Introduction
The 16th century was a critical period in the history of religious thought. Central to this discourse was the passionate debate between Erasmus and Luther concerning the human will’s nature. Their discourse delved into a central theological issue: whether humans possess genuine freedom in their choices, especially concerning salvation, or are innately bound, relying solely on God’s grace. Luther’s assertion, drawn from his interpretation in his writings, posits that the human will remain intrinsically bound. This essay will expound upon and defend this position, elucidating Luther’s compelling and accurate perspective on the bondage of the will in the theological context of salvation.
The Debate Between Erasmus and Luther on Human Will
Erasmus’ Viewpoint
Following the sentiments of humanism, Erasmus believed that humans have the inherent capacity to choose their direction. He saw humans as active participants in their spiritual journey, capable of navigating towards or away from divine grace. Erasmus noted, “<…>, we mean a power of the human will by which one can apply oneself to the things which lead to eternal salvation, or turn away from them” (Rupp 9).
His viewpoint suggests that we have an innate power, an inner compass, which can be inclined towards God. However, if we accept this position, a person’s entire deep spiritual life comes down to only the randomness of his choice, which depends on the influence of many factors. This position cannot fully explain, for example, the phenomenon of self-sacrifice and mercy.
Luther’s Perspective
Luther offered a contrasting, and in many ways, a more profound understanding of human will. He saw it as intrinsically bound due to the original sin. His viewpoint was rooted in the premise that when left to its own devices, human will is trapped in its inherent flaws and weaknesses. Luther presented a compelling analogy where the human will is likened to a beast. This beast, our will, is directed by its rider – God or the Devil. He states, “<…>; nor can it choose to run to either of the two riders or to seek him out, but the riders themselves contend for the possession and control of it” (Rupp 28).
This analogy brilliantly captures Luther’s core argument: without God’s guiding influence, human will is directionless and prone to missteps. One can infer the profound humility in Luther’s theology in deeper contemplation of this perspective. While Erasmus potentially elevates human effort, Luther’s stance emphasizes our utter dependence on divine grace for salvation. He firmly believed that human actions could never guarantee salvation regardless of nobility. Only through God’s benevolent grace could one truly be redeemed.
The strength of Luther’s argument lies in its simplicity and its alignment with the core tenets of Christianity – the fallen nature of man and redemption through God’s grace. If we accept the premise of the original sin and man’s fallen state, then Luther’s perspective on the bound will and the need for divine grace becomes plausible and profoundly logical. Moreover, his viewpoint ensures that the entire process of salvation remains a divine prerogative. This underscores God’s omnipotence and magnifies the generosity and unmerited favor inherent in God’s grace. He emphasizes, “But no human being can be thoroughly humbled until knowing that one’s salvation is utterly beyond one’s powers, devices, endeavors, will, and works, and depends entirely on the <…> God alone” (Rupp 26). This sentiment encapsulates the beauty of Luther’s argument: it places God at the heart of salvation, not as a mere observer but as the active bestower of grace.
Conclusion
While Erasmus offers a vision where humans, through free will, engage actively in their salvation journey, Luther posits a more humbling perspective, emphasizing our complete reliance on God’s grace. Luther’s metaphor of the human will as a beast directed by its rider encapsulates a foundational Christian belief about our inherent limitations and the boundless grace of the Divine. It is a perspective that aligns with biblical teachings and deepens our appreciation of God’s unconditional love and grace.
Work Cited
Rupp, Gordon E, editor. Freedom or Bondage of the Will: Erasmus of Rotterdam and Martin Luther’s Debate. Westminster Press, 1968.
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