View

202

The German Mass and Order of Divine Service

Dr. Martin Luther

Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a leader of the Protestant Reformation and namesake of the Lutheran Tradition. He was born in Eisleben and was well-educated before entering the University of Erfurt. It was there that, rather than pursue an advanced law degree, Luther became an Augustinian monk. Between 1505 and 1512 he studied and lectured in theology, punctuated by achievement of his Doctorate at Wittenberg. By 1517 Luther was realizing in full the doctrine of justification by faith, as declared by the apostle Paul and Augustine. His publication of 95 theses against indulgences sparked protest throughout Germany, forcing Luther to defend his theology in disputations at Heidelberg and Leipzig. His treatises of 1520 brought him into greater conflict with the papacy, and he was excommunicated. After the Diet of Worms in 1521, he continued to define and uphold his theology, seeking to reform the Church, emphasizing the authority of Scripture and the Pauline doctrine of justification.

Historical guidelines by Luther for conducting the service of worship and communion.

This is a short work, written by Luther in 1526, describing and offering guidelines for the Order of Divine Service (the daily worship) and the Sacrament (the Mass, or Lord's Supper). Luther is clear that there should be no attempt to establish a fixed set of rules or to compel anyone to worship or receive the sacrament in a particular manner – which would contradict the very doctrine of Christian liberty. On the other hand, in the early years of the Reformation there was a keenly felt need for instruction and guidance in both matters of worship and doctrine (Luther produced his two Catechisms in the same period, 1529). In particular there was great interest and desire to conduct a "German Mass", unique to the people and language. Luther describes the traditional Latin Mass, a popular German version of the same, but finally emphasizes what a true evangelical Mass entails; he also discusses Sunday services for the laity.

Church History

Order of Service