Martin Luther and Aristotle

A devout theologian, Martin Luther believed that reason and faith could not be reconciliated. Reason in its worst form was rooted in philosophy, most particularly that of Aristotle according to Luther. Aristotle argued that it was possible for man to obtain “true” knowledge of God through reason, whereas Luther argued that it was only faith which could allow man to possess such knowledge. Luther’s attitude towards reason and to what extent it can possess “true” knowledge of God is best understood when analysing his two kingdoms principle. For Luther, it is within the context of the first kingdom, referred to as the “earthly” kingdom in which reason could play a positive role. Moreover, reason within the earthly kingdom, allows only for a “general” understanding of God. Secondly, Luther asserts that the “heavenly” kingdom deals strictly with heavenly affairs. Therefore, reason has no place in it. Furthermore, it is only through faith and scripture which allows man to possess “true” knowledge of God within the heavenly kingdom. Finally, the third section involves contrasting Luther and Aristotle’s views on reconciling faith and reason in regards to obtaining “true” knowledge of God. The paper will begin first by arguing the role of reason within the earthly kingdom in which Luther views it affirmatively.
In his last sermon at Wittenberg in 1546, Martin Luther argued, “Reason is the devil's greatest whore; by nature and manner of being she is a noxious whore; she is a prostitute, the devil's appointed whore; whore eaten by scab and leprosy who ought to be trodden under foot and destroyed, she and her wisdom” (D. Martin Luther Werke, “Kritische Gesamtausgabe”, in, American Edition of Luther's Works, Vol. 51, p. 123-34. 274). Although Luther at times can be harsh in his criticisms of reason, this does not mean that he rejects reason completely. As a matter of fact, Luther finds reason to be completely acceptable; insofar it understands its limitations. For Luther, God...