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Questions & Answers

Heterodox

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › The Church › Heterodox

The question

Here are some famous quotes from the Reformer Martin Luther:
  • "If I had to baptize a Jew, I would take him to the bridge of the Elbe, hang a stone around his neck and push him over with the words 'I baptize thee in the name of Abraham'"

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  • "I maintain that some Jew wrote it (the Book of James) who probably heard about Christian people but never encountered any"

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  • "The word and works of God is quite clear, that women were made either to be wives or prostitutes"
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  • "I feel much freer now that I am certain the pope is the Antichrist"

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  • "Who loves not wine, women and song, Remains a fool his whole life long"


  • "Jews and papists are ungodly wretches; they are two stockings made of one piece of cloth"

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  • "We are at fault for not slaying them (the Jews)"

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  • "He who hears this name (God) from a Jew must inform the authorities, or else throw sow dung at him when he sees him and chase him away"


Did this man hate all Jews, women, and the clergy of which he was part? Does anyone know if he was actually sane? How did he ever get to be a priest? I'm amazed because I never heard of these sayings by him while I was a part of the Baptist church. Are most Protestants unaware of the history of these Reformers?

The answer

I do not think nor believe that the quotes below are shared by any TRUE CHRISTIAN from any denomination. In fact, I am not really aware of the authenticity or the context of these quotes. There are indeed many unfortunate situations in which history records that some churches did engage in unkind policies and rhetoric. Sour politics should never be generalized. Nothing should in any way impede on the real message of Christ, who never encouraged the hatred or abuse of any individual, but rather insisted on love and peace toward all. Christ walked for miles to meet the Samaritan woman and emphasized the parable of the "Good Samaritan" as the exemplary conduct toward any fellow human being, regardless of faith, race, gender, creed, or political agenda. What I am most assured of is the teaching and doctrine of the Coptic Orthodox Church. Our beloved humble church has suffered persecution and bloodshed throughout the history of Christianity in order to keep and safeguard the entire principled message of Christ which remains immersed and engulfed in love.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1810 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.