And I myself, in Rome, heard it said openly in the streets, 'If there is a hell, then Rome is built on it.' That is, 'After the devil himself, there is no worse folk than the pope and his followers.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Luther reports a common saying that Rome is corrupt to the point of being akin to hell.
- In plain terms
- People claimed the city was so bad it was built on evil.
- What can you take from it?
- Corruption can become so widespread it defines an entire institution.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do reputations form?
- When is criticism justified?
Another view
This quote relies on hearsay and hyperbole rather than direct evidence.
More from Martin Luther
Holy Christendom has, in my judgment, no better teacher after the apostles than St. Augustine.
Permalink to quote #20 Luther's Works, Church and Ministry III, American Ed., Helmut T. Lehman, Eric W. Gritsch, eds., Augsburg Fortress Press, 1966, Vol. 41:279. ISBN 0800603419 ISB…
Permalink to quote #22 Religion is not 'doctrinal knowledge,' but wisdom born of personal experience.
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