Final Preparation - Essay Responses Flashcards
What does Martin Luther say about the importance of the words of institution?
The promise lies in the words of the institution, that this bread is His body and this wine is His blood.
it is in Christ’s words that we place our faith.
Through these words, the sacrament is instituted, mandated, and consecrated.
Through these words, the sacrament is used to inform us of what we are receiving, and at the same time, strengthen our faith and conscience - providing sustenance for body and soul.
Write about the meaning of “familiarity breeds contempt,” in the Cwirla Article.
Pastors (and Priests in Luther day) are so accustomed to holy things that they treat them like a shoemaker treats leather - ordinary
Luther reminds us with his sacristy prayer - “I am indeed unworthy of this office…”
“This can also give opportunity for the presider’s old Adam to assert his ever-present ego, turning the presider into a master of ceremonies” - Cwirla
Luther also reminds of us that it is God’s will for us to be “appointed … to be a pastor and teacher” and that it is God who is accomplishes things through us.
RJ watson’s comment regarding hymns as “hermeneutical acts.”
Hymn must have a flow that is designed to be a part of worship. They should be reinterpretations of scripture in the service. Every hymn says something that may or may not be true.
They cannot be complicated - the common man must be able to discern what is going on in the hymn.
Each denomination can interpret hymns differently and place them in different areas - Rock of Ages is a good example, justification for Lutherans, and valued by Methodists even though it was written by a Calvinist who disliked Methodists
What does Martin Luther say about music?
Luther believes that hymnody is a gift from God.
Hymnody was second only to the word of God in importance
“Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise”
Use to help catechize and memorize scripture
Used to bring people together, move their hearts.
Fight evil.
Be a glimpse of holiness and heaven.
Luther also noted 5 points which all pastors and church musicians should remember:
Music is a gift from God and not of man
Music creates joyful hearts
Music drives away the devil
Music creates innocent delight, destroying wrath, unchastity, and other excesses
Music reigns in times of peace
