It is of interest to read Luther's comments on the Liturgy in Luther's Works (American Edition), Volume 53, pp. 30-31. After advising the church at Wittenberg as to the form of
the liturgy - Intoit, Kyrie, Collect, Epistle, Gradual, Alleluia, Gospel, Creed (offertory) Sermon, (Preface), Verba, Sanctus, Lord's prayer, The Peace, Agnus dei, Benediction.
But then he says,
"Thus we think about the mass. But in all these matters we will want to beware lest we make binding what should be free or make
sinners of those who do things differently or omit others. All that matters is that the words of Institution should be kept intact and that
everything should be done by faith. For these rites are supposed to be for Christians, ie, 'children of the free woman". (Gal 4:31), who
observe them voluntarily and from the heart, but are free to change them how and whenever they may wish. Therefore it is not in these
matters that anyone should either seek or establish as law some indispensable form by which he might ensnare or harass conscience.
...Further, even if different people make use of different rites, let no one judge or despise the other, but every man be fully persuaded in
his own mind (Rom 14:5). Let us feel and think the same even though we may act differently. And let us approve each other's rites lest
schisms and sects should result from this diversity in rites - as has happened in the Roman Church".
the liturgy - Intoit, Kyrie, Collect, Epistle, Gradual, Alleluia, Gospel, Creed (offertory) Sermon, (Preface), Verba, Sanctus, Lord's prayer, The Peace, Agnus dei, Benediction.
But then he says,
"Thus we think about the mass. But in all these matters we will want to beware lest we make binding what should be free or make
sinners of those who do things differently or omit others. All that matters is that the words of Institution should be kept intact and that
everything should be done by faith. For these rites are supposed to be for Christians, ie, 'children of the free woman". (Gal 4:31), who
observe them voluntarily and from the heart, but are free to change them how and whenever they may wish. Therefore it is not in these
matters that anyone should either seek or establish as law some indispensable form by which he might ensnare or harass conscience.
...Further, even if different people make use of different rites, let no one judge or despise the other, but every man be fully persuaded in
his own mind (Rom 14:5). Let us feel and think the same even though we may act differently. And let us approve each other's rites lest
schisms and sects should result from this diversity in rites - as has happened in the Roman Church".
| Christian Writings: Written by or Recommended by Christian Friends |
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| LUTHER ON FREEDOM IN WORSHIP FORMS received from Pastor Don Baron |
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