Martin Luther is best-known as the founder of the Protestant Reformation. What is probably not very well known is that he wrote and composed many hymns, including "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."
He was a good singer, and also played the lute and the flute.
Luther the Hymn-Writer
It was in 1524, two years later after Luther became the leader of the Protestant Reformation, that he prepared the first German hymn book of eight hymns, and forty in the second edition in 1525. This time, he also married a former nun, Katherine von Bora.
Luther wrote 37 hymns and composed or adapted tunes. They appeared in selected groups of hymnals, the last of which was in 1545, Geystliche Lieder, Leipzig, that contained Luther's final revised texts of 35 hymns.
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" (German, Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott) is the best loved and known of Martin Luther's hymns. It is called the "Battle Hymn of the Reformation." He wrote the words and composed the melody.
It has been translated into English at least seventy times and also into many other languages. The words are a paraphrase of Psalm 46 of the Bible. In particular, verse one: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
Early Life of Martin Luther
Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483, at Eisleben, Germany. He studied at Mansfeld, Magdeburg and Eisenach. At the age of 18, he entered the University of Erfurt intending a career in law, instead, he ended in the Augustinian monastery at Erfurt to prepare for the priesthood.
After his ordination two years later, he was appointed professor at the University of Wittenberg in 1508, where he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity and attracted large congregations by his preaching.
Martin Luther's 95 Theses
On a visit to Rome in 1511, he became critical over the corruptions in the church and agonized over the problem of salvation, that it was not won by indulgences, but was a gift of God's grace.
On October 31, 1517, Luther posted his 95 theses of denunciation in Wittenberg with a view to begin a public debate. This started a quarrel between Luther and the church leader.
Bible Translation into German
In 1521, Luther maintained his stand before the Diet of Worms that led to his excommunication, but strong German princes and followers among churchmen and the people supported him.
During this time he began translating the Bible into German. He completed the whole translation in 1531.
Surviving Luther Hymns
The students at Wittenberg took up his hymns, which spread throughout Germany although forbidden by a decree of Joachim I of Brandenburg. He died on February 18, 1546.
Other Notable Hymns by Martin Luther
- Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice
- Saviour of the Nations, Come (Latin: Veni, redemptor gentium)
- From Heaven Above to Earth I Come (German: Vom Himmel hoch da komm' ich her)
- Christ Jesus Lay in Death's Strong Bands (Christ lag in Todesbanden)
- Come, Spirit of God, Holy Lord
- Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word
Sources:
Julian, John, ed., A Dictionary of Hymnology: Setting forth the Origin and History of Christian Hymns of all Ages and Nations, Second revised edition, 2 vols., n.p., 1907, reprint, New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1957
W. G. Polack, The Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal, Third and Revised Edition, St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1958
Marilyn Kay Stulken, Hymnal Companion to the Lutheran Book of Worship. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1981
Wesley Milgate and D'Arcy Wood, A companion to Together in Song, Sydney: Australian Hymn Book Pty Ltd, 2006
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