But since the devil's bride, Reason, that pretty whore, comes in and thinks she's wise, and what she says, what she thinks, is from the Holy Spirit, who can help us, then? Not judges, not doctors, no king or emperor, because [reason] is the Devil's greatest whore.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Luther harshly criticizes human reason, calling it the devil's tool when it claims divine wisdom.
- In plain terms
- Human reason is dangerous when it claims to be wise like God.
- What can you take from it?
- Be humble about your reasoning and do not claim divine authority.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is reason dangerous?
- How do you know truth?
Another view
Reason is also a vital tool for understanding the world.
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