Martin Luther’s Definition of the Human Creature

Abstract

Martin Luther anchored his understanding of what it means to be human in fearing, loving, and trusting in God above all else, making the relationship between Creator and creature fundamental to all other aspects of humanness. His high doctrine of creation led him to be concerned about the whole person, including the body, its health and welfare, its protection and preservation, for it will be raised as the new creation in eternity. His use of Paul’s opposition of “flesh” and “spirit” did not equate to the physical and the spiritual but rather to opposing spiritual attitudes in a person. He used both dichotomous and trichotomous language for human beings, embracing scholastic distinctions of reason, will, and affections or emotions. His use of the biblical concept of the “heart” embraced all three, with special appreciation of the importance of emotions.