Luther | Film Review

Reviewed by Thomas Scarborough

During the course of postgraduate studies, I was given the assignment to analyse the influences (specifically the mentoring relationships) in the Luther film. This review arises from that assignment, and is therefore written from that specific angle. The influences on the life of Luther are particularly interesting, and I shall highlight just a few of the more important relationships, and draw some conclusions at the end. All quotations are from the film.

MAJOR INFLUENCES

The most important early influence on Martin Luther was undoubtedly his father Hans. Hans was an ambitious, self-assertive peasant, who rose to the status of entrepreneur. It was his ambition to have Martin educated in law — a career which was on the ascendancy at that time. He actively encouraged Martin’s early intellectual development towards this end. As it happened, however, this was ultimately used by God to enable Martin to engage with crucial issues in the Church. On learning of his decision to enter a monastery, Martin’s father was bitterly disappointed, and opposed his call: “We scraped to save you for the law, to elevate you to a noble profession . . . Is that how you interpret the commandment, to honour your father and mother?”

The most important spiritual influence on Martin Luther was his supervisor John von Staupitz. Rather than being prescriptive, Von Staupitz listened well, and gave Martin crucial pointers at critical times: “Have you ever read the New Testament, Martin? . . . I am sending you to the source, the Scriptures, Christ Himself.” He further encouraged Martin to review his attitude towards God: “God isn’t angry with you, you are angry with God . . . Bind yourself to Christ, and you will know God’s love.” He sponsored Martin’s career path, which included a life-changing diplomatic mission to Rome, and doctoral studies — sometimes pressing against Martin’s own sense of unworthiness. Eventually, of necessity, Von Staupitz famously released Martin from his authority: “In the name of Christ I release you . . . I am no longer your father!” Yet the love between them remained, and ultimately Von Staupitz referred to himself as Martin Luther’s “servant”.

A crucial influence in Martin Luther’s life was, needless to say, the Elector Frederick. Although the two only had a personal meeting at a relatively late stage in the Reformation, Frederick observed events quietly from the sidelines, and afforded Martin crucial protection, without making himself too obvious. His abduction of Martin Luther was a famous turning point of the Reformation.

An important influence, not to be underestimated, is the anonymous printers who recognised the importance of his 95 theses in particular, and saw to their publication. And finally, the German nobility “bought into” the Reformation, and carried it through to its completion. Without the weight of their support, the Reformation would likely have faltered.

BROADER ISSUES

Broadly speaking, I had the sense that those who exercised an influence on Martin Luther’s life had a profound and powerful impact on him in many ways. A central message of the film would seem to be: The potential power of such influence should not be underestimated.

The film further showed that it matters that “incidental” people should take a stand — provided that this is supported by spiritual vision, and by a recognition of genuinely important ideas. I was surprised how many people did take a stand at that time, which for some was in the face of significant peril.

As the Reformation unfolded, Martin Luther began to see the consequences of his thought. Although these caught him by surprise at first, he saw their significance far sooner than most. It took John von Staupitz longer to understand the significance of what was happening. He said to Martin, “I hoped you’d help reform the Church, not destroy . . . You are tearing the world apart.” Martin replied, “That day that you sent me out so boldly to change the world, did you really think there wouldn’t be a cost?” Martin Luther understood the reality. In fact the film conveyed that it matters whether one is able to see the future or not — to see the wider implications, the long-range importance, of thought and action.

All in all, Martin Luther was portrayed as a man who was mostly moderate in his demeanour — a compassionate and well balanced man — and it was not originally his intention to sever from the Roman Catholic Church. Such moderation surely is difficult when one comes under great pressure, and many would-be Reformers of the past made the mistake of recklessness. Martin was not a visionary — at least not at first. However, he did some visionary things as he began to understand the consequences of his thought and action.

Somewhat surprisingly, those who opposed him were depicted as reasonable and civil people, who were well educated and competent, albeit spiritually mistaken to the extent of doing serious harm. One notable exception was John Tetzel, who is univerally reviled today for his “road-show” which encouraged the purchase of indulgences.

There was an extraordinary convergence in this film — encompassing Martin Luther’s call, his various promotions, the protection of Elector Frederick, the laws of the Holy Roman Empire, the vacillation of Pope Leo X, to name but a few examples. In this sense, the film imparted a sense of God’s providence throughout, which might serve as a type, or “picture”, for one’s own ministry and Church.

SYNTHESIS

I considered this to be a very good film, and would warmly recommend it, both for personal viewing and for showing in Church groups. It takes one back to the roots of modern Protestantism, and does so in an accurate, informative, and lively way.

Thomas Scarborough is the minister of a Congregational Church in Sea Point, Cape Town. He is currently doing postgraduate studies through Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.