From the Pastor’s Desk: Luther on Education

Throughout this summer we have been examining Martin Luther’s remarkable thoughts on Christian education. Although he lived during the sixteenth century, Luther’s wisdom continues to encourage and challenge Christians today. His concern was never merely the transfer of information but the formation of faithful Christians who would serve God faithfully in their homes, churches, and communities.

In this second installment, we conclude our study by considering Luther’s thoughts on liberal arts education, the education of girls, the importance of training young boys, the value of libraries, and the study of the original biblical languages. These quotations are drawn primarily from To the Councilmen of All Cities in Germany that They Establish and Maintain Christian Schools (1524) and A Sermon on Keeping Children in School (1530).

The Purpose of Education

More Than Preparing for a Career

During Luther’s lifetime, increasing prosperity tempted many parents to view education simply as a pathway to financial success. Luther challenged that narrow perspective. While honest work and providing for one’s family are certainly good gifts from God, education must aim at something far greater than economic advancement.

“We shamefully despise God when we begrudge our children this glorious and divine work and stick them instead in the exclusive service of the belly and of avarice… having them learn nothing but how to make a living…” (AE 46:241)

For Luther, education forms both the mind and the soul. The study of history, languages, literature, science, and theology equips Christians to serve faithfully within their families, congregations, and society. True education teaches us not merely how to earn a living, but how to think rightly about God, our neighbor, and our vocation.

Educating Girls

A Remarkably Forward-Looking Vision

One of Luther’s lesser-known contributions was his strong advocacy for the education of girls. While uncommon in much of sixteenth-century Europe, Luther believed that Christian girls should receive careful instruction in reading, writing, Christian virtue, and the Holy Scriptures.

“Would to God that every town had a girl’s school as well, where the girls would be taught the gospel for an hour every day…” (AE 44:206)

His concern extended beyond literacy. Luther desired that women be equipped to live faithfully within their God-given vocations as daughters, wives, mothers, and active members of Christ’s Church.

Educating Boys

Mind and Hands Working Together

Luther did not believe education should replace useful work, nor did he believe work should replace education. Rather, he envisioned boys learning both intellectual and practical skills while growing into faithful Christian men.

“Study and work will go hand in hand while the boys are young and able to do both…”

He humorously observed that children often spend far more time playing games than they would ever spend in school. His larger point remains timely: God has given us both minds and hands, and both should be developed for His service.

The Value of Libraries

Preserving the Treasures of the Faith

Luther also urged civic leaders to establish strong libraries. He recognized that books preserve the knowledge of previous generations and safeguard the Church’s teaching for those who come after us.

“No effort or expense should be spared to provide good libraries… For if the Gospel and all the arts are to be preserved, they must be set down and held fast in books and writings.” (AE 45:373)

In every generation Christians benefit from carefully choosing good books that deepen their understanding of Scripture and strengthen their faith. Parents, pastors, and experienced Christians all have an important role in helping younger generations discover worthwhile books that point them toward Christ.

The Importance of Language Study

Opening the Scriptures

Finally, Luther passionately defended the study of foreign languages, especially the biblical languages of Hebrew and Greek. He understood that a careful study of Scripture requires careful attention to the words God inspired.

“Since it becomes Christians… to make good use of the Holy Scriptures… it is a still greater sin and loss that we do not study languages…” (AE 45:364–365)

Luther believed that pastors trained in the original languages would preach with greater clarity, freshness, and confidence because they continually returned to the biblical text itself. His encouragement remains relevant today as Christians continue studying God’s Word through Sunday School, Bible classes, confirmation instruction, and daily family devotions.

Continuing the Pursuit of Christian Education

Growing in Wisdom Throughout Life

The purpose of these two articles has been to encourage us to value Christian education in all its forms. We should spare neither effort nor expense in training our children in the useful arts, mathematics, science, literature, history, languages, and above all, the Holy Scriptures. Such learning prepares them not only for earthly vocations but also for lives of faithful service before God.

“I also think that in the sight of God none among the outward sins so heavily burdens the world… as this very sin which we commit against the children by not educating them.” (AE 45:354)

As summer continues, may we never stop pursuing wisdom ourselves or encouraging the next generation to do the same. May God bless our homes, our schools, and our congregation as together we seek to love Him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. Let us faithfully steward the bodies, minds, and souls God has given us, always for His glory and for the good of our neighbors.

In Christ,

Pastor Christopher Seifferlein