We've been discussing some of the ideas and strategies of Erasmus and Luther on freedom of the will. Though our purpose is not to tell anyone what he or she must believe, we do want to clarify ideas so that others (and ourselves) can come to more informed decisions concerning Christian doctrine. The Institute does not exist to promote a particular vision of the Christian faith, and we do not intend to tell students (or anyone else) what they must believe. Even so, it is good to look at these ideas from the past and engage them for our own intellectual and spiritual profit.
Since there was some real, solid dialogue over the issue that set Erasmus and Luther upon one another, I thought it might be helpful to see one Lutheran's brief take on the place of good works and faith. This blog entry certainly won't solve the problem, of free will nor will it explain in depth the issues involved. But it will help give a brief overview of what Luther was getting at by rejoicing in the lack of free will to choose God and to do works naturally that please Him.
You don't have to become a Lutheran to understand and appreciate Luther, and you don't have to become a Roman Catholic to understand and appreciate Erasmus. But to appreciate and understand, you do have to learn what they are really saying. That's getting educated.