I have heard many Catholic writers say that Martin Luther and John Calvin believed that EVERYTHING they taught is from God and call them "super popes." But doesn't our holy Church teach the same things when you come right down to it? The catecism is our instrution on what to believe from the Pope and Bishops through infalliable teachings right? So whats the big deal with Luther claiming everything he taught was from God? Even though I believe it wasn't.

-- Jason (Enchantedfire5@yahoo.com), January 18, 2005

Answers

Perhaps because Luther had no office or position from which to claim that he was right about everything.

Popes *are* bound by Scripture and by the previous Tradition of the Church. But if there is a major disagreement as to a teaching, they have, Catholics believe, the "power of the keys" to allow or forbid a teaching, because the bishops of Rome succeed to the teaching chair or throne of Peter. This prevents mass chaos and confusion over teaching, and is a promise of Christ that the Gospel will be preserved.

Luther *was* a doctor of theology and an Augustinian priest and monk. He was also very learned. So he did have a certain calling to teach in the Church. But he was *not* a bishop and certainly not seen as being successor of Peter. (Only perhaps by himself!)

-- Michael (edwardsronning@prodigy.net), January 18, 2005.

Ya I understand that, but why is he called a "Super Pope" by some apologist's? Iv'e heard because he had more power than any Pope ever had and Luther believed that everything he taught was from God. Anotherwords these apologist are making it sound as if not everything the Church teaches is from God, that's my point.

-- Jason (Enchanted fire5@yahoo.com), January 20, 2005.

For the real Luther see here

-- Andrew (andyhbk96@hotmail.com), January 21, 2005.

Don't want to quibble, but Martin Luther wasn't "very learned". He scarely had more than two years of theology under his belt...in the 1500s...apparently the standards of doctors was less than it was in the 1200's when it took men 10 years to be considered doctors.

-- Joe (joestong@yahoo.com), January 21, 2005.

Luther

The previous information regarding the education of Martin Luther is misleading.

Luther entered the University of Erfurt (Germany) in 1501. He received his Master of Arts in 1505. Afterwards, he became a monk. Luther was ordained a priest and began his Theology studies in 1507, receiving his Doctorate in 1512. He became a professor of Theology in 1512 at Wittenberg.

http://www.luther.de/en/

This is an interesting site that manages to separate fact from legend. It also has reliable links for additional information.

-- Robert Fretz (pastorfretz@oldstonechurchonline.org), January 21, 2005.