The Marching Song of the Reformation
‘A Mighty Fortress Is Our God’
By Stephen Nichols - Posted at desiringGod:
In 1527, Martin Luther wrote his most beloved hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” now a staple for Reformation Day services around the world. It is arguably one of the top ten hymns in church history. The first three words, “Ein Festa Berg,” appear on statues and churches in Germany and have even made it to such places as the fireplace mantel in Billy Graham’s former North Carolina home. The hymn is a masterclass in both hymnody and theology.
The hymn, however, was not composed in the comforts of Luther’s study. It was born in the trenches.
If a line from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is correct, that “into each life some rain must fall,” then the year 1527 was a deluge for Luther. That year, the plague hit Wittenberg, causing Frederick the Wise to shut down the university and send his faculty and students away. Luther defied the order and, with his family, stayed to help. He watched neighbors die. Then tragedy came to Luther’s own house. He and Katie, a former nun turned Reformer’s wife, lost their own son, Hans, in infancy. Ten years had passed since the posting of the 95 Theses, and since then Luther had managed to amass a horde of enemies from all sides of the theological and political spectrum. Luther knew the sting of personal betrayal. On top of that, he was still reeling from the effects of the Peasants’ Revolt of 1524–1525, a popular uprising (partially inspired by Luther’s teachings) that left tens of thousands dead. Dark clouds covered Luther’s horizons most of that year.
Enter the castle-like line, “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing,” which evokes Luther’s earlier stay at the Wartburg, the great castle overlooking Eisenach. With its clarion call to declare God’s power, our utter insufficiency, Satan’s relentless attacks, Christ’s total victory, and the confession (as the final lyric cascades) “his kingdom is forever,” this hymn is theology applied.
The hymn, however, was not composed in the comforts of Luther’s study. It was born in the trenches.
If a line from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is correct, that “into each life some rain must fall,” then the year 1527 was a deluge for Luther. That year, the plague hit Wittenberg, causing Frederick the Wise to shut down the university and send his faculty and students away. Luther defied the order and, with his family, stayed to help. He watched neighbors die. Then tragedy came to Luther’s own house. He and Katie, a former nun turned Reformer’s wife, lost their own son, Hans, in infancy. Ten years had passed since the posting of the 95 Theses, and since then Luther had managed to amass a horde of enemies from all sides of the theological and political spectrum. Luther knew the sting of personal betrayal. On top of that, he was still reeling from the effects of the Peasants’ Revolt of 1524–1525, a popular uprising (partially inspired by Luther’s teachings) that left tens of thousands dead. Dark clouds covered Luther’s horizons most of that year.
Enter the castle-like line, “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing,” which evokes Luther’s earlier stay at the Wartburg, the great castle overlooking Eisenach. With its clarion call to declare God’s power, our utter insufficiency, Satan’s relentless attacks, Christ’s total victory, and the confession (as the final lyric cascades) “his kingdom is forever,” this hymn is theology applied.
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