Luther and Inerrancy

Abstract

In this essay, Siegbert W. Becker defends Martin Luther’s belief in biblical inerrancy against modern misinterpretations. Becker critiques selective quotations used to suggest Luther doubted Scripture’s reliability, such as the “Christ against Scripture” thesis and Luther’s remarks on the Epistle of James and Matthew’s citation of Jeremiah. He argues these statements reflect Luther’s concern with proper interpretation and canon inclusion, not denial of inerrancy. Becker highlights Luther’s consistent affirmation that Scripture does not lie, even in its “trivial” details, and that difficulties in the text stem from human ignorance, not divine error. Luther’s reverence for Scripture’s divine authorship and his rejection of speculative emendations underscore his conviction that the Bible is wholly trustworthy. Becker concludes that Luther’s theology aligns with a “fundamentalist” view of Scripture, rooted in the belief that God speaks truthfully in all biblical words. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).