Quotes about Doctrine

The Church must run the risk of dilution rather than leave the state to the cold light of reason, unwarmed by tenderness.

The people, especially in the villages, know nothing at all of Christian doctrine; and many pastors are sadly unfit and incompetent to teach. Yet all are called Christians, have been baptized, and enjoy the use of the Sacrament, although they know neither the Lord's Prayer, nor the Creed, nor the Ten Commandments...

fanatics. Every teacher of work-righteousness is a trouble-maker.

Thus the sum and substance of all doctrine is this, that we are not justified by any works, but that faith in Christ saves.

It seems we must choose between Christ and the Pope. Let the Pope perish.

Peter erred in life and in doctrine. Paul might have dismissed Peter's error as a matter of no consequence. But Paul saw that Peter's error would lead to the damage of the whole Church unless it were corrected. Therefore he withstood Peter to his face. The Church, Peter, the apostles, angels from heaven, are not to be heard unless they teach the genuine Word of God.

For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Romans 3:28

Well, there is nothing we can do about it. We have to put up with these snakes, dogs, and swine surrounding us and corrupting the Gospel both in doctrine and in life. Wherever there are faithful preachers they always have to take this. Such is the fortune of the Gospel in the world.

I do not bother my head with speculations about the nature of God. I simply attach myself to the human Christ

We teach that all men are naturally depraved. We condemn man's free will, his strength, wisdom, and righteousness. We say that we obtain grace by the free mercy of God alone for Christ's sake.

Thus the Turks also regard us as damned because of the disasters and troubles we endure. But they promise themselves eternal happiness because they flourish in this life with wealth and power. This is the Egyptian philosophy and the Turkish religion. The Christian doctrine refutes it, as is taught elsewhere.

Therefore we must be steadfast; we must be Constantines, stouthearted,13 and rocks, lest we "be carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Eph. 4:14).