Philosophy of music
“The dualism present in Luther’s aesthetics theory is similar to the Greek doctrine of ethos expressed by Plato.”[2]
Luther warned “Take care to shun perverted minds who prostitute the lovely gift of nature and of art with their erotic rantings; and be quite assured that none but the devil goads them on to defy their very nature which would and should praise God its Maker with this gift, so that these bastards purloin the gift of God and use it to worship the foe of God, the enemy of nature and of this lovely art.”[1]
Historian Joe Tarry wrote, “He believed that to deny man’s senses the pleasures of musical sound was to deny the intrinsic goodness of God’s gift.”[3]
Music as a tool for education
“Popular songs on Reformation themes, however, helped news and theology (not to mention gossip and scandal) to pass efficiently through the printed page to the oral society at large. Long a part ofthe popular culture, songs soon began to play a role in transmitting the Reformation throughout the Holy Roman Empire and the rest of Europe.”
“Although songs that attempt to influence public opinion predate the Reformation, they became even more important during this period of religious conflict. “
Luther used good songs to “drive away Satan” from a gloomy heart, to keep the young from singing immoral ballads, and to educate his followers in the basic tenets of belief, such as the Ten Commandments.”
“ His own education would have led Luther to support the notion of song as a powerful tool to educate and influence people, (songs as polemics 46)
“he found music’s power to aid in learning and memorization to be equally significant. Music brought the
Creed and the Lord’s Prayer to the uneducated, and the sensual pleasures of music brought people to religious faith. For Luther, music was second only to theology in bringing the heart of a human into communion with God. If a popular tune caught the ear of an unbeliever and got her to listen more closely to the word of God, then song was powerful indeed and a potent weapon in the battle for souls. (Songs as polemics 52)
Luther's Theology of Music
Luther's Theology of Music
Luther’s theology of music is deeply connected to his theology of creation, and many parallels can be drawn between the two. Luther emphasized that God created the whole man, and because of the fall, the whole man is infected by sin, therefore, the whole man must be redeemed by God through Christ. May parallels can be drawn between Luther’s creation theology and his theology of music. (Sooy) 18
Analysis of "A Mighty Fortress
Perhaps the best known hymn composed by Martin Luther is “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” An Analysis of the text of this hymn will show that there are at least five major theological concepts found within the text of this great Reformation hymn.
God’s Omnipotence
In the very first verse of this hymn and eve the title itself, Luther uses strong, powerful metaphors. God is referred to as a “mighty fortress” and a “bulwark” that never fails in the very first verse. His power is expressed by His triumph over evil and over Satan himself. He is referred to as “our helper amidst the flood of mortal ills”, again in the very first first verses. The last phrase in the second verse exclaims “He must win the battle”, and in the third verse it states that “God hath willed his triumph through us”. The last line of the fourth verse states that “His kingdom is forever.”
Christological focus
In the second verse Christ is referred to as “the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing” and Christ himself is referred to as “Lord Sabaoth” which means “Lord of hosts” This is an Old Testament name for God and Luther’s use of this name referring to Jesus Christ is clearly a reference to the divinity of Christ. Immediately following this powerful reference are the words, “From age to age the same”, still referring to Jesus Christ. This is clearly stressing the eternal nature of Christ which again points to His divinity, as only God is eternal.
Inability of man to save himself
This is perhaps the most important theological concept found in the text because at the time of the Reformation, the nature of God and the divinity of Christ were not major items of contention. However, the means of salvation, and specifically man’s role in his own salvation, was the subject of great controversy.
It can be said that the primary theme of the Reformation was the concept of salvation through faith, by God’s grace, not through the merits or righteousness of man. Luther went even beyond salvation and showed through Scripture that man can accomplish nothing apart from God, a concept that was not fully understood by most in his day. This concept is evinced in the words “our helper amid the flood” in the first verse of the hymn. The second verse begins with the question “Did we in our own strength confide?” and then answers “Our striving would be useless, were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing”. The verse then clarifies that this man is Christ Jesus himself. This is a clear illustration that man can do nothing without the help of God through Jesus Christ. In the last verse this of the hymn we see the words; “the Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth.” These words even further illustrate the concept of man’s inability to accomplish anything without the gifts and the help of the Holy Spirit.
· Reality of Satan
We know from his writings that Luther was convinced that Satan was not a metaphor, but was a living and active being bent on the destruction of man and opposed to everything good. Satan and his forces are referenced throughout the text of this hymn. In the first verse he referred to as “our ancient foe who seeks to work us woe.” The verse goes on to say that “His craft and power are great” and that he is “armed with cruel hate”. The third verse starts with the phrase, “And though this world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us.” It is clear that Luther saw Satan and his forces as real and powerful and seeking to harm the Christian.
· References to Trinity
Throughout the hymn there are references to the Trinity. In fact we can see each person of the Trinity recognized and described with unique attributes. In the very first verse God is referred to as a mighty fortress. Christ Jesus is shown as a warrior and a conqueror in the battle with Satan and evil. The Holy Spirit is shown as the one who abides with the Christian and endows us with gifts.
In this one hymn we see that Luther was able to pack it full of profound theological concepts and references and was able to pass these concepts on to worshippers through the use of congregational singing.
(Sooy 11-14)
No comments:
Post a Comment