Martin Luther and the Plague of 1527

            In a recent letter from the LWF Centre in Wittenberg, Martin Luther’s response to the plague was lifted up as a good addition to any Christian discussions re: Covid-19.  On March 15, 2020, when the pastor of the Town Church in Wittenberg announced that worship services would be stopped until after Easter, he noted that even during the plague, Sunday services at the church had never been stopped before.  This is not because Luther was reckless, but because people did not have the same knowledge at that time as to how the disease spread.

            As it happens, we have a long letter written by Martin Luther in response to a question from another pastor, entitled, “Whether one may flee from a deadly plague.”  In it, Luther advocates listening to the best science available and doing all that is necessary in order to disinfect things and preserve life.

            He also speaks out against those who wanted to prove their faith by boldly encountering the illness, comparing it to a burning house.  It is not a sign of strong faith to stand beside the burning house waiting for a miracle from God rather than pouring water on the flames.  In the same way, it is akin to tempting or testing God when you put yourself in harm’s way and expect a special miracle from God in order to save you.

            Luther advised people to save their lives as best they could and to make the best use of their mind and reason, because God has given us knowledge and wisdom.  However, at the same time he also lifted up the call to love your neighbour as yourself.  In Luther’s estimation, the one principle that could override the call to save your life is the great commandment to love God and love your neighbour as yourself.  In other words, if there are people who need your love and care, this comes before self-preservation. 

            In his own life, this care for others was lived out by Martin and Katharina as they cared for victims of the plague in their own home.  Presumably, Luther also presided over countless funerals at the time of the plague in Wittenberg.  He and Katie were not left untouched, however, as their infant daughter, Elisabeth, was born in 1527 and only survived for a few months.

            In Luther’s time, rich people often left the cities and went into the country when a plague was threatening.  In addressing whether Christians should do this or not, Luther concedes that in some cases this might be warranted.  However, those who are called to serve others in their professions and vocations were advised to continue to serve unless they could somehow provide a replacement.  Otherwise, it would be a dereliction of duty.

            In our own day, caring for those in need means, not only what we do to provide for others, but also being aware of how we could unknowingly transmit the virus to others.  Hence, the wisdom behind not allowing visitors into care homes or hospitals.  I am not caring for those in need if I go to visit them and end up passing the virus on to them.

            Hence, from a Lutheran perspective, pay attention to the best information available and know what poses a risk and what does not.  Allow love for God and others to guide all that you do and focus on faith rather than fear.  Know that you are in God’s hands, no matter what, and continue to take all things to God in prayer.  God’s love for us, and for all people, has not changed, and the risen Christ continues to live in us and with us and through us.  Thanks be to God!

            In Christ,

            Pastor Lynne Hutchison