believers in Christ alone should be baptized), as was his view of consubstantiation (view on communion). But I believe that he was a true believer in Jesus Christ despite his errors.

Martin Luther’s view on the Jews is indefensible. He did say many wrong things against the Jews but does this negate everything he every taught and stood for? No.

For example, let’s say that there is a brilliant mathematician who discovers a theorem in physics that revolutionizes the scientific world but he is a drunkard who neglects his wife. Does his sin of drunkenness and abusive behavior disprove his discovery? No, of course not. They are entirely separate. Similarly, while Martin Luther said many unfortunate things about the Jews, he was correct about the essential truths of the Christian faith.

I will not sweep Martin Luther’s despicable views of the Jews under the carpet. It is as it is. It was wrong and God will deal with Him on that. None of us are perfect. We all need Jesus Christ desperately. But thanks be to God for His indescribable grace that calls all of you atheists that are reading this to repent and believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I know that many of you will not agree with me on this. But I believe that it is possible for Christians (who love the Lord) to do bad things some times. I care deeply for you all. Feel free to post comments. Now you have a spot to do this.

Lastly, I want all those who may read this to know that there is hope in Jesus Christ. If you acknowledge your sins before God and are willing to repent and trust in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation, you shall be saved and receive the gift of eternal life. Please do this today, you have no guarantee that you'll see tomorrow.

"Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1

"Truly these times of ignorance God has overlooked but now commands all men everywhere to repent" Acts 17:30

"Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved" Romans 10:13

"But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." John 20:31

Check out Trish Ramos' blog here.