“Jerome has merited hell rather than heaven for it-so little would I dare to recognize or call him a saint.”
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Quote Analysis
In this quote, Martin Luther expresses his opinion on Jerome by stating that he believes Jerome deserves hell instead of heaven. This strong opinion on Jerome reflects Luther's belief in the importance of one's actions and the significance of living a righteous life. Luther's words emphasize the high standards he holds for individuals he deems worthy of being called a saint.
Modern Relevance
In this quote, Martin Luther expresses his lack of reverence for Jerome, a Catholic saint, and questions his worthiness of being recognized as such. This sentiment highlights Luther's criticism of the Catholic Church and its teachings, which ultimately led to the Protestant Reformation. Today, this quote underscores the importance of questioning established beliefs and authority, as well as the ongoing debate over the interpretation of religious figures and texts.
Martin Luther's Criticism of Jerome
"Jerome has merited hell rather than heaven for it-so little would I dare to recognize or call him a saint." - Martin Luther
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on Martin Luther's statement about Jerome, one may consider various aspects of judgment, forgiveness, and the concept of sainthood. Here are some questions to ponder:
- How do our actions and beliefs influence our perception of others' worthiness for heaven or hell?
- Is it fair to judge someone's character based on their works or beliefs, as Martin Luther did with Jerome?
- How does the idea of forgiveness play a role in determining one's place in the afterlife?
- What criteria should be used to determine who is worthy of being called a saint?
Similar quotes
“For the kingdom is not being prepared, but has been prepared, while the sons of the Kingdom are being prepared, not preparing the Kingdom; that is to say, the Kingdom merits the sons, not the songs the Kingdom. So all hell merits and prepares its children rather than they it.”
“many pass for saints on earth whose souls are in hell.”
“For hardly any of the ecclesiastical writers have handled the Divine Scriptures more ineptly and absurdly than Origen and Jerome.”
“[Jerome] is a man quite without either judgment or application.”
“As when my little son John offendeth: if then I should not whip him, but call him to the table unto me, and give him sugar and plums, thereby, I should make him worse, yea should quite spoil him.”
“[Rome], who was formerly the gate of heaven, is now a sort of open mouth of hell.”