"I shall never be a heretic; I may err in dispute, but I do not wish to decide
anything finally; on the other hand, I am not bound by the opinions of men.
Martin Luther
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Luther's Men is a group that is dedicated to the passions of Luther - namely theology,
the Word of God and good beer. We have weekly meetings in Seattle, WA (men only)
to discuss such things, but we built this website as a resource for all (yes, even
women) to come study and discuss Theology, the Scriptures and, of course, beer.
Here are our stances on the following topics.
Theology is the study of God. Countless Christians for reasons not understood overlook
theology, and view the study of it unnecessary. Children are sent to school to learn
to read and write and to study mathematics and the sciences. Why is it that we
don't give the highest priority to the study of our divine creator? Why do we choose
to study the creation more than the creator?
Consider mathematics. As a child begins school he begins to be introduced to math.
The child is first taught numbers, then he learns to count to ten and then to one
hundred. With time nearly every young child learns their numbers. His once blind eyes
which knew nothing of numbers now sees numbers all around him. He no longer sees
just a pile of blocks, he sees eight blocks. By applying his newfound knowledge to his surroundings
he interprets this world differently. As his study progresses, he begins to learn
addition and subtraction. It takes some time to learn and master this level of arithmetic,
but as he studies the world opens up more even more. He is soon able to use his new skills
every day. For example, when he is given an allowance he can add his coins together to know how
much he has, and when he decides to spend some of his money on some candy or other
item he can subtract the amount from his total. As multiplication and division is
introduced, again his world changes with every level of math that he learns. Before
his studies began he looked at a world and saw no numbers and now he has been awoken
to see that he lives in a world surrounded by numbers. As the child continues to
grow he learns algebra and geometry. He no longer has to think like a child but
has been educated to think like a man. The application of his knowledge of mathematics
is easily applied into his every day life.
As a young child knows nothing of mathematics, likewise as spiritual infants we
know nothing of God. All must first learn the basics that Jesus is God and He loves
them and that He died for their sins. But once many receive the saving grace of
the Savior, they act as if they need nothing else. They have been saved from death
by grace. They have received life but they are like a man who has been paralyzed
from birth after being healed miraculously refuses to get up and walk. They have learned
their numbers but they do not desire any more education. After we have received
life God wants to show us how to live. The study of God (theology) is the best way
to learn to live. The study of God shows us why we are here, and what we need to
do to have the best life, which God wants for us. The life that we received at conversion
is found in God alone. In the study of mathematics, it is far better to know
multiplication than just addition. Likewise, it is better to pursue the deeper truths of God.
With applied math, engineers are able to build huge bridges, skyscrapers, and even
able to go to the moon. What if we pursed theology with the same vigor? Imagine what this world could be like!
Why beer? It might seem odd in this day and age to have a Bible study that involves beer consumption. First, let it be known that Luther's Men is dedicated to studying the Bible,
memorizing scripture, learning life-defining theology, and to give men a vision
of purpose in serving their Lord Jesus Christ. Martin Luther loved good beer along
with good theology. His wife, Katherine, was a brewess (a biblical wife in every way).
When Luther was away on long journeys, he would be unable to drink because it made
him miss his beloved Katherine. For Luther, there was nothing quite as delightful
as to sit back in the fellowship of his brothers in Christ and to drink good beer
and to talk good theology. So when Luther's Men come together we drink good beer
and study good theology.
God has given us wine and beer to gladden the hearts of men (Ps 104:14-15). This
gift, like all the Lord's bounty that He has provided, is best experienced under the
practice of moderation. Luther said to have men in the faith stop drinking beer
or wine because some cannot control themselves is as foolish as to say that we should
pluck out the stars from the heavens because some men look to the stars and bow
down in worship. Now there, of course, are times when it is proper to not drink, such as when
you are with a brother who struggles with drunkenness. In such a circumstance,
we gladly give up our rights for the love and encouragement of a brother.
7 Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful
heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. 8 Always be clothed
in white, and always anoint your head with oil. 9 Enjoy life with your
wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you
under the sun- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your
toilsome labor under the sun. 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it
with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working
nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
- Eccl 9:7-10 NIV
14 He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate--
bringing forth food from the earth: 15 wine that gladdens the heart of
man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.
- Psalm 104:14-15 NIV
"If you are tired and downhearted, take a drink; but this does not mean being a
pig and doing nothing but gorging and swilling... You should be moderate and sober;
this means that we should not be drunken, though we may be exhilarated."
- Martin Luther, Sermon on Soberness and Moderation
Holy Scripture is of the utmost important to Luther's Men. Each member is to spend
his whole life studying it. It is the position of Luther's Men that we believe that
scripture is best when it is on the heart. Memorizing bible verses will be encouraged
from the website and made part of the weekly meetings. If scripture is God-breathed
as the Bible claims, it's words are to be cherished and studied. The words of God
are alive and active in them is real power. This power enables us to fight sin
and Satan. Scripture teaches us, it rebukes us, and it trains us in righteousness
so that we may be equipped for every good work. God speaks to His Elect from his
Word. Hide his Word in your heart so that He reminds you throughout the day of his
goodness. Meditate on his word daily because it is spiritual food.
9How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
- Ps 119:9-11
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,
correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may
be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- 2 Tim 3:16-17
"I have often said that whoever would study Holy Scripture should be sure to see
to it that he stays with the simple words as long as he can and by no means departs
from them unless an article of faith compels him to understand them differently.
For of this we must be certain: no clearer speech has been heard on Earth than what
God has spoken."
- Martin Luther
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