Thinking Fellows The Bondage of the Will: A Simple Overview
Oct 14, 2025
Steve Paulson, an experienced theologian, delves into Martin Luther's significant work, The Bondage of the Will. He explains the historical context that prompted Luther's response to Erasmus, highlighting the debate over free will in the Reformation. Paulson underscores Luther's argument that salvation hinges on God's grace rather than human choice. Listeners learn how this text challenges ecclesiastical authority and redefines faith as a certain trust in God's promises, offering profound comfort and practical implications for daily life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Free Will Is The Reformation Linchpin
- Luther saw Erasmus's focus on free will as hitting the central issue behind many doctrinal disputes.
- If the will is bound, then doctrines about grace, sacraments, and justification change fundamentally.
Erasmus Pressured Into The Debate
- Erasmus was a prominent humanist and scholar who was reluctant but pressured into writing against Luther.
- He ultimately wrote The Freedom of the Will after being twisted into the task and grew angry at Luther on this topic.
Choose Harmony Or Scriptural Clarity?
- Erasmus argued Scripture appears to teach both a bound and a free will, so prefer the view that preserves peace and order.
- Luther recognized this move and accused Erasmus of choosing social stability over gospel clarity.
