“Faith must trample under foot all reason, sense, and understanding.”
- November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546
- Born in the Holy Roman Empire (Germany)
- Reformer, theologian
- Promoted the Protestant Reformation and published the Ninety-five Theses
Quote
“Faith must trample under foot all reason, sense, and understanding.”
Explanation
In this quote, Martin Luther expresses the idea that faith transcends human reason, logic, and understanding. He suggests that true faith often requires a rejection of conventional wisdom and the limits of human intellect. According to Luther, faith is not based on what can be logically explained or understood by the senses but instead is a trust in God’s promises and power, which can surpass human comprehension. In this sense, faith is not contingent upon evidence or reason; it stands firm even in the face of uncertainty and confusion, driven by confidence in God’s Word and His ultimate truth.
This view is deeply connected to Luther’s emphasis on justification by faith alone (sola fide). For Luther, salvation was not something that could be earned or fully understood through human effort or intellect, but was a gift that could only be received through a deep, trusting faith in God’s grace. Faith, in this sense, is not about rationalizing or understanding the ways of God but about accepting the mystery of God’s will, trusting that His plan is greater than human understanding.
In modern terms, this quote challenges the rationalist tendency to demand logical explanations for everything, including spiritual truths. It invites believers to embrace mystery and trust in God’s promises, even when they cannot fully comprehend them. In a world that often prioritizes evidence and proof, Luther’s words remind us that faith, especially in the spiritual realm, often requires stepping beyond the limits of reason and acknowledging that some truths, such as God’s grace and salvation, are received through trust, not through intellectual certainty.
