Christian History Home > Issue 34 > The Parents Luther Feared Disgracing
The Parents Luther Feared Disgracing
Were they caring and firm—or so harsh they drove him to rebel against every authority in his life?
Paul Thigpen, a professional writer, is a doctoral candidate at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. | posted 4/01/1992 12:00AM
“I am the son of a peasant,” Luther once said, “and the grandson and the great-grandson.” Martin’s father, Hans Luder, was indeed of humble peasant stock. But he became a copper-mining entrepreneur. Hans worked hard to climb the social ladder of the middle class. His motto: “A free peasant is nobody’s slave.”
Hans married Margaretha (also known as Hannah) Lindemann, daughter of an established middleclass family that included doctors, lawyers, university professors, and politicians. Martin’s career track of university education (with the goal of practicing law) was probably influenced by relatives on his mother’s side.
Hans was proud when his son earned a master’s degree. He dreamed of Martin’s future career in law and the financial rewards it would bring the family. So he was furious, at least initially, when his son decided to enter a monastery.
When Martin was ordained, Hans attended his son’s first mass. Afterward, Martin asked his father if this new career wasn’t better than being a lawyer. ... To view this item, you must be a member of ChristianHistory.net.
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